Working in finance may be a fascinating and lucrative career path. Depending on your expertise and skill set, you can perform a variety of roles in the banking industry. You’ll be better ready to choose a career that suits you if you’re familiar with a number of finance positions. In this article, we discuss different types of jobs in finance, including their requirements, the best-paid, analyst jobs, degree needed, responsibilities, salaries, and their management.
Why Get a Job in Finance?
Having a finance job has several advantages. For starters, the industry as a whole is rather safe. As long as businesses and people remain profitable, they will require someone to examine their budgets, manage their accounts, and safeguard their savings. Second, financial occupations are frequently well-paying.
Finance professionals are frequently needed to have specific educational degrees and skill sets, hence they are typically well-paid. Finally, an entry-level career in finance should provide prospects for promotion. If you can demonstrate that you are a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and skilled employee, you may be eligible for promotions or raises after only a few years of employment.
What Skills Do You Need for a Job in Finance?
To enter the finance business and work for a reputed financial institution, an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree is usually required. It is also advantageous to study analytics, business, economics, finance, or mathematics.
Although some financial firms claim to hire a wide range of majors, most entry-level positions exclusively hire persons with bachelor’s degrees in such fields. If you want to work in finance but don’t have a finance degree, you can complement with a relevant minor or online certification.
Types of Finance Jobs
Starting a career in finance is an exciting stage in your professional development. Before you start looking for jobs, understand about the various sorts of financial careers accessible, such as:
#1. Corporate finance
A position in corporate finance entails managing the finances of a certain company or organization. Employers in corporate finance seek people who are trustworthy, experienced, and skilled.
A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or management is most likely required. Understanding how a firm works will set you apart from other prospects.
#2. Financial planning and advising
Financial advising or planning is another interesting form of finance career. This Financial planning is meeting with a client and assisting them in developing a workable strategy for their personal or corporate finances.
Being a financial consultant allows you to use your financial knowledge to actively assist people. If you are familiar with financial law, investing methods, or insurance regulations, you could be a great asset to a range of industries by advising corporations and individuals.
A college degree in finance or business, or several years of practical experience in the financial area, is often required for this type of position. Communication skills, management abilities, and attention to detail are all required for this type of profession.
#3. Banking
The most well-known type of finance career is banking. Working in a bank is an excellent entry-level job for someone interested in a career in finance. Commercial banks provide a variety of financial services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and IRAs. You can find job in a multitude of fields, including:
- Bank teller
- Branch manager
- Loan Officer
- Marketing director
Most banks require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree. The experience level and precise skill set needs will vary based on the position you are interested in. If you are successful at your local branch, you may be promoted to work in the corporate office. Working at a bank could be a good career choice if you have expertise with interpersonal communication, customer service, and administrative skills.
#4. Accounting
Accountants are critical to a company’s or individual’s financial wellness. They can work independently, however the majority of the time they work for an accounting firm. Corporate accountants manage a wide range of financial operations to ensure that the firm or organization runs properly. Private accountants examine and update their client’s financial records to ensure that they are abiding by the law and spending their money properly.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business is often required for Accountants. Accountants who excel at finance management, decision-making, and corporate communication are in high demand.
#5. Investment
Investment professionals primarily serve as facilitators. They connect individuals and businesses in need of capital with investors who can provide them with resources. These collaborations should be mutually beneficial, and the investment professional should be fairly compensated for their role in establishing the link.
Because many individuals and businesses opt to invest their cash based on advice from an investment firm or an independent broker, skilled investment experts are critical in the financial sphere. The vast majority of investing professionals hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics.
#6. Insurance
Working in insurance can be a varied way to break into the financial industry. Insurance experts operate in a number of roles for large insurance companies. You could work as an insurance salesperson, agent, customer service representative, or actuary. All of these roles contribute to the agency’s clients receiving quality policies.
The insurance sector is currently growing, and firms are always looking for qualified applicants to fill open jobs. If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, or Administration, you may be qualified.
Jobs in the Financial Field
If the information above has piqued your interest in finance, you may want to choose one of the following finance jobs:
#1. Chief compliance officer
A chief compliance officer is the highest-paying finance job on our list. These executives are in charge of all compliance-related activities and departments, ensuring that a corporation and its operations strictly adhere to all regulations. This is one of the best paid jobs in finance.
- Average yearly salary: $197,001 – $278,101
- Skills required: firm understanding of regulatory guidelines, security policies, compliance issues, risk management, leadership, and ethics
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in a related field and possibly a graduate degree in a related subject
#2. Chief financial officer
Being one of the best paid jobs in finance, Chief financial officers (CFO) are in charge of business budgeting, cost-cutting decisions, and financial teams. Because it involves financial leadership, experience, and a large network, the CFO position is one of the top paying finance professions.
- Average yearly salary: $314,481 – $528,583
- Skills required: budget management, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, corporate finance, consulting, leadership, and strategic vision
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in a related field and possibly a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
#3. Private equity associate
Private equity associates are corporate executives who work for investment banks to locate investors, assist them with investments, and conduct due diligence on existing investors. Associates in private equity must have outstanding interpersonal communication abilities.
- Average yearly salary: $85,931 – $114,295
- Skills required: industry knowledge, data modeling and analysis, business strategy, investment banking, corporate consulting, negotiation, networking, and communication
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in a related field and possibly a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
#4. Hedge fund manager
Hedge fund managers assist investors in running hedge fund operations and a diverse investment portfolio. However, these professionals are in charge of overseeing all hedge fund portfolio investments. A hedge fund manager’s responsibilities in a high-paying finance career include assisting investors in managing their investment objectives, liquidity, and fees. This is one of the best paid jobs in finance.
- Average yearly salary: $86,006 – $130,045
- Skills required: financial instruments, financial market knowledge, risk (and risk tolerance), portfolio construction, interpersonal communication, financial modeling, and quick math
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in related field
#5. Insurance advisor
Insurance consultants help customers protect the things and people they care about by counseling them on insurance policies. Hence, these professionals provide help by listening to long-term and short-term demands and providing insurance-specific financial advice.
- Average yearly salary: $50,714 – $64,899
- Skills required: Compliance, licensing, strong written and verbal communication, professionalism, and familiarity with product and benefit trends
- Qualifications required: high school diploma and possibly a college degree
#6. Financial advisor
Financial advisors, another high-paying finance position, assist clients in defining their financial goals and investing in products to help them reach them. They help with major life events such as saving for college and retirement. The majority of financial advisors’ time is spent visiting with customers, exploring new possibilities, and executing investment strategies. This is also one of the best paid jobs in finance.
- Average yearly salary: $70,482 – $147,000
- Skills required: Financial licensing, retirement planning, analytical thinking, communication, current market technology, sales strategy, industry knowledge, market trends, interpersonal networking, and active listening
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in a related field and possibly a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
#7. Compliance Analyst
Compliance analysts conduct audits of firms to ensure that they are in accordance with government rules and regulations. They educate personnel about industry compliance legislation and advise businesses on industry-specific requirements and standards. This is also one of the best paid jobs in finance.
- Average yearly salary: $42,612 to $58,152
- Skills required: compliance management software, advanced analytics, communication, audit and compliance procedures, regulatory frameworks, quality management, and financial planning
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree and experience in related field
#8. Information technology auditor
Being one of the best paid jobs in finance, IT auditors work for corporations or government agencies to ensure that technology fulfills compliance and other enterprise requirements. However, these are high-paying occupations that demand technical competence in the field.
- Average yearly salary: $59,676 – $77,752
- Skills required: operating systems, web technologies, internal audit, IT, information security, ability to work independently and in teams, communication, integrity, and analytics
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in the related field, experience, and possibly master’s degree
#9. Investment banker
Investment bankers advise firms and government agencies on how to invest their funds. One of their key areas of expertise is raising capital to expand a firm and supporting organizations in meeting financial targets. This is also one of the best paid jobs in finance.
- Average yearly salary: $72,133 – $89,566
- Skills required: portfolio management, market research and trends, discipline, relationship building, entrepreneurship, analytics, interpersonal communication, global outlook, presentation persuasion, and networking
- Qualifications required: bachelor’s degree in a related field, and possibly master’s degree
How to Get a Job in Finance
If you want to work in finance, try following this popular financial career path:
#1. Education
Study for an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Majoring in finance, business, or a similar topic is an excellent way to get started in a financial career. A master’s degree in finance is not essential, but it will undoubtedly improve your chances of securing a high-level career.
#2. Entry-level job
Find entry-level employment in a company, organization, or enterprise. You would spend a few years gaining skills and practical experience in order to advance your career. You might either continue working your way up in the firm or look for work elsewhere. Regardless of your present work title, it is critical to seek out opportunities to enhance your abilities, gain experience, and advance professionally.
#3. Seek out a higher-level position
You can look for a finance career that suits you if you have some practical experience and the necessary skills. This could be in accounting, banking, investment, insurance, or another industry. Which form of financial career is best for you will be determined by your personality, work style, and skills.
What is the Highest Paying Jobs in Finance?
The following are the highest-paying finance jobs:
- Chief compliance officer ·
- Chief financial officer ·
- Private equity associate ·
- Hedge fund manager ·
- Insurance advisor.
What are the 4 Career Pathways in Finance?
Banking and allied services, business financial management, financial and investment planning, and insurance services are the four job paths in the finance cluster.
How Hard is a Finance Degree?
Finance degrees are widely regarded as difficult. Students in this curriculum are exposed to new concepts ranging from financial jargon to mathematical issues, thus there may be a learning curve.
Do Finance Majors Make 6 Figures?
Graduates of the Master of Finance program can find fascinating jobs in investment banking, asset management, consulting, venture capital, and private equity. However, the starting compensation for a finance major in these professions is often in the six figures.
Are Finance Careers Worth it?
Finance degree positions can offer relatively high compensation, stability, advancement prospects, and constant demand estimates. Finance careers may also provide employees with flexibility by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.
Is it Better to Get a Finance or Accounting Degree?
Finance provides more employment options but also less predictability. Careers in finance may pay more in some situations. Accounting careers might provide more regular and stable work, but they often pay less.
How Do I Start a Career in Finance with No Experience?
How to acquire a job in finance with no experience includes the following steps:
- Prepare an effective resume.
- Network as much as possible
- Know the trends in financial institutions
- Visit your college career center
- Have a mentor in the financial sector
- Be ready to start from a lower position.
- Complete an internship in a financial institution.
What Do Finance Majors Do?
Graduates with a finance degree or major can work in banking, financial services, and business. Hence, these experts advise clients on investment plans, assess budgets to uncover inefficiencies and manage organizational financial decision-making.
Is Financial Analyst a Stressful Job?
Despite the fact that Financial Analysts work long hours and sometimes face high levels of stress at work, these professionals are handsomely compensated for their efforts. In 2021, the average salary for a Financial Analyst in the United States was $96,000.
Is Finance a Good Career for Introverts?
Introverts fare well in accounting because many occupations demand little to no interaction with others. Accounting professions for introverts, for the most part, do not involve much social engagement. Working with clients and presenting findings to management via reports, emails, or e-meetings are common forms of contact.
Is Finance Math Heavy?
While finance does necessitate some arithmetic training as well as knowledge and abilities in accounting and economics, it is not inherently more difficult than any other subject of study, especially for those with a natural affinity for math.
Can I Do Finance if I am Bad at Math?
Believe it or not, advanced math skills are not required for a job in finance. With today’s technology, computers and calculators can perform all math-related jobs. Having said that, there are some fundamental math abilities that will undoubtedly make you a better candidate for the banking profession.
Are Finance Majors Worth it?
For many students, a finance degree or major is worthwhile. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and finance jobs will rise at a rate of 5% over the next ten years, faster than the overall average.
Conclusion
It’s critical to select a job that makes good use of your abilities and strengths. Understanding the required abilities for each employment opportunity is critical in obtaining work, but also ensuring that the list matches your skill set. Putting your skills to work will help you discover a job in finance that you will enjoy and will make you proud.
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