For any student with an interest in numbers, one common question that may come up as they consider a career path is, “What jobs can you get with a finance degree?” The good news is that jobs with a finance degree are in high demand and well-paid. From corporate finance to personal wealth management, your degree can lead to a variety of fulfilling and lucrative roles.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best jobs for finance majors, including entry-level positions and high-paying careers that can take your financial expertise to new heights. If you're wondering whether a finance degree is worth it or which specific career path might be best for you, keep reading.
How a finance degree can set you up for success
A finance degree equips you with a diverse skill set that goes beyond just understanding balance sheets and profit margins.
“Finance grads need to be comfortable with tools like Excel and Python to crunch numbers effectively,” says David Kindness, a CPA and personal finance writer at Best Money. “But it's not just about the numbers—being able to communicate complex financial concepts clearly is equally important.”
At its core, a finance education sharpens your analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and financial analysis expertise—all highly transferable skills across various industries. These skills make finance graduates incredibly valuable, whether they pursue traditional finance roles or venture into other sectors like tech, healthcare, or even government.
10 finance degree jobs to consider
The jobs you can get with a finance degree require a combination of analytical skills, financial acumen, and strategic thinking. “Roles in investment banking, financial planning, and risk analysis offer some of the best growth potential for recent finance graduates,” says Dennis Shirshikov, a finance professor at the City University of New York and Head of Growth at Gosummer.com.
Here’s a list of careers in finance, along with job descriptions, key skills, and finance degree jobs salary data according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Financial analyst
Average annual salary: $123,330/year
Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and trends to help businesses make informed decisions about investments, budgeting, and strategy. This role is considered a foundational stepping stone in the finance industry, exposing graduates to various aspects of financial operations.
“Starting as a financial analyst provides a solid foundation for growth,” Kindness says. “It exposes you to various aspects of finance and helps develop critical analytical skills.”
Over time, financial analysts can advance to senior positions such as portfolio manager or Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
2. Investment banker
Average annual salary: $175,113
Investment bankers help companies raise capital through debt or equity offerings and facilitate mergers and acquisitions. The role involves heavy financial modeling, deal structuring, and client interaction.
“Investment banking is intense, but the exposure to high-level deals and client management early on provides a steep learning curve and tremendous upward mobility,” Shirshikov says. While the hours are demanding, the career path offers significant growth potential, with many analysts advancing to senior roles within a few years.
3. Personal financial planner (or advisor)
Average annual salary: $150,670
Financial planners or advisors work directly with individuals, helping them plan for their financial future by offering advice on investments. This career provides a more personalized approach compared to other finance roles.
“Financial planning roles give you a closer look at personal wealth management, opening doors to senior advisory positions,” Shirshikov says. Career progression can include moving into wealth management, senior advisory roles, or even starting your own financial planning business.
4. Risk manager
Average annual salary: $118,950
Risk managers are tasked with identifying potential financial risks to an organization and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. “Risk analyst roles are becoming increasingly important and can lead to significant career advancement,” Kindness says.
With financial regulations becoming more complex, risk managers are crucial for safeguarding a company’s financial stability. This role can evolve into senior management positions, such as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) or Director of Risk Management.
5. Corporate finance specialist
Average annual salary: $96,460
A corporate finance specialist plays a critical role in managing a company’s financial activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and analyzing investment opportunities. They assist in capital structuring, managing financial risks, and making recommendations on mergers, acquisitions, and other business decisions.
Strong financial modeling and analytical skills are crucial for this role, as specialists must evaluate data to advise on financial strategies that align with company goals.
6. Accountant
Average annual salary: $90,780
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. This role is essential for both businesses and individuals who need to manage their financial reporting and taxes. Accountants often specialize in areas like tax, auditing, or corporate accounting, with career advancement leading to roles such as accounting manager, financial controller, or CFO.
7. Actuary
Average annual salary: $132,500
Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess financial risks, typically for insurance companies or pension plans. The ability to evaluate risk and uncertainty helps companies develop strategies for minimizing potential financial losses. Actuarial positions can evolve into leadership roles within risk management or senior positions within the insurance industry.
8. Commercial banker
Average annual salary for financial clerks: $47,860
Average annual salary for loan interviewers: $48,660
Average annual salary for loan officers: $84,490
Commercial bankers work with businesses to provide financial products like loans and lines of credit. They assess a company’s financial health and determine the most appropriate solutions to meet its needs. This path requires strong interpersonal and financial analysis skills and includes roles such as financial clerks, loan interviewers, and loan officers. Career progression often leads to branch management or regional director positions.
9. Portfolio manager
Average annual salary: $112,950
Portfolio managers oversee investment portfolios for individuals or institutions, making decisions about asset allocation and strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, risk management, and investment strategies. Those in this field often start as analysts before progressing to portfolio management, and eventually, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) roles.
10. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Average annual salary: $258,900
The last in our list of finance degree jobs is the Chief Financial Officer. As the senior-most financial executive, the CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial operations within a company, including budgeting, risk management, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning.
CFOs often play a key role in shaping the company’s overall business strategy. For those in finance looking for long-term leadership positions, becoming a CFO is one of the most prestigious roles available (and one the highest paying jobs with a finance degree), with the potential to advance into CEO or board-level positions.
Key tips for finance majors in the job search
Want to pursue one of these finance degree jobs? Here are some tips to help you enter the field:
Gain practical experience
One of the most effective ways to enhance your employability as a finance major is to gain practical experience. Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering for financial projects are crucial in building your skill set and resume. “Internships are incredibly valuable; they provide real-world experience that classroom learning simply can't match,” Kindness says. “I've seen many cases where an internship led directly to a job offer.”
Certifications can also give you an edge. “Speaking from personal experience as a CPA, these credentials demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field,” Kindness says. “They often lead to better job prospects and higher starting salaries. However, it's important to choose certifications that align with your career goals—don't just collect them for the sake of it.”
Leverage your alumni network
Your university's alumni network is a powerful resource that can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. Reach out to former graduates working in the finance field to seek advice and guidance. “Industry events and conferences are great for meeting people face-to-face but don't overlook online platforms,” Kindness says. “It's a powerful tool for connecting with finance pros and staying updated on industry trends. The key is to be authentic and focus on learning from others, not just asking for job leads.”
Highlight transferable skills
When applying for jobs, don't forget to emphasize your soft skills. “One common mistake is overemphasizing technical skills while underplaying soft skills, like teamwork and communication,” Shirshikov says. “Many candidates come in prepared to talk about their financial modeling abilities, but employers also want to know that you can collaborate and explain your analyses to non-finance colleagues.”
Stay updated on industry trends
The finance landscape is constantly evolving, especially with the rise of financial technology (FinTech). Staying informed about the latest developments in market trends and financial regulations is essential. This knowledge not only prepares you for interviews but also makes you a more informed candidate.
Tailor your resume and cover letter
Make sure to tailor your resumes and cover letters to the specific job, as many candidates send generic applications. “Always research the firm, understand their culture, and articulate how your skills align with their specific needs,” Shirshikov says. It’s also important to highlight quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Is a finance degree worth it?
A finance degree may be worth it for those who want to go beyond basic financial knowledge. Besides analytical and communication skills, finance graduates also develop a solid understanding of economic trends, investment strategies, and financial regulations—knowledge that can be applied to manage risk in dynamic environments. “Risk management is another key skill, especially with all the regulatory changes we've seen recently,” Kindness says.
One significant regulatory change is the implementation of the Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) accounting standard. It requires banks to estimate expected losses over the life of a loan and set aside reserves upfront, rather than waiting for losses to occur.
Another notable change is the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) replacing LIBOR as the benchmark interest rate. “LIBOR was phased out due to manipulation concerns, and SOFR is seen as a more reliable, transaction-based rate,” Kindness says. “This transition affects a wide range of financial products, from derivatives to adjustable-rate mortgages.”
Having this market understanding can make finance graduates well-prepared to navigate regulatory challenges and stand out in their careers.