The world can't work without money.  So, while some parts of the finance industry may be suffering in the current economic downturn, the industry is still a good bet in the long-term.  New Jersey is a regional hub for the finance industry.  The banks, insurance companies, and securities firms that bloom from Jersey City, also known as "Wall Street West", to the "burbs," still offer challenging and high-paying jobs to workers with the right skills.

Jobs that employer sometimes find hard to staff with skilled workers include:

• back-office work, such as Customer Service Representatives and Managers and Clerks
• middle-office positions, such as Certified Public Accountants, IT specialists, and Financial Analysts
• front-office positions, including sales agents, credit analysts, and loan officers.

Priority skill needs of finance employers that cut across many jobs include:

• strong business skills, including project management skills and a broad understanding of finance regulations
• communication and presentation skills
• teamwork and problem-solving skills