There are many benefits to majoring in finance and one of them is the numerous job opportunities that come with it. With a degree in finance (for some, even accounting) there is a list of various positions in many industries that you can work in, even fresh out of college.
So, what to do with a finance degree and no experience? Read on to find the best entry-level finance jobs and the salaries that come with them.
1. Actuary
Actuaries are professionals in charge of analyzing and assessing the financial consequences of potential risk. They study uncertain future events concerning finance by using mathematics, financial theory, and statistics.
Actuaries can work in various industries, such as consulting firms, insurance companies, large corporations, the government, banks, hospitals, investment firms, etc. Generally, an actuary career is considered more of a business one rather than a mathematical career.
Salary of an actuary
With a degree in finance, going for an actuary career will often result in a six-figure income. The average salary of an actuary is somewhere around $102,000.
2. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing data, and identifying opportunities, evaluating outcomes for potential business activities, or other investment decisions. These professionals can have both junior and senior positions at a given firm.
A financial analyst’s duties consist of gathering data, financial modeling, maintaining spreadsheets, developing investment theses, coming up with marketing ideas, communicating with company management teams, etc.
Salary of a financial analyst
The salary of a financial analyst depends on their level of experience. However, the average salary is around $85,660.
3. Personal Financial Advisor
A personal financial advisor is one of the entry-level financial positions, where part of the job description is to advise someone on how best to deal with money matters, such as investments and other courses of action.
Personal financial advisors also make personalized financial plans for their clients. These plans include investments, savings, insurance, budget, and tax strategies. Additionally, they check up on their clients’ current financial situation and make additional changes if needed.
Salary of a personal financial advisor
The salary of a personal financial advisor depends on some factors such as their experience, the clientele they work with, etc. The median salary of these professionals is around $88,890.
4. Budget Analyst
A budget analyst takes care of budget balancing and taking care of both small and big companies’ finances. They do that by running financial reports, communicating with executives regarding funding needs, assessing budget decisions, etc.
Apart from helping companies with current and past financial dilemmas, these professionals also help a company’s financial future by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of certain hefty purchases.
Salary of a budget analyst
Budget analysts salary varies; however, the average salary is around $76,230.
5. Credit Analyst
Credit analysts are professionals in charge of assessing the creditworthiness of individuals, companies, and securities. These professionals determine whether the borrower will be able to repay their financial debt by reviewing their financial and credit history.
A credit analyst is usually employed by credit card issuing institutions, investment banks, investment companies, and credit rating agencies. Their duties include interpreting financial statements, using ratios for analyzing fiduciary behavior and the history of a potential buyer, etc.
Salary of a credit analyst
Credit analysts earn an average salary of around $71,290.
6. Accountant
Whether someone has a degree in accounting or a degree in finance, being an accountant is always a good way to kickstart a career. Accountants are professionals who generate reports regarding income, expenses, losses, profits, and tax liabilities, and they maintain financial records.
Accountants also advise executives about the potential financial implications their business decisions might have. These professionals either work for private companies or for public accounting firms that are contracted by corporations for tax, auditing, and consulting work.
Salary of an accountant
The average salary for an accountant is $70,000. However, that number can change depending on where they work and how much experience they have.
7. Insurance Underwriter
An insurance underwriter is a professional who analyzes and evaluates the risks of insuring assets and people. They also establish the price for the potential accepted insurable risk.
Insurance underwriters use special software actuarial data so they can determine the likelihood of a risk and its potential magnitude. They assume the risk that could be involved in a contract with an entity or a person.
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Salary of an insurance underwriter
Insurance underwriters earn an average salary of $69,380.
8. Data Analyst
Data analytics consists of gathering data, organizing, and interpreting it so they can draw a meaningful conclusion. Their duties vary depending on a specific project they’re working on and what kind of data they’re collecting.
Almost any company in a variety of industries could benefit from the work of a data analyst. The insights that these professionals provide can be valuable to anyone who wants to know the needs of their users or consumers.
Salary of a data analyst
Data analysts have an average salary of $67,377.
9. Insurance Claims Adjuster
An insurance claim adjuster is responsible for gathering details to find out what happened in a certain incident and find a fair settlement price. A lot of their job is doing investigative work so they can fully understand what happened.
There are three main types of insurance claims adjusters:
- Staff adjuster
- Independent adjuster
- Public adjuster
Salary of an insurance claims adjuster
Insurance claims adjusters have an average salary of around $65,900.
10. Compensation and Benefits Specialist
Compensation and benefits specialists study options for employee benefits so the company can maximize coverage while maintaining minimal costs. They classify jobs, evaluate positions, and set a standard for salary and wages.
These professionals are also in charge of analyzing the market so that the compensation offered is lucrative enough to attract talent and compete with the market.
Salary of a compensation and benefits specialist
The average compensation and benefits specialist earns an average of $63,000.
The salary information was taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics site.
As you can see, there are plentiful entry-level finance careers waiting for someone with a finance background. From actuaries to data analysts, the positions vary greatly and there is a fit for most people. If you find that one of these is your dream career, get started with our Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance program, and achieve your dream in no time!