7 In-Demand Jobs for Recent Finance Graduates

Are you a recent finance graduate ready to kick-start your career?

Finance majors at universities are always popular because they offer many job opportunities.

So, what are some jobs you can get with this degree? Let's explore 15 of them!

What is a Finance Degree?

The Finance program is a field of study related to the management of financial resources within a business to achieve specific goals.

Given its primary function, this program will naturally delve into how to use resources, calculate, analyze, research, and manage the financial and monetary aspects of a business.

The Finance program is closely related to management, business, and accounting. All three disciplines teach various important skills for careers in finance.

Core Subjects

Finance degree programs delve into various core subjects, each providing a unique perspective on financial matters:

• Financial Accounting: This subject provides insight into the language of business – financial statements. Students learn how to analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to gauge a company's financial health.
• Managerial Finance: Managerial finance explores financial management within organizations. Topics include budgeting, cost analysis, capital budgeting, and financial decision-making to maximize shareholder value.
• Investments: The study of investments includes managing portfolios, assessing risks, valuing assets, and creating and managing investment portfolios.
• Corporate Finance: Corporate finance delves into the financial decisions made by corporations. It includes capital structure, financing options, and strategic financial planning.
• Economics: it helps finance professionals analyze market trends, predict economic changes, and make decisions based on supply, demand, and consumer behavior.

Career Options for Finance Graduates

As we've discussed above, you don't need to worry about finding the right career opportunities after graduating from the Finance program.

There are plenty of job prospects and professions for you to choose from as a finance graduate. Some of them include:

1. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts serve as financial detectives, meticulously examining financial data to provide insights that drive strategic decisions. They assess market trends, economic indicators, and company financials to offer recommendations on investments, mergers, and financial strategies.

Example:

A financial analyst might analyze a company's financial statements, assess its competitive position in the industry, and project future financial performance. Based on their findings, they may recommend adjustments to the company's investment portfolio or advise on potential merger opportunities.

Average Salary Range: As per US News, the average income of Financial Analysts in 2021 was $81,730. The top 25% earned $127,610, whereas the bottom 25% earned $62,380.

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2. Real Estate Analyst

Real estate analysts play a pivotal role in evaluating property investments. They analyze property values, market trends, and potential risks to guide real estate investments, property development, and sales strategies.

Example:

A real estate analyst may assess the potential profitability of a commercial property investment by considering factors such as location, market demand, and potential rental income. They provide insights on whether a property aligns with an investor's financial goals.

Average Salary Range: According to salary.com , the mean salary for Real Estate Analysts in the US is $96,480 as of July 25, 2023. However, the salary range usually varies from $81,480 to $113,330.

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3. Investment Banker

Investment bankers are dealmakers who facilitate mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising for corporations and clients. They analyze financial data, conduct due diligence, and structure deals to maximize financial opportunities.

Example:

An investment banker may assist a company in raising capital for expansion by underwriting an initial public offering (IPO). They evaluate the company's financial health, prepare marketing materials, and help set the IPO price, ultimately driving successful fundraising.

Average Salary Range: As per Mergers & Inquisitions, the typical starting salary for a US Investment Banker analyst ranges from $100,000 to $125,000.

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4. Financial Planner

Financial planners provide personalized guidance to individuals and families, helping them navigate their financial journeys. They assess clients' financial goals, create comprehensive financial plans, and offer strategies for budgeting, saving, and investing.

Example:

A financial planner may work with a client nearing retirement to develop a comprehensive retirement plan. They analyze the client's current financial situation, project future expenses, and recommend investment strategies to ensure a comfortable retirement.

Average Salary Range: Glassdoor reports that the average annual salary for a Financial Planner in the United States is approximately $104,384.

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5. Accountant

Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. They prepare financial statements, manage budgets, and provide insights that aid in informed decision-making.

Example:

An accountant working for a multinational corporation may be responsible for reconciling international financial transactions, ensuring compliance with international tax laws, and preparing financial reports that adhere to both local and international accounting standards.

Average Salary Range: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for accountants and auditors across the country was $78,000 in May 2022.

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6. Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee an organization's financial operations, making strategic decisions to optimize financial performance and drive growth. They manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and provide guidance on financial strategy.

Example:

A financial manager in a healthcare organization may analyze revenue and expense data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement. They might recommend adjustments to pricing strategies or investments in technology to improve financial outcomes.

Average Salary Range: Knowledge Hut reports that the typical annual income of a financial manager in the US is $134,180 USD.

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7. Financial Consultant

Financial consultants provide expert advice on investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth management. They offer tailored solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals and navigate complex financial markets.

Example:

A financial consultant may work with a high-net-worth individual to create a diversified investment portfolio. They consider the client's risk tolerance, investment goals, and market conditions to develop a strategy that aligns with the client's long-term objectives.

Average Salary Range: According to Comparably, the earnings of Financial Advisors in the United States vary between $22,140 and $594,567, with a typical salary of $106,673.

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Challenges Faced by Finance Degree Graduates

1. Complex Financial Markets: Understanding financial markets involves knowing about economic trends, how markets work, and smart ways to invest money. Graduates should keep learning about changes in the market to make good decisions.
2. Regulatory Changes: Rules about finance often change quickly. These rules affect how people invest money, pay taxes, and follow laws. Finance grads must stay updated to make sure they follow all the rules.
3. Competition: Getting top jobs in finance is tough because many people want them. Graduates need to stand out by learning a lot, making connections, and having special skills.
4. Ethical Considerations: Finance professionals sometimes face tough choices about what's right for their clients and how transparent they should be. Graduates should always do what's best for their clients and be honest.
5. Data Security and Privacy: Keeping financial information safe from hackers and other threats is crucial. Graduates must use strong security measures to protect clients' information.

How to Overcome The Challenges

1. Continuous Learning: Keep learning about industry trends, rule changes, and new tech by taking extra courses, getting certifications, and going to seminars.
2. Networking: Make connections by going to finance events, joining groups, and finding mentors who can give advice.
3. Ethical Awareness: Understand what's right and wrong in finance and follow the rules. If you're not sure, ask someone you trust for advice.
4. Diversified Skill Set: Learn more than just finance. Get good at analyzing data, using technology, and talking to people to stand out from others.
5. Adaptive Mindset: Be ready for changes. Finance moves fast, so it's important to learn new things quickly.
6. Client-Centric Approach: Put your clients first and be honest with them. Building strong relationships based on trust can help you handle tough situations.

Ready to shape your success in finance?

With your finance degree, you hold the key to a future full of opportunities. Explore the finance & accounting jobs that match your skills at Epicareer now!