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Job Title : Insurance, Real Estate and Financial Brokerage Managers

Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers plan, organize, direct and control the activities of departments or establishments that provide insurance, mortgage, real estate, or investment services.

The main duties are determined by the nature of the business establishment. For example:

• Insurance managers direct the operations of establishments or departments that provide automobile, fire, life, property or other types of insurance services;

• Real estate managers direct the operations of establishments or departments that buy, sell and lease residential and commercial property for clients;

• Mortgage broker managers direct the operations of establishments or departments that find lenders or lending institutions on behalf of clients seeking a mortgage.

Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers work in an office environment. A 40-hour workweek is typical. Travel is involved for real estate managers who conduct property visits.

Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers usually require a university degree or college diploma in business administration, economics, accounting, or other related field. They require thorough knowledge of the appropriate industry and years of experience in the field. Managers require leadership skills, organizational ability, computer skills, interpersonal skills, and communications skills.

Specific industry licenses are generally required, such as Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) for insurance managers, and a real estate license for managers in real estate. As well, professional designations and/or membership in a professional association are advantageous depending upon the industry sector.

To obtain a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) designation from the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, the member must be in good standing and have passed a national examination following each of its four courses.

A Canadian Certified Insurance Broker (CCIB) is the highest designation awarded by the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada. Three examinations are required based on the candidate's working knowledge. There is no formal course of study. Prerequisites are that the candidate must have 5 consecutive years experience.

The Insurance Institute of Canada is an organization coordinates the designation of the Chartered Insurance Professional and Fellow, (CIP/FCIP).

The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) offers the REIC professional designation.

The Independent Financial Brokers of Canada (IFBC) is a voluntary, not-for-profit Association representing independent insurance, mutual fund and other financial service brokers and other professionals.

The Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) offers professional designation programs in financial planning, wealth management, portfolio management, and derivatives management. CSI is endorsed by the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and Canada's stock exchanges.

The Association of Investment Management and Research is an international association that awards the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) professional designation.

Over the next five years: Limited

Employment for this occupation is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2009, with most job openings resulting from the need to replace workers who retire. Computerized financial systems and real estate listing services are widespread in the finance, insurance and real estate industry and will continue to moderate future employment growth.

Persons with strong information and technology management skills and with expertise in computerized financial reporting systems, as well as professional accreditations, should have the best chance in the job market.