14 Careers You Can Pursue With a Degree in Finance.

 

The financial sector is typically a great choice for graduates who are looking to get a job in their chosen field straight after college. There are plenty of roles to choose from, from working in a local business to working in a high-pressure environment as an investment professional. Some students also choose to specialize further after college, for example taking additional courses to become a certified accountant.

 

There’s no right or wrong path to take after college, and you may well change your role throughout your career. The days of sticking to one job for your whole working life are long gone, with modern employees changing things up when they want a new challenge. So what could you future hold with a finance degree? Let’s take a look.

 

 

Financial Analyst

 

A financial analyst is a key part of any large business. Their role is to gather data, analyze it, generate forecasts and create financial models, and present that information to the people who need it. They also adjust budgets to reflect this new data, after discussion with stakeholders. Financial analysis allows a company to identify any risks, as well as potential opportunities for growth.

 

This role would suit someone who thrives in a high-pressure environment, and isn’t afraid of presenting their findings and defending them in front of senior management. If you love a challenge, want each day to be different, and are interested in working in a corporate environment, this could be a good fit for you.

 

Environmental Accountant

Worried about climate change, but don’t know how to make a difference? Good news – you could consider becoming an environmental accountant. These finance professionals use their reporting and modeling skills to calculate the environmental cost of business activities, with the aim of identifying ways to reduce the most harmful culprits.

 

It can be hard to understand exactly what impact a business is having when all the information is reported collectively as one carbon footprint figure. Environmental accounting breaks this down, allowing companies to have clear information so they can make informed decisions about their products and services. It’s a great way to use the skills you’ve learnt on your course and put them into practice for the greater good.

 

Sales Management

If you get a buzz out of talking to people, then a sales role might be a good choice – it’s far more social than many financial jobs, which involve crunching numbers in an office. As a manager, you’ll also be in charge of monitoring, supporting and motivating a team of people, which can be incredibly rewarding. You may even be able to travel in this role, attending conferences and visiting clients, depending on the sector.

 

Your finance degree will stand you in good stead when it comes to understanding forecasts, setting targets and looking at the data to identify potential market opportunities. Some companies will offer graduate schemes that get you straight into higher level roles, so look out for these if you want to have higher earnings straight out of college.

 

Risk Manager

Risk managers play a critical role in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact an organization’s financial stability and reputation. With a finance degree, you can pursue a career as a risk manager in banks, insurance companies, investment firms, corporations, or government agencies. Risk managers assess potential risks associated with financial transactions, operations, market fluctuations, regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, and other factors. They develop risk management strategies and policies to minimize exposure to risks, protect assets, and ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards.

 

Risk managers also implement risk mitigation measures, such as hedging, diversification, insurance, and contingency planning, to safeguard the organization’s financial interests. Additionally, they monitor and analyze risk metrics, conduct risk assessments and stress tests, and provide recommendations to senior management or board of directors to support decision-making processes. A career as a risk manager requires strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging risks in a dynamic business environment.

 

Investment Banker

Investment bankers are financial professionals who facilitate complex financial transactions for corporations, governments, and other institutions. With a finance degree, you can pursue a career as an investment banker in investment banks, financial advisory firms, or corporate finance departments. Investment bankers advise clients on various financial matters, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, restructuring, and strategic planning. They help companies evaluate potential merger or acquisition targets, structure deals, negotiate terms, and raise capital through debt or equity offerings.

 

Investment bankers also conduct financial due diligence, assess valuation metrics, and prepare financial models and presentations for clients. Moreover, they maintain relationships with clients, industry professionals, and investors to identify potential business opportunities. A career as an investment banker requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and competitive environment.

 

Financial Planner

Financial planners help individuals and families manage their finances and achieve their financial goals. With a finance degree, you can pursue a career as a financial planner in financial planning firms, investment advisory firms, or wealth management departments. Financial planners work closely with clients to understand their financial objectives, assess their current financial situation, and develop personalized financial plans. They provide advice on various aspects of financial planning, including budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management.

 

Financial planners also recommend appropriate investment strategies, insurance products, and retirement accounts based on clients’ risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Additionally, they monitor clients’ financial progress, review and adjust financial plans as needed, and educate clients on financial matters and investment options. A career as a financial planner offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on clients’ financial well-being and help them achieve financial security and independence.

 

Accountant

Accountants play a crucial role in helping businesses and individuals manage their financial records, comply with tax laws and regulations, and make informed business decisions. They prepare and examine financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting principles and regulations.

Accountants also maintain financial records, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. They may specialize in areas such as auditing, tax preparation, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, or financial analysis, depending on their career goals and interests.

 

Loan Officer

Loan officers play a crucial role in facilitating loans for individuals and businesses. They evaluate loan applications, assess borrowers’ creditworthiness, and determine the appropriate loan products and terms based on their financial situation and credit history. Loan officers also help clients understand the loan application process, gather required documentation, and navigate the complexities of lending regulations. They work closely with underwriters, processors, and other professionals to ensure the timely processing and approval of loan applications.

 

Additionally, loan officers build and maintain relationships with clients, real estate agents, and other referral sources to generate new business opportunities and promote loan products and services. A career as a loan officer requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and customer-focused environment.

 

Insurance Underwriter

 

Insurance underwriters assess the risk of insuring individuals and businesses and determine the appropriate coverage and premium rates based on their risk profile. They evaluate insurance applications, review medical records, financial statements, and other relevant information to assess applicants’ insurability and calculate insurance premiums. Insurance underwriters also analyze market trends, claims data, and underwriting guidelines to develop risk assessment models and pricing strategies.

Underwriters also collaborate with insurance agents, brokers, and other professionals to underwrite policies, negotiate terms, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Insurance underwriters may specialize in various types of insurance, such as life insurance, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, or specialty lines of insurance, depending on their expertise and interests. A career as an insurance underwriter requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to evaluate risks effectively to make sound underwriting decisions.

 

Corporate Treasurer

Corporate treasurers play a critical role in managing the financial assets and liabilities of corporations. They oversee cash management, capital budgeting, and investment strategies to optimize the organization’s financial position and liquidity. Corporate treasurers monitor cash flows, forecast cash needs, and develop strategies to fund ongoing operations and capital projects. They also manage relationships with banks and financial institutions, negotiate financing agreements, and ensure compliance with debt covenants and regulatory requirements.

 

Corporate treasurers also assess and manage financial risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, and credit risk, through hedging and other risk management techniques. A career as a corporate treasurer requires strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives and mitigate financial risks.

 

 

Chartered Tax Accountant

A Chartered Tax Accountant specializes in tax law and regulations, providing comprehensive tax planning and advisory services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. They analyze financial data to ensure compliance with tax laws and optimize tax strategies to minimize liabilities. Additionally, they assist clients in preparing and filing tax returns, while also offering guidance on tax-efficient investment strategies and estate planning. Overall, Chartered Tax Accountants play a crucial role in helping clients navigate complex tax matters while maximizing financial efficiency.

 

 

Financial Consultant

A Financial Consultant offers personalized financial advice and guidance to individuals and businesses to help them achieve their financial goals. They assess clients’ financial situations, including income, expenses, investments, and debts, to develop customized financial plans. Financial Consultants provide recommendations on investment opportunities, retirement planning, risk management, and wealth accumulation strategies tailored to clients’ needs and objectives. They also offer ongoing support and monitoring to help clients stay on track towards financial success.

 

 

Actuary

An actuary analyzes financial risks using mathematical and statistical methods to help organizations make informed decisions. They assess the likelihood and financial impact of future events, such as accidents, natural disasters, or mortality rates, on insurance premiums, pensions, and other financial products. Actuaries use complex models to develop strategies that minimize risks while maximizing profitability for their employers or clients. Additionally, they often communicate their findings and recommendations to stakeholders, such as executives, regulators, or policyholders.

 

 

Financial Auditor

 

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a finance degree can open doors to a wide range of rewarding careers in the financial services industry. Whether you’re interested in analyzing financial data, facilitating corporate transactions, helping individuals achieve their financial goals, managing risks, or maintaining financial records, there are plenty of opportunities to pursue a fulfilling career path in finance.