What Jobs Can You Get With a Finance Degree?

A finance degree provides a versatile foundation for many career paths. It equips individuals with knowledge in financial markets, economic principles, and analytical techniques. Graduates understand how capital flows, how financial decisions influence organizations, and how to interpret complex financial data. The degree prepares individuals for roles requiring an understanding of financial concepts and strategic thinking.

Investment and Portfolio Management Roles

Careers in investment and portfolio management involve managing financial assets for institutions or high-net-worth individuals. These roles demand an understanding of market dynamics and a strategic approach to capital allocation. Professionals aim to maximize returns while managing inherent risks.

Investment banking

Investment banking involves advising companies on financial transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or capital raising. M&A analysts and corporate finance associates assist in valuing businesses, structuring deals, and preparing presentations for clients. Investment bankers also help companies raise capital by underwriting initial public offerings (IPOs) or issuing debt securities.

Asset management and portfolio management

Asset management and portfolio management manage investment portfolios for various clients, including mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds. Professionals conduct market research and analyze individual securities to make informed investment decisions. They monitor portfolio performance, rebalance asset allocations, and ensure investment strategies align with client objectives. They aim to optimize returns while adhering to risk parameters.

Trading and sales roles

Trading and sales roles involve facilitating the buying and selling of financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and derivatives in capital markets. Traders execute orders on behalf of clients or their firm, striving to achieve optimal prices and provide market liquidity. Sales professionals connect investors with suitable financial products, sharing market insights and research to support client decisions. These environments are fast-paced, requiring quick decision-making and an understanding of market movements.

Corporate Financial Operations

Finance roles within non-financial corporations manage a company’s internal financial health and guide strategic financial decisions. These positions support a business’s operational efficiency and long-term viability. Professionals in these areas contribute directly to a company’s profitability and growth.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professionals handle budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to support strategic decision-making. They analyze financial data to identify trends, assess performance against financial goals, and provide insights to management. FP&A teams help departments develop annual budgets and project future financial outcomes, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.

Treasury management

Treasury management manages a company’s liquidity, cash flow, investments, and debt. Treasury professionals manage banking relationships, optimize cash positions, and mitigate financial risks like foreign exchange rate fluctuations. They also manage the company’s capital structure, determining the optimal mix of debt and equity financing. This function ensures a company has sufficient cash to meet its obligations and strategically deploys excess funds.

Investor Relations (IR)

Investor Relations (IR) professionals link a company’s management and its investors, including shareholders and financial analysts. They communicate financial performance, strategic direction, and other corporate information to the investment community. IR roles involve preparing financial reports and presentations, managing earnings calls, and responding to investor inquiries. Their work helps maintain transparency and build trust with current and potential investors.

Commercial banking

Commercial banking, particularly in corporate lending, focuses on providing financial services like loans and credit lines to businesses. Professionals conduct financial analysis of client companies to assess creditworthiness and structure appropriate financing solutions. They manage relationships with corporate clients, understanding their financial needs and providing tailored banking products. This role supports businesses of all sizes, from startups to large multinational corporations, by facilitating their access to capital.

Financial Advisory and Planning

Financial advisory and planning careers center on providing personalized financial guidance and services directly to individuals, families, or small businesses. These roles emphasize understanding client-specific goals and developing tailored strategies to achieve financial well-being. Building strong client relationships is a central aspect of these professions.

Personal financial advisors and planners

Personal financial advisors and planners assist individuals with various aspects of their financial lives, including budgeting, retirement planning, and investment strategies. They help clients navigate complex financial decisions, such as saving for education expenses or managing debt. These advisors often provide holistic guidance that covers insurance needs, estate planning considerations, and tax implications, aiming to create a comprehensive financial roadmap.

Wealth management professionals

Wealth management professionals provide comprehensive financial services for high-net-worth individuals and families. Their services include sophisticated investment management, philanthropic planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies. Wealth managers often coordinate with other professionals, such as attorneys and tax specialists, to address the intricate financial needs of affluent clients. They help clients preserve and grow their assets across various market conditions.

Brokerage roles

Brokerage roles primarily involve facilitating the buying and selling of securities for clients, acting as intermediaries in financial markets. While some brokerage functions are transactional, many roles now combine execution services with advisory components. Brokers help clients understand different investment products and execute trades in alignment with their financial objectives. These professionals operate in various settings, including independent advisory firms, large brokerage houses, and traditional banks.

Risk and Compliance Careers

Risk and compliance careers identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks while ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies. These functions maintain the stability and integrity of financial institutions and large corporations. Professionals in these areas work to safeguard assets, prevent financial crime, and uphold ethical standards.

Risk analysts and managers

Risk analysts and managers focus on various types of financial risk, including credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk. Within financial institutions, they develop and implement risk models to quantify potential exposures. Their responsibilities include continuously monitoring risk levels, analyzing potential impacts of adverse events, and designing strategies to mitigate losses. This proactive approach helps organizations manage their risk profile within acceptable limits.

Compliance officers and analysts

Compliance officers and analysts ensure an organization adheres to legal and regulatory requirements, such as anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, consumer protection laws, and data privacy regulations. They develop and update internal policies and procedures to reflect current regulatory landscapes. Compliance professionals also conduct audits to assess adherence to these policies and provide training to employees on regulatory obligations. Their work helps prevent legal penalties and reputational damage.

Internal audit professionals

Internal audit professionals independently evaluate an organization’s internal controls, risk management frameworks, and governance processes. They assess whether these systems are effective in safeguarding assets, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, and promoting operational efficiency. Internal auditors provide objective assessments and recommendations to management, helping to improve controls and mitigate risks. Their independent oversight helps maintain accountability and transparency within the organization.