IT in banking/finance

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Personally I would say go for the A+ and Network+, to gain the basics added to that those certs are ISO and ANSI which I believe is big in the US (hence why Comptia introduced the renewal program), to assist you getting your foot in the door.

After that there's the Microsoft track, this covers desktops, servers and network infrastructure (DNS, DHCP, etc), they also have a SQL track, programming track, etc. However do not to be confused with networking (maintaining switches, routers, etc from the likes of Cisco, Juniper, etc) with network infrastructure (DNS, DHCP, etc).

There's the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) program in the US, but geared up towards Certified Public Accountants (not sure if you fall within that category.

I would say get in contact with your organisations IT department and network with them. See what technologies they use, eg they may use MS SQL or they may use oracle, etc...

But lastly, decide what area of IT you want to get into, eg support, Database admin, development (eg web), etc...

 

Yes to get the basics on any IT support job, but then instead of working towards the normal server/network specific certifications, look into DB courses/certifications. I won't sit here and say if you do the MCITP: Database Administrator you'll walk into the DBA role, cause true to told, these higher certifications walk hand in hand with experience. Instead look into the following entry level DB programs:

Oracle Certified Associate
MTA: Database Administration Fundamentals followed by the MCTS Microsoft SQL Server 2008 program.

I will also say that when I live in the US and on several US specific forums, having a degree is a big plus out there (if not already a requirement).

 

I wouldn't worry too much about that, half the time they just want to see "degree".

I wouldn't say that's a late bloomer, I've known more mature people changing their careers to IT

 

There's the Mike Meyer's one, the latest version will be released at the end of Aug.