Finance is a practical field that will always be in demand. If you’re majoring in finance or are a recent finance grad (congrats!), you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Plus, a lot of finance roles pay well — even at the entry-level.
You might think majoring in finance means you’re destined to become the stereotypical “finance bro” who talks about the stock market over after-work co*cktails. Yes, you’re on the right path if that’s your dream. That said, many other job types are available for finance majors.
Below, we lay out the facts about job prospects for finance majors. Read on to learn about your options and figure out which role is right for you. We also give you a roundup of companies looking for finance team members on Handshake right now.
Is finance a good career path for you?
Finance is a huge field, covering all kinds of jobs, from accounting to financial risk management. That said, you’ll need some basic skills to perform well in any financial role.
You’re set up for success if you have these traits:
- You’re good with numbers. This one shouldn’t come as a surprise. If you’re going to work in finance, it helps to be good at math. Knowing financial tools like Microsoft Excel is also an asset.
- You’re super organized. Keeping track of facts, figures, and financial reports requires an eye for detail. Mixing up data means incorrect figures, which can seriously derail business analytics.
- You’ve got an analytical mind. You can’t just calculate numbers — you’ve got to know what they mean. Here’s an example: If a company’s quarterly revenue is up but so are expenses, what does that mean for profit margins?
- You have good communication skills. You can’t just shove papers full of numbers into someone’s face. As a finance professional, it’s often on you to explain what those numbers mean, for example, with presentations or reports.
- You’re a problem-solver. If financial hiccups happen for a company, you may have to fix them. Say a company is burning more cash than they want on expenses. You might review spending and make recommendations on where to cut costs.
These are the must-have traits for any thriving financial professional. If you’ve got those skills, you’re off to a good start — and you’ll find many opportunities waiting.
Need proof? The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects business and financial occupations to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Not sure about finance? We share the top 20 industries to work in here.
Benefits of finance careers
Before climbing the corporate ladder of a finance career, you want to ensure it’s worth it.
We can’t tell you if finance is the “perfect” career for you because we’ve never met you. But we can tell you about some perks that come with having a finance job:
- Plenty of job prospects. The BLS expects steady growth for finance and business jobs through 2031. More than 715,000 new jobs will come onto the market (and that doesn’t take into account existing jobs and trends like baby boomers retiring). In short: There will be jobs available.
- Good earnings potential. On top of that, earning prospects look good. The median annual wage for the field was $76,570 as of May 2021 — way higher than the median annual wage for all occupations calculated by BLS ($45,760).
- Versatility. There are different finance jobs available, which we’ll go into more detail about below. Basically, finance is part of every industry, so you can work in anything from consumer goods to film and television.
- Longevity and room for growth. The steady demand for finance jobs and the great diversity of jobs available means there’s plenty of potential in this field. Depending on your path, you can rise to a C-suite position like a chief financial officer (CFO) — it’s up to you!
Challenges of finance careers
We’ll always give it to you straight, which is why we can’t ignore the drawbacks of finance careers. Finance can be an exciting field with plenty of opportunities, but it also has its hurdles.
Potential challenges of a finance career include:
- High stress. Finance can be a nail-biting field. Case in point: One wrong decimal point can alter an entire year’s worth of financial statements. Finding ways to cope with stress and nurturing resilience can help you through the tough times — for example, when you’ve got a big deadline ahead.
- Need for experience. Getting your foot in the door of a finance job isn’t always easy. Start by getting part-time or full-time finance internships, ideally while you’re still studying, to gain a competitive edge. As you rack up years of experience, your options will improve.
- Influx of technology. Automation and artificial intelligence are also entering the finance field. You’ll probably need to master new information technology (IT) skills to keep up.
- Cybersecurity issues. Finance professionals often handle sensitive data, from individual people’s tax information to corporate earnings reports. You’ll want to follow best practices regarding cybersecurity to avoid leaks.
Industries where you can build a finance career
Just because you’re majoring in finance doesn’t mean you have to work for a bank or a brokerage. Many industries hire for financial roles. Here are some examples to inspire you:
- Higher education. You might work in a student aid office distributing loans or scholarships to students. Many colleges and universities also have endowments — assets that help support the school's educational mission. These endowments require asset managers.
- Health care. Healthcare finance managers can handle all the monetary aspects of a healthcare system — like a hospital, physician's practice, or public health agency. Another finance-related job in healthcare is medical billing — determining what insurance codes are assigned to what medical interventions. Accountants are also needed by healthcare centers of all kinds, from nursing homes to rehab facilities.
- Insurance. Insurance companies offer coverage for all kinds of disasters, from health issues to property damage. Insurers often hire people with finance backgrounds for jobs like insurance underwriting — determining how much risk a potential customer is and how much insurance to extend them. You could also be an insurance auditor, reviewing policies and payouts and identifying potential insurance fraud.
- Nonprofit work. Nonprofits are tax-exempt organizations, making them subject to strict audits from the Internal Revenue Service. Any reputable nonprofit will have a finance team checking that charitable donations are properly channeled and all the criteria needed for tax-exempt status are met. Nonprofits may hire financial program coordinators, financial analysts, and accounting clerks, among other roles.
- Film and television. Bet you didn't think you'd see the bright lights of Hollywood as a finance major, did you? Every film or TV production has a certain budget — as a production accountant, you can help make sure that budget is met, tracking incoming money and outgoing expenses.
Most valuable degrees to earn a job in finance
If you’re looking to land a job in finance, you want to start with the right education — but just what degree should you pursue? Here are some possible options to jump-start your finance career:
- Bachelor of Science in Finance. This is the basic building block of most financial careers. A B.S. in Finance can lead the way to entry-level roles in various fields, from accounting to fintech.
- Bachelor of Science in Economics. An economics degree might be more applicable if you want to do less number-crunching and more analysis in the future. This could pave the way to roles in government, consulting, or nonprofit work, for example.
- Master of Science in Finance. Suppose you want to open the doors to more senior-level positions like director of finance or finance manager. In that case, you might get your M.S. A master’s degree allows you to focus on a specialty area by writing a thesis.
- Master of Science in Economics. An M.S. can give you an edge if you want more opportunities for senior-level roles. As with an M.S. in Finance, you’ll be asked to write a thesis.
- Master of Business Administration. An MBA is a more general business degree that you can tailor to focus on finance. If you dream of becoming a CFO, this is a savvy move. Master’s degrees are generally more analytical and scientific, while MBAs are more practical and business-oriented.
Beneficial finance certifications
In addition to a general degree, you can show off specialized skills with financial services-related certifications.
Examples of certificates include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Learn advanced investment analysis skills, including probability theory, securities analysis, derivatives, and portfolio management. The CFA Institute offers certification courses to help you gain senior financial analyst status.
- Chartered Investment Banking Analyst (CIBA). Get hands-on knowledge of investment and asset management, from the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process to firm valuation. Investment certifications are a great way to give your resume an edge.
- Financial Risk Management (FRM). Gain practical skills in risk assessment, an in-demand skill set among banks and insurers. The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) provides certification options.
- Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA). Gain the skills needed to master financial modeling, which is useful for all kinds of business sectors. The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) has courses.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This is a required license if you want to work as a professional accountant. The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) provides licensing.
Top 10 entry-level jobs in finance
Ready to check out your options in the finance field? Here are 10 job types hiring right now.
1. Financial analyst
A financial analyst — sometimes called a business analyst — uses financial data to guide business decisions. They may work in-house for a company or as business consultants, moving between clients.
Average salary: $95,570 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
Skills:
- Financial knowledge
- Analytical mindset
- Reporting skills
2. Personal financial adviser
Personal financial advisers help individuals determine how to improve their financial portfolios. They can work for finance or insurance companies or be self-employed.
Average salary: $94,170 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- Master’s degree plus certifications improve prospects
Skills:
- Investment and asset management knowledge
- Good communication skills
- Financial planning abilities
3. Accountant
Accountants help individuals and businesses prepare financial paperwork, like quarterly statements. Tax accountants specialize in tax-related accounting. They can work for accounting & finance firms or companies of all kinds.
Average salary: $77,250 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- CPA certification
Skills:
- Numerical skills
- Tax law knowledge
- Accounting best practices
4. Loan officer
Loan officers help determine when consumers or businesses should get loans and on what terms. They may work for mortgage companies, banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions.
Average salary: $63,380 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- On-the-job training
- Mortgage loan officers need a license
Skills:
- Risk analysis
- Understanding of loan terms and laws
- Good communication abilities
5. Insurance sales agent
Insurance sales agents sell various types of insurance. Insurance underwriters help determine whether insurance applications should be approved.
Average salary: $76,390 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- Certifications can help improve prospects
Skills:
- Numerical prowess
- Understanding of risk analysis
- Customer service skills
6. Budget analyst
Budget analysts help organizations stay on top of their finances, determining if they’re spending too much. They may work for public or private organizations.
Average salary: $79,940 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- Courses in statistics, economics, and accounting are useful
Skills:
- Good with numbers and budgets
- Organized
- Strong communication skills
7. Auditor
Auditors review business financial records and determine whether their financial transactions are legal and legitimate. They may work for accounting firms, financial companies, or government agencies.
Average salary: $77,250 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- A CPA license or similar certification can improve job prospects
Skills:
- Eye for detail
- Knowledge of financial regulations
- Excellent organization skills
8. Tax specialist
Tax specialists — also called tax examiners or collectors — help businesses and individuals determine how much tax they owe. They may work for local, state, or federal governments.
Average salary: $56,780 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in accounting or a related field
Skills:
- Knowledge of tax law and terms
- Numerical proficiency
- Good eye for detail
9. Credit analyst
Credit analysts look at individual or business financial statements to determine the risk involved in loaning that person or company money. They might work for banks, mortgage companies, or other financial institutions.
Average salary: $77,440 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in economics or accounting
Skills:
- Mathematical reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Customer service skills
10. Economist
Economists research and report on factors that impact a society’s or country’s economy, like inflation or supply and demand. They may work for research labs, academic institutions, governments, or consulting companies.
Average salary: $105,630 per year
Qualifications:
- A master’s in economics is usually required
Skills:
- Good research skills
- Excellent organization and analytical abilities
- Solid written and verbal communication skills
Who’s hiring in finance on Handshake?
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Federal Reserve Board
- U.S. Government Accountability Office
- National Security Agency
- Maximus
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Common finance job FAQs
Have questions about the finance field? We’ve answered some of the most common queries below.
What can you do with a financial degree?
A finance degree can pave the path toward traditional roles in banking or on Wall Street.
However, finance degrees can also open doors to more diverse jobs, like accounting, insurance sales, tax reporting, and loan advising. Regardless of your career goals, aim for at least a 3.5 GPA to become a finance professional.
What do most Finance Majors do?
Common career paths for finance majors include financial analysis and forecasting, portfolio management, and financial risk assessment and risk management.
However, finance majors can also pursue other paths, working in diverse industries from higher education (for example, in student financial aid services) to health care (for example, in medical billing).
What is the average salary for a finance job?
The median salary for finance jobs was $76,570 as of May 2021 — well above the national average of ($45,760) for all professions. However, salaries largely depend on the job title.
For example, the median pay for financial analysts is $95,570 per year. However, for tax examiners, it’s $56,780 per year. Meanwhile, claims adjusters fall somewhere in the middle, with $64,710 per year.
Find the right finance career for you with help from Handshake
Finance is a promising major, opening doors to diverse careers from financial analyst to auditor or accountant. When deciding which track is right for you, don’t just think about salary. You also want to consider growth potential, job satisfaction, and long-term goals.
Remember, you aren’t just starting a job after college — you’re taking the first step in building a career.
Handshake helps you get on the right foot with an easy hiring platform. Create a profile, get personalized job recommendations, save jobs you’re interested in, and start meeting employers to discuss job posts.
Get started today!
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm#:~:text=Financial%20analysts%20work%20in%20banks,and%20other%20types%20of%20investments.
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/loan-officers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/insurance-underwriters.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/tax-examiners-and-collectors-and-revenue-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132041.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm
