5 Jobs for Finance Grads to Consider
- Actuary
- Budget Analyst
- Business Teacher
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
A finance degree provides a wide range of opportunities, and these five jobs for finance grads are worth considering. Most of these jobs are in environments such as an office or classroom, although they may provide some opportunities for travel. These top five jobs for finance grads also offer a nice mix of human interaction and the use of technology on a computer.
Related resource: 20 Best Online Schools for Finance 2017
1. Actuary
An actuary typically works for insurance companies. They analyze information related to risk, such as the risk of a person dying of a certain condition, injury or accident at a particular age. Actuaries may use complex computer algorithms, statistics, and software packages in their work. These jobs are often located in large cities where insurance companies maintain regional offices or their corporate headquarters.
2. Budget Analyst
A budget analyst takes a look at a company’s or organization’s income versus expenses and offers advice on how to improve cash flow for the short-term and profitability for the long-term. In a medium or large company, a budget analyst might take a look at quarterly and annual numbers in order to determine if cutbacks are needed or if growth can be sustained. Budget analysts may work independently and serve as contractors for nonprofit organizations and small businesses that cannot afford an on-staff budget analyst.
3. Business Teacher
A finance grad who also gets certified as a secondary school teacher could work as a business teacher. In high schools and community colleges, business teachers lead classes with subject matter such as quarterly estimated taxes, determining tax rates and how to manage simple payroll taxes. Business teachers may also teach personal finance classes for students. These courses could include topics such as how to complete a 1040 income tax return, how to balance a checkbook and how to set up a household budget.
See also: Entry Level Jobs for Business Graduates
4. Financial Analyst
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in financial analysis are expected to grow by 11 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations in the United States. Financial analysts provide investment advice to individuals and businesses. They advise people and business owners about stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other opportunities. They may help people set up 401(k) and Roth IRA investment accounts. They may also help people who will have a large estate set up an estate plan for the distribution of their wealth.
5. Accountant
Accountants are responsible for preparing and examining financial records. They ensure that all financial records are accurate. They maintain the records in case of an audit by the Internal Revenue Service or a state tax auditor. They may complete the income tax return filings for small businesses, corporations, nonprofit organizations or individuals. Some accountants work on their own, providing contracted services for individuals and small business owners. Others are employed by medium-sized companies or large corporations, working in-house on financial statement preparation, auditing, financial record organization or the filing of quarterly and annual taxes.
Each of these five jobs for finance grads offers the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. People who enjoy helping others might tend toward the teaching and advisory roles, while people who are more introverted may prefer more tech-oriented options. Most finance degrees have an area of specialty, and one of these top five jobs for finance grads could be an ideal fit as an entry-level position.
