Canada is a mecca of opportunities for foreign nationals seeking fruitful new beginnings. With favorable immigration laws, the Canadian government is constantly working on attracting highly skilled immigrants to join its dwindling workforce due to its aging population. Over the years, the Great White North has become home to many newcomers with financial backgrounds. The country is reported to have a strong, competitive financial and banking sector, which not only contributes to the booming Canadian economy but also provides great opportunities for skilled workers in search of finance and banking jobs in Canada.
Canada’s Financial Hub
As far as financial hubs are concerned, Ontario's capital city, Toronto, ranks second among the top financial centers in North America - after New York. It also ranks as a top employer globally. The sector comprises a broad range of roles, from accounting, banking, insurance, and investment. If securing one of the many financial and banking jobs in Canada is on the cards for you, it's a good idea to research this sector to identify the best options for your specific professional and family needs.
National Occupation Classification (NOC)
With a great need for skilled workers due to its large retiring population, Canada uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC) to categorize occupations and skills based on duties and education.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) crossed over to NOC 2021 in November 2022 to check the eligibility of candidates applying for the various permanent residency programs. With this change, the usual four-digit format of the system's codes has been replaced with a format that consists of five digits. The updated method is more adaptable than the previous version and will create space for additional unit groupings in years to come.
Learn how to classify your NOC skill level.
NOC TEER 1 Financial and Banking Jobs
Relevant to most financial and banking sector jobs, NOC TEER 1 jobs require you to have a university degree. Below is a list of Canada's top NOC TEER 1 financial and banking sector jobs.
Occupation | Job Titles | Average Salary in CAD |
Financial managers (NOC 10010) | Financial Services Director Director Accounting Director Finance Director Treasurer Financial Administrator |
94,682 |
Insurance real estate and financial brokerage managers (NOC 10020) |
Insurance Manager Real Estate Service Manager Financial Brokerage Manager Commodities Trading Manager |
141,475 |
Banking credit and other investment managers (NOC 10021) |
Bank Manager Commercial Banking Manager Mortgage and Consumer Credit Manager |
132,954 |
Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100) | Accountant Auditor |
106,197 |
Financial and investment analysts (NOC 11101) | Financial Analyst Investment Analyst Portfolio Manager Financial Services Research Associate |
125,865 |
Securities agents investment dealers and brokers (NOC 11103) |
Broker Foreign Exchange Trader Mutual Fund Broker Securities Agent Stockbroker |
72,630 |
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200) | Bank Clerks Supervisor Bookkeeping Supervisor Payroll Supervisor Accounting Supervisor |
57,876 |
Insurance adjusters and claims examiners (NOC 12201) | Insurance workers | 88,806 |
Insurance underwriters (NOC 12202) | Insurance Underwriter Liability Underwriter Property Underwriter |
80,633 |
Customs ship and other brokers (NOC 13200) |
Customs Broker Cargo Broker Ship Broker |
54,600 |
Accounting and related clerks (NOC 14200) | Accounting Clerk Audit Clerk Billing Clerk Finance Clerk Tax Clerk |
49,863 |
Payroll administrators (NOC 13102) | Pay Advisor Pay Clerk Payroll Officer Salary Administration Officer |
44,606 |
Banking insurance and other financial clerks (NOC 14201) |
Bank Clerk Credit Clerk Mortgage Clerk Real Estate Clerk Securities Clerk Insurance Rater |
36,017 |
Collection clerks (NOC 14202) | Collector Collection Clerk Collection Officer |
47,500 |
Essential Skills Required For Financial and Banking Jobs in Canada
Banking jobs in Canada require specific skills and knowledge. This includes financial analysis, risk management, and customer service.
- Financial analysis involves analyzing financial data to identify trends and make informed decisions.
- Risk management involves identifying and managing risks associated with financial transactions.
- Customer service skills are essential in the banking industry, as banking professionals must interact with clients and provide advice and solutions to their financial needs.
Developing the Necessary Skills For Success in the Banking Industry
Developing the necessary skills for success in the financial and banking industry requires continuous learning and professional development. As a professional in this sector, you must stay updated with industry trends and regulations and pursue additional certifications and qualifications. Networking is also crucial for banking professionals, as it provides opportunities to learn from other industry professionals and build relationships with potential employers.
Networking and Professional Development Opportunities in the Banking Sector
Networking and professional development opportunities are essential for banking professionals seeking to advance their careers. Industry conferences, seminars, and workshops provide opportunities to learn from industry experts and connect with other professionals.
Think of signing up to professional organizations, such as:
- The Canadian Bankers Association and;
- The Financial Advisors Association of Canada
These organizations offer resources and support for banking professionals seeking to develop their skills and advance their careers.
The Hiring Process For Finance and Banking Jobs in Canada
As with all jobs, you'll have to go through an interview and screening process so that your prospective employer can determine whether you'll be a good fit for the company. The hiring process for finance and banking jobs in Canada is no different. The process is as follows:
- Initial screening: A telephone call in which an interviewer discusses the role and all the information about the job
- A test: If you are considered to be a good fit for the position, you may have further interviews and various tests.
- Offer of employment: If you have been successful, you'll be offered the job. The recruiter is likely to call you to make an offer of employment. The offer of employment letter usually follows this.
Find Your Pathway to Living and Working in Canada
Now that you are more familiar with the different jobs in this sector, you'll want to explore the different pathways to get you to Canada. Because you fall into a job category for highly skilled individuals, you're likely to be eligible for Canadian Immigration. Ready to live and work in Canada for good? Let's see how you can get there.
Express Entry
One of the quickest ways to immigrate to Canada, the Express Entry System was put in place by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to select candidates for immigration via various Federal Economic Immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled, educated individuals who have foreign work experience and top-level language linguistic abilities.
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled workers who have earned a trade certificate with two years of work experience or an offer of employment from a Canadian company. They will also have to have average language ability.
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is for skilled workers who have a minimum work experience of one year.
PNP
If you secure a Provincial Nomination, you can boost your CRS score by 600 points. This is guaranteed to ensure success in gaining an Invitation to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency.
The Canadian government has an agreement with local provinces that allows them to nominate immigrants hoping to live in a particular province. To receive a visa through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must select your province of choice and apply for a nomination. Each application is assessed, and the decision to grant the ITA is made based on the province's immigration and labor needs, as well as your intentions to settle. Canadian immigration is vital for the economic well-being of many provinces due to the retirement of many skilled workers.
The Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residency
Working in the banking industry in Canada offers numerous benefits, including competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for career advancement. Canada's banking sector is highly regulated, ensuring employees receive fair treatment and benefits. Additionally, the Canadian banking system is known for its stability and resilience, making it an attractive destination for banking professionals seeking job security.
Obtaining Canadian Permanent residency, instead of just a Canadian Work Permit, also comes with many benefits. As a Canadian Permanent Resident, you'll be able to
- Live and work in Canada without the hassle of sorting work permits
- Enter and leave without limitations
- Study further in Canada
- Have access to universal healthcare
- Have access to social benefits
- Apply for Citizenship
- Be protected under Canadian law as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
FAQs
How do I Apply For Canadian Permanent Residency Via the Express Entry System?
To apply for express entry to Canada, you must follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Check whether you are eligible
- Step 2: Get a good Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
- Step 3: Make sure you have all of your documents to support your application
- Step 4: Create your Express Entry Profile online
- Step 5: Secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 6: Submit your complete application for Canadian Permanent Residency
Can I Work in Canada While I Wait For my Canadian Permanent Residency Application Results?
Yes. You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This allows you to work in Canada while you await the results of your Canadian permanent residency application.