Occupation · SOC 13-2054
Financial Risk Specialists
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.
Median wage
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Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,217 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
English LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsAdministration and ManagementComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Human resources softwareFinancial analysis softwareData base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base management system software
Representative tasks
Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditiKeep informed of industry trends and deals.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Contract terms and fee schedules — review and apply under direct supervision to ensure accurate collection of client payments and commissions.Industry databases and information retrieval software — search and compile basic data on current market trends under guidance from senior analysts.Spreadsheet software — enter and organize financial data sets to support preliminary risk assessments in a structured analytical environment.Client documentation and intake forms — gather and verify information from prospective clients during initial evaluation processes.Reading comprehension skills — interpret standard risk reports, regulatory guidelines, and client contracts with assistance from experienced colleagues.Financial analysis software — execute pre-configured risk models and report outputs under direct supervision on routine client accounts.Active listening techniques — apply during client meetings and team briefings to accurately capture requirements and risk-related concerns.Database user interface tools — perform guided queries to retrieve client financial records and transaction histories as directed.Basic mathematical concepts — calculate straightforward financial ratios and exposure metrics using established formulas and supervisor-provided templates.Written communication standards — draft routine correspondence and summary notes on client interactions following departmental style guidelines.
developing
Client fee and commission structures — calculate, reconcile, and process payments in accordance with contract terms with minimal supervisory review.Industry trend reports and deal databases — monitor and synthesize emerging market developments to inform risk advisories for an assigned client portfolio.Candidate and client evaluation criteria — conduct structured interviews or portfolio reviews to assess suitability of prospective clients with moderate oversight.Financial analysis and analytical software — configure and run risk models independently, interpreting outputs to identify exposure patterns on routine engagements.Critical thinking frameworks — apply to evaluate competing risk scenarios and recommend appropriate mitigation options within familiar business contexts.Human resources and content workflow software — coordinate cross-functional documentation processes to maintain compliance records for active client accounts.Presentation software — develop clear risk summary decks and findings reports for delivery to internal stakeholders and client representatives.Economics and accounting knowledge — apply to assess the financial health indicators of client portfolios and flag deviations from expected performance benchmarks.Complex problem-solving methods — work through multi-variable risk situations by drawing on established analytical protocols adapted to specific client circumstances.Written analytical reports — produce well-structured risk assessments and recommendations for review by senior specialists and client relationship managers.
proficient
Contract negotiation and fee structures — independently structure, finalize, and oversee collection agreements with clients across a full portfolio of complex accounts.Promotional materials and client work samples — curate and present compelling packages to strategic partners or institutional sponsors to secure high-value engagements.Industry intelligence and deal flow — maintain deep situational awareness of sector-wide trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory shifts to advise clients proactively.Audition and evaluation processes — design and lead comprehensive client assessment protocols, exercising independent judgment on suitability, risk profile, and strategic fit.Advanced risk modeling platforms — build, validate, and refine quantitative models using analytical and object-oriented software to address non-routine financial risk scenarios.Judgment and decision-making under uncertainty — weigh incomplete or conflicting financial data to deliver defensible risk recommendations with full professional autonomy.Law and government knowledge — apply regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements to ensure client strategies remain within legal risk tolerances across multiple jurisdictions.Data base management systems — design query logic and maintain structured data repositories that support enterprise-wide risk monitoring and reporting functions.Active learning practices — continuously integrate emerging methodologies, tools, and domain research into personal analytical practice and client advisory approaches.Cross-functional stakeholder communication — lead high-stakes presentations and negotiations with executives, legal teams, and external auditors on complex risk matters.
advanced
Enterprise risk strategy and governance frameworks — design and champion organization-wide risk management policies that align with corporate objectives and regulatory expectations.Client acquisition and revenue models — set strategic direction for fee structures, commission arrangements, and business development initiatives across the full practice.Market intelligence infrastructure — establish systematic processes for monitoring industry trends and competitive intelligence, translating insights into enterprise-level risk positioning.Talent and client evaluation standards — define and institutionalize evaluation criteria and assessment methodologies used across the organization for onboarding high-value clients.Risk technology ecosystem — lead selection, implementation, and governance of financial analysis platforms, database systems, and analytical software at the organizational level.Thought leadership and practice development — author authoritative frameworks, white papers, and methodological guidance that advance the field of financial risk management.Regulatory and legal risk leadership — represent the organization in dialogues with regulators, auditors, and government bodies, shaping compliance posture at the institutional level.Mentorship and capability building — develop structured learning pathways and coaching programs that elevate analytical and advisory competencies across junior and mid-level specialists.Executive decision-making and board advisory — present risk landscape assessments and scenario analyses directly to C-suite and board audiences, influencing capital allocation and strategic decisions.Cross-organizational partnerships — negotiate and formalize strategic alliances with sponsors, institutional partners, and industry bodies to expand the organization's risk advisory influence.
Also known as
38 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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