The occupational makeup of the financial services industry is highly skilled and professional by nature. In the financial services industry, 15% of professionals encountered most frequently are accountants, auditors, financial and management consultants as well as management consultants. 23% consist largely of professionals in training such as trainee accountants and auditors 33%.

• Rapid growth and changes (e.g. in occupational composition) in the financial industry, which includes the banking, insurance and business services sub-sectors, will result in high growth (15% - 40%) in the demand for actuarial as well as mathematical and related occupations.
• Strong growth and changes in the financial services industry (which is spread across the banking, insurance and business services sub-sectors) will result in very high (40%+) growth in the demand for chartered accountants and high growth (15%-40%) in the demand for accountants and people in other financial and economic occupations, for example economists, financial analysts and investment advisers.
• In 2005/2006 the Fasset SETA reported the highest number of vacancies for accountants, auditors, financial advisors and economists. Accounting technicians showed the highest demand in the semi-professional category. Programme and project administrators were also in high demand.
• Apart from strong anticipated growth in financial services, the nature of this industry's business is becoming increasingly complex which necessitates the replacement of lower-level staff such as clerks with professionally trained personnel. The Fasset SETA reports that 70% of workers employed in this sector have post-school qualifications.
• The rapid growth in demand for chartered accountants and accountants arise from the fact that they are needed in all sectors of the economy. Employers across various sectors have recognised that the high-level skills of chartered accountants for instance, can be used in a diverse range of functions, including strategic planning and productivity monitoring.
• More marketers were required, especially in the manufacturing sector, to break into new international markets. Fierce competition in the trade sector necessitates aggressive marketing strategies.
• Highly skilled black South Africans were especially in demand with regard to these professions.