Finance Jobs in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to the University of Arkansas and a growing business community, offers a range of finance job opportunities. The presence of major corporations, regional banks, and smaller financial firms creates a diverse job market for finance professionals.

Job Sectors and Opportunities

Several key sectors drive finance job growth in Fayetteville:

• Retail: Walmart’s global headquarters in nearby Bentonville significantly impacts the region. Many finance roles support Walmart’s operations, including financial analysts, accountants, and internal auditors.
• Banking: Regional and community banks, like Arvest Bank (headquartered in Bentonville), offer positions in areas such as commercial lending, branch management, wealth management, and loan processing.
• Financial Services: Firms specializing in financial planning, investment management, and insurance provide opportunities for financial advisors, portfolio managers, and insurance underwriters.
• Corporate Finance: Numerous companies outside of retail and banking require finance professionals for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and treasury management.
• University of Arkansas: The university itself employs finance professionals in its finance and administration departments.

Common Job Titles

Typical finance job titles you might find in Fayetteville include:

• Financial Analyst
• Accountant (Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Cost Accountant)
• Financial Planner
• Loan Officer
• Credit Analyst
• Auditor (Internal and External)
• Investment Analyst
• Branch Manager (Bank)
• Controller

Skills and Qualifications

Employers generally seek candidates with the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Some positions may require a Master’s degree or professional certification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP).
• For certain roles, specific certifications such as CPA, CFA, or CFP may be required or preferred.

Job Search Resources

Popular online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are good starting points for your job search. Also, check the career pages of major employers in the area, such as Walmart and Arvest Bank. Networking with finance professionals in Fayetteville through professional organizations or university alumni networks can also be beneficial.

Cost of Living

Fayetteville offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other metropolitan areas, which can make it an attractive location for finance professionals. Housing costs, in particular, are generally lower than the national average.