12 Interesting Jobs in Finance

Thinking about possible jobs in finance? There are lots of great and varied opportunities in this industry.   

And if you’re serious about a finance career, you may also want to consider an MBA or master’s degree in finance. These programs can help get you on the right path. An MBA will give you a solid business background, while a finance degree will go more in-depth on financial theory.

Here are some interesting jobs in finance to consider, including job descriptions and average salaries:

1. Investment Banker
   An investment bank works with individuals and organizations to help raise capital by selling bonds or equity. You could have a specialized role or advise many different clients on a variety of opportunities -- it depends on the firm you’re with.
   
   Average investment banker salary: $100,675

2. Financial Analyst
   Working for a company or non-profit rather than a bank, financial analysts help decision-makers determine investment strategies for the organization.
   
   Financial analysis is a skill that offers lots of potential for job opportunities. In a recent analysis of labor market data from Bentley University, this skill had the second highest number of job openings in the finance industry.
   
   Average financial analyst salary: $92,250
    
3. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
   CFOs lead and manage the overall financial dealings of companies. Tracking profit and loss, then strategizing how to make the company more profitable are the main tasks of CFOs. Management experience is needed to direct staff on how to maximize the finances of the company, which may include various departments or divisions.
   
   Average chief financial officer salary: $158,553
   
   Check out this list of well-known CFOs with MBA degrees.

4. Finance Director
   Companies that don't have CFO as a title separate from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) may instead have a finance director to help the CEO manage financial operations of the company. Strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, forecasting, budgeting and financial modeling are expected skills for this job. You could also work for a bank or the government.
   
   Finance directors and controllers (below) are sometimes combined into one role, but they have different responsibilities.
   
   Average finance director salary: $147,405
    
5. Controller
   
   A controller (or Chief Accounting Officer) is responsible for directing a company’s accounting practices. Controllers have many responsibilities, including the development of profit and loss statements, balance sheets and financial prospectuses. They also prepare reports that predict the financial performance of the organization.
   
   Average controller salary: $93,829
    
6. Accountant
   Accountants are charged with managing and interpreting financial statements. Depending on your specific career interest and skills, you may want to focus on one of the following specialties: forensic accounting, managerial accounting, public accounting, internal auditing or government accounting.
   
   Accounting is actually a great skill for anyone to have -- no matter your job title. In the previously mentioned market analysis, accounting abilities offered some of the highest salaries in finance -- and the most number of job openings.
   
   Average accountant salary: $73,670
    
7. Financial Examiner
   If you’re interested in the ethical component of business, a financial examiner could be a good fit. They are tasked with checking a company is compliant with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions.
   
   Average financial examiner salary: $76,310

8. Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agents
   
   This type of role combines a job in sales with a finance background. These agents work with buyers and sellers in the financial markets to sell securities, counsel companies and handle trades.
   
   Average financial services sales agent salary: $72,070

9. Portfolio Manager
   By far, the most common career path for people with a CFA is portfolio manager, according to the CFA Institute. 22 percent of people who pass the exam end up in this field. Portfolio managers often work at investment management firms and oversee a fund or group of funds, making investment decisions and tracking trends.
   
   Average portfolio manager salary: $118,752
    
10. Trader
    Traders work closely with portfolio managers, buying and selling securities based on their requests.
    
    Average trader salary: $89,496
     
11. Stockbroker
    Like traders, brokers buy and sell securities. Rather than working with a portfolio manager, however, most brokers operate on behalf of a client. 
    
    Average stockbroker salary: $59,380

12. Personal Financial Advisor
    Prefer working with individuals rather than companies? This role requires a thorough knowledge of taxes, investments, how to plan financial goals, etc.
    
    Average personal financial advisor salary:  $108,090 (If you’re self-employed, the more clients you have, the more money you make.)

Many of these jobs have a lot of flexibility in terms of industry. Yes, finance students can run right to Wall Street and have a great career. But they can also have great careers at nonprofits, startups, the government, etc. Take the time to figure out what makes the most sense for you and your goals.
 

Learn more about career outcomes for students who go through Bentley's Master's in Finance program.