Anyone who has a passion for financial markets, investments, stocks, or just loves numbers may want to consider a degree in finance. Students who have recently graduated will find many opportunities for exciting and rewarding careers.
Finance skills can be of great use in many areas, and there are countless professions where you can use your Financial education. Those studying for a financial career will find that analytical knowledge is a huge asset.
These will allow you to land employment to dissect financial statements or appraise standings of companies or private parties. If you are a college finance graduate, read on to learn more about some exciting occupations that can be found.
1. Financial Planner
This is one of the best options for recent graduates and majors who know about different investment opportunities. Planners are professionals that advise clients on how they should be managing their finances. Financial planners use this knowledge to apply it to planning sessions by deciphering other trends in investment markets.
Principles of accounting are essential in this financial sector as you will have to create plans that are suitable for each investor based on their current financial standing. You will also have to get your clients to have faith in your abilities and trust your judgment, so interpersonal skills are beneficial in this field.
Based on current statistics, a personal financial advisor can expect an average salary of $87,850 annually. In addition, there is an expected growth rate of employment for planners of 4% between now and 2029.
2. Accountant
Those who have an education in finance may seek to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Many of these jobs are available, and there is a growing need for competent accountants.
As a popular career for finance grads, accountants can be employed by an individual or a business, and they will help with financial business issues. Close attention to detail is required, and you must have communication skills to convey economic findings to senior management, clients, and colleagues.
As an accountant, you will be fully responsible for managing and reporting the financial information of an organization or private party. You will have to prepare financial statements, examine accounts, and ensure that all reporting and procedures adhere to compliance standards.
When working with a corporation, you will also be responsible for tracking payments to all internal and external stakeholders and preparing budget forecasts.
3. Tax Associate
With a finance education, you can enjoy working as a tax associate. You will be specializing in taxes and will use strategies that will minimize tax liabilities. Tax associates also review financial records and file returns for individuals or companies. Aside from financial skills, you will also need to have the ability to problem-solve.
By the year 2028, it is expected that over 90,000 employment opportunities will be available for associates. Tax associates can also work as finance freelancers, offering their professional services without working under a parent business. If this is a choice, some high-demand freelance skills will be required.
Most of these will be obtained throughout your education, but hands-on experience in accounting will also be beneficial. Some of the skills needed to perform tax associate duties as a freelancer will include:
- College degree in finance or accounting
- Detail-oriented
- Excel understanding
- Ability to work independently
- Ethical standards
- Written and verbal communication skills
4. Data Analyst
Some students want to combine finances with the latest technology, a perfect combination for a data analyst. This position will require collecting, organizing, and analyzing statistics from various sources. The job can be in different fields, but technical knowledge will be essential to work with complex software and multiple systems.
For example, you may be reviewing sales performance for a leading company or analyzing stock or inventory. These analysts are used in every business, and most large corporations worldwide require analysis with a finance degree.
To perform the job, you will have to spot specific patterns, produce reports based on these patterns, and share the findings with others. Most entry-level analysts can expect a starting salary of between $51,000 and $65,000 yearly.
Most analysts hold a bachelor’s degree; however, there are great opportunities for those with a finance graduate degree, including advanced analytical occupations.
There is a growing demand for skilled analysts, and any financial investment corporation will offer a handsome salary since the supply of employees is limited. Moreover, any business that uses information will require an analyst to make investment decisions, assess risk, even make choices on capital allocations.
As an analyst, you can land an exciting job on Wall Street with investment banks, work on hedge funds, or enjoy the perks of working with private equity firms.
Conclusion
With continued growth in the financial sector, there are many job opportunities for those that have earned a degree. These are just a few of the financial jobs that can be landed after college, many of which will hire entry-level employees.
Around the globe, some companies need those that know different financial topics and skills. Whether you are a recent grad or have past involvement in the industry, these great professions are some of the best available.