PayScale’s 2017-18 College Salary Report indicates that US graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance earn an average of $57,500 in their chosen careers, rising to $97,100 after ten years of experience.

Finance is one of the top subjects that offers students both great graduate job opportunities and high earning potential.

Finance graduates are sought after for positions in accountancy companies, insurance, and largest banks, financial companies, management consultancies, the public sector, and plenty of other areas.

You’ve always been intrigued by the financial industry – the excitement of monitoring stocks and international financial news is fascinating. However, finance roles cover more than stock exchanges. It’s a broad field with several distinct career options and work titles available during your professional career.

If you are aware that these occupations require formal preparation and qualifications, you might be curious about what you would do with a finance degree. Since it turns out, there are some viable options.

So, without further delay. Let’s have a look at the top 5 careers for Finance degree holders.

5 Best Careers for Finance Graduates

The good news is that completing a finance degree doesn’t really mean loss. This education and training will allow you to apply for a variety of rewarding positions. Consider these five finance careers that will be available to you after graduation:

Financial analyst

Businesses and companies spend much time — and effort — in their financial decisions. Financial analysts are the experts charged with the responsibility of doing analysis and advising these companies on their financial investment decisions. They conduct in-depth analyses of investments’ financial health, conduct industry research, and assist companies in capitalizing on market opportunities.

Typical responsibilities:

  • Research on company investment prospects.
  • Purchase and sell shares on an investor’s behalf.
  • Analyze business strategies and monitor portfolios

Jobs demand projected for the period 2018–2028: 6%

The annual median income in 2018: $85,660

Management analyst

Businesses turn to management analysts for assistance in increasing the profitability and productivity of a process or a particular sector of their business. These professional experts also serve as independent advisors, which enables them to have an impartial and reliable assessment of what may be causing the problem and what might be done to correct it.

They collaborate together with stakeholders to ascertain existing activities, identify problem areas, and then create and present strategic strategies to management teams.

Typical duties include the following: 

  • Analyze income, expense, and financial details in order to resolve or enhance a problem or process.
  • Provide strategies and make recommendations to improve an organization’s performance.
  • Advise companies on cost-cutting and revenue-generating measures

Jobs growth projected for 2018–2028: 14%

The annual median income in 2018: $83,610

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors are perhaps the most common investment experts. They are the individuals who assist clients with handling their personal finances to meet their specific needs – for example, retirement planning, risk management, setting up company and estate planning.

These professionals rely on customer acquisition and relationship maintenance, which necessitates good negotiation skills.

Generally, people have deep feelings about their personal finances, which is why having an advisor who can articulate their choices in a straightforward, rational, and optimistic way is important.

Typical responsibilities include engaging clients through networking events and prospecting.

Consultations with investors to determine investment objectives and goals

Conducting due diligence on investments and advising investors about the associated benefits and rewards.

Jobs growth estimates for 2018–2028: 7%

The annual median income in 2018: $88,890

Tax examiner/revenue agent

Not all positions requiring a finance degree are available in the private sector. Tax examiners and revenue officers work with the federal, state, and local governments, investigating individuals’ and organizations’ tax filings and financial records.

They define possible tax under or overpayments and negotiate with these bodies to acquire clarifying documents or create arrangements for mitigating the difference.

Typical responsibilities:

  • Ensure that individuals and companies are paying the required amount of tax.
  • Tax returns are audited and investigated to ensure their authenticity.
  • If the correct amount was not charged, give refunds or contact clients to seek further payment.

Jobs growth estimates 2018–2028: -2% (decline)

Annual median salary in 2018: $54,440

Bookkeeper

This entry-level finance job is responsible for the accurate documentation of an organization’s or department’s financial transactions.

They maintain accounting records by tracking (and validating) expenses and revenues, as well as producing reports that are used by other finance experts to make higher-level decisions.

Typical duties include the following: 

  • Financial data and receipts can be entered into spreadsheets and databases.
  • Produce balance sheets, financial statements, and account totals
  • Assess the consistency of all data and communicate some discrepancies

Jobs growth estimates 2018–2028: -4 % (decline)

The annual median income in 2018: $40,240

Begin Your Finance Career Journey Today

So, what are the career options for those with a finance degree?

After being associated with certain in-demand finance careers, you ought to have a better idea of whether or not this suits your job objectives.

If some of these finance degree jobs stir up your interest, the next step is getting the necessary education and start your finance career today.