5 Great Jobs in Finance - The Top Business Schools and Degrees

5 Top Finance Careers

Financial Analyst
Actuary
Accountant
Budget Analyst
Credit Analyst

Many types of jobs in finance provide great opportunities. As one of the top 10 highest-paying college degrees, according to Forbes, a job in finance is a solid career choice for many.

1. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate and recommend investment opportunities. They do so by analyzing historical and current financial information which includes studying economic and business trends. It’s common for analysts to focus on trends in particular areas such as a geographical region or a specific industry. They provide insight in determining a company’s value through examining financial statements. Financial analysts work in a variety of setting including banks, security firms, and insurance companies. Analysts must have a bachelor’s degree from a field such as accounting, finance, economics, mathematics or statistics. The median annual salary for a financial analyst is $81,760.

2. Actuary

An actuary help insurance companies minimize their financial risk. They do this by using statistics, mathematics, and financial theories to estimate the probability and cost if a situation occurs like death. Actuaries play a key role at insurance companies as they design and test the insurance policies. They also determine the cost of the premiums which must be profitable for the company but also competitively priced for the customer. This job in finance requires a bachelor’s degree in an analytical field such as math or statistics. Actuaries work for insurance companies and have a median annual salary of $100,610.

3. Accountant

Accountants organize and maintain financial records. They inspect financial records to ensure compliance with various laws and regulations. They are responsible for completing the entire tax filing process for their clients. Accountants make recommendations for how to reduce costs to maximize profits. They also create detailed reports and explain them thoroughly to their clients. Accountants review accounting systems to ensure that the best methods are being utilized. They usually work for corporations, government agencies, or for individuals. Accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field. The median annual salary is $68,150.

4. Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations keep their finances organized. They prepare and present budget reports. Analysts review requests for funding and ensure budget proposals are complete and accurate. They make sure an organization is in compliance with laws and regulations. They monitor spending and project a company’s financial needs. Budget analysts work in government agencies, businesses, and universities. A bachelor’s degree that contained courses in accounting, statistics, and economics is required. The median annual salary for this job in finance is $73,840.

5. Credit Analyst

Credit analysts analyze financial information about customers. This includes information about purchasing habits, payment history, and income information. After data is collected, the credit analyst makes a recommendation regarding the customer. They evaluate data in a variety of situations such as when customers are requesting a line of credit, requesting a credit line extension, and when a customer has defaulted in making payments. Analysts typically work in banks and other financial institutions. To become one, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. Their annual salary is about $52,000.

Finance is a very lucrative field. The high salaries and significant contributions made make many interested in jobs in finance.