There are various career paths you can embark on with a finance degree.

A finance degree is a valuable asset that can open doors to a multitude of career paths. Here are 20 options to consider:

1. Investment banking
2. Financial planning
3. Corporate finance
4. Accounting
5. Risk management
6. Insurance underwriting
7. Commercial banking
8. Wealth management
9. Real estate
10. Financial analysis
11. Treasury management
12. Credit analysis
13. Investment management
14. Consulting
15. Securities trading
16. Venture capital
17. Private equity
18. Tax planning
19. Fundraising
20. Economic research

With a finance degree, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer working with numbers, analyzing data, or providing financial advice, there’s a career path that’s perfect for you. So don’t limit yourself – explore all your options and find the career that suits your interests and skills best.

If you're uncertain about your career options after obtaining a finance degree, don't worry. The possibilities are vast and go beyond the norm. We've put together a list of both expected and unexpected careers in finance that may pique your interest. Keep reading to find out what you can do with a finance degree.

1. Financial Planner

Average salary: $88,890

Financial planners play a crucial role in assisting clients, whether individuals, families or businesses. They help these clients gain an improved understanding of their financial objectives, both immediate and long-term. In addition to creating a comprehensive economic plan, these professionals provide suggestions and pursue new business ventures.

2. Construction Project Manager

Average salary: $93,370

Are you seeking a career that combines finance with a love for construction? Look no further than construction project management. This profession involves analyzing projects financially by forecasting costs and establishing budgets. On top of that, construction project managers are also responsible for supervising various tasks, including scheduling, generating progress reports, and hiring workers for construction sites.

3. Auditor

Average salary: $70,500

If you're interested in enhancing a company's financial success, you might want to consider a career as an auditor. Auditors are responsible for reviewing financial records for businesses, governments, and individuals to ensure their accuracy. To excel in this role, you need to have strong attention to detail and time management skills, whether working independently or as part of an organization.

4. Budget Analyst

Average salary: $76,220

Budget analysts play a vital role in any company by examining project budgets and identifying areas for improvement. They scrutinize budget proposals and evaluate funding requests to identify ways to reduce costs, an essential step towards long-term growth and success.

5. Financial Analyst

Average salary: $85,660

Financial analysts assist clients in optimizing their investment portfolios by studying market trends and evaluating the financial viability of investments. As you progress in your career, you may also acquire more financial certifications.

6. Lawyer

Average salary: $120,910

When pondering finance-related professions, the terms ‘accounting’ and ‘tax’ may spring to mind more readily than ‘lawyer’ or ‘law’. Yet, attorneys who possess financial expertise are well-equipped to handle computations for client compensation and claims, as well as to challenge major corporations due to their financial industry background knowledge and proficiency.

7. Credit Analyst

Average salary: $71,520

Do you have a knack for analyzing data? If yes, then a career as a credit analyst might be perfect for you! This job involves scrutinizing financial information and credit data for banks and other lenders. By evaluating the risk profiles of individuals and businesses, you play a crucial role in assessing their creditworthiness.

8. Chartered Tax Accountant

Average salary: $70,500

Choosing to become a chartered tax accountant is an ideal career path for those who possess strong numerical skills and prefer a steady stream of tasks. Chartered tax accountants are tasked with overseeing the financial matters of both businesses and individuals, and can also enjoy the possibility of career advancement and travel opportunities, depending on the specific company they join. Accounting offers various areas of expertise, but chartered tax accounting is particularly suited to those who enjoy working with numbers.

9. Actuary

Average salary: $102,880

If you're contemplating a career as an actuary, you're in for an absorbing and lucrative path. These professionals evaluate potential risks in auto accident claims on behalf of their insurance company, enabling their employer to proceed with the most appropriate course of action for each client.

10. Stockbroker

Average salary: $64,120

The media often depicts stockbrokers, which is why it's expected to be a career option for those with a finance degree. Stockbrokers purchase and sell stocks, bonds, and commodities for clients and outside firms. They provide functionary, discretionary, and advisory services. This job may be stressful, but it's ideal for those who can think quickly.

11. Loan Officer

Average salary: $63,040

If you possess financial acumen, this profession is perfect for you. As a loan officer, you will be responsible for evaluating loan applications and making the final decision on whether to approve or reject them. To do this, you must analyze the applicant's financial history, credit score, and current financial status, as well as any prior loan records.

12. Bank Branch Manager

Average salary: $127,990

This job is perfect for someone who enjoys interacting with others.
As a manager of a bank branch, you will be responsible for important aspects of the bank's operations. This includes not only managing financial reports but also recruiting and educating new team members, supervising staff, and delivering exceptional banking services to customers.

13. Business Development Manager

Average salary: $111,340

An individual with excellent customer service skills and a finance background could be a business development manager. This person would regularly interact with staff and customers, upholding the company’s values and philosophy. Additionally, they must educate their team on product and service usage.

14. Real Estate Agent

Average salary: $48,690

It is feasible to secure a job as a self-employed agent that lets you earn commissions by selling other people's homes while also giving you the opportunity to purchase and sell your own properties without incurring real estate charges. As an agent, you will come across potential clients at multiple properties, whether you specialize in the rental or sale market.

15. College Business Professor

Average salary: $83,960

Are you interested in sharing your extensive financial expertise with enthusiastic young minds? Consider becoming a college professor! This role involves instructing and creating course materials, assessing student progress, grading assignments, and conducting research in your area of specialization.

16. Personal Financial Advisor

Average salary: $88,890

Don't hesitate to assist individuals in securing their financial futures! As a financial advisor, you possess the skill to meticulously document, assist clients with investment portfolios, and offer guidance and suggestions to those who rely on you. You are a master of all (financial) trades. Additionally, you will deal with customer inquiries and assuage their financial concerns.

17. Finance Director

Average salary: $127,990

This executive role is one of the most lucrative in the finance industry, but it's not a job for the timid. Finance directors are responsible for managing finances and creating budgets, often in collaboration with top executives. They also provide financial reports and help develop strategies.

18. Revenue Agent

Average salary: $54,440

Being a revenue agent is a significant job in the local government's workforce. In this role, your duty is to scrutinize tax returns to guarantee their precision. Additionally, you may have to conduct audits through phone calls or visitations to individual taxpayers or businesses.

19. Investment Banker

Average salary: $64,120

Undoubtedly, a finance degree-holder can find a promising career path as an investment banker. This profession involves expertise in three major domains: corporate finance (dealing with firms), debt capital markets (handling corporate debts), and equity capital markets (raising capital through market research and analysis).

20. Insurance Agent

Average salary: $50,600

As an insurance agent, you have the opportunity to cultivate connections with current clients and seek out new ones to expand your customer base. Your role involves helping individuals secure the most favorable insurance rates and selecting plans that suit their specific requirements. While not every profession mentioned may suit you, there are likely a few that align with your aspirations for your finance degree.