Motivated financial industry professionals will want to understand what jobs in finance pay the most? Whether you are a recent graduate or an established leader with many years of experience, there are many routes to pursue within the finance realm.
Below we outline 10 of the best-paying jobs in finance, the salary information, typical job duties, and the requirements. We also provide insights on what it takes to earn one of these valuable positions.
1. Personal Financial Advisor
Job Duties
Financial advisors assist clients in planning their short- and long-term investment goals. They coach their customers on purchasing a home, saving for retirement, or financing their kids’ education. Personal financial advisors will also deliver insights on tax and insurance strategies. When they are not meeting with clients, financial advisors research and analyze optimal investment opportunities.
Salary Information:
$89,330 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with a focus in economics, finance, or accounting
- MBA will provide more credibility and assist with recruiting more clients
- Many financial advisors will work to obtain their Certified Financial Planner credential
2. Financial Analyst
Job Duties
A financial analyst collects, monitors, and studies financial data. They communicate their findings by advising upper management on cost-saving strategies and profit and loss statement insights. Financial analysts also spend time comparing actual and forecasted results. They explain why the company or business is seeing variances in specific areas.
Salary Information:
$83,660 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Some financial analysts will study to earn a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification
3. Financial Examiner
Job Duties
Financial examiners make sure the financial institutions and banks remain compliant with laws, rules, and regulations that oversee them. They also ensure the real estate and financial transactions comply with these rules. These individuals typically work within the insurance or finance industry, state governments, and federal governments.
Financial examiners who work in consumer compliance or risk assessment will make sure the financial system is stable. They also monitor that financial institutions can cover unforeseen losses and provide safe loans.
Salary Information:
$81,430 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Accounting coursework
- Various financial examiners obtain a Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE) certification
4. Budget Analyst
Job Duties
Budget analysts facilitate private and public organizations in planning their financial strategies. They work closely with project managers, directors, and executives in developing all types of budgets. In addition, they will typically perform cost-benefit analysis and forecasting, which contributes to them accepting or rejecting funding requests and proposals.
Salary Information:
$78,970 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics
- Coursework in economics, accounting, and statistics
5. Accountant or Auditor
Job Duties
Accountants make sure that a company’s financial statements and records align with regulations, laws, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). They also address mistakes, irregularities, or discrepancies within statements, records, or transactions. Accountants and auditors will provide their reports and insights to stakeholders outside of finance.
Salary Information:
$73,560 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting
- Many professionals who proceed with the accounting route will complete certification with an emphasis in accounting, such as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license
6. Insurance Underwriter
Job Duties
Insurance underwriters assess and evaluate insurance applicants. They decide if a prospective customer should be insured or not. If the applicant is approved, the insurance underwriters will advise on a suitable premium that handles that risk level. Insurance underwriters also utilize software to better analyze a client’s risk profile and forecast costs.
Salary Information:
$71,790 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, science, finance, accounting, science, mathematics, or statistics
- Certifications through The Institutes
7. Insurance Claims Adjustor
Job Duties
Insurance claims adjusters evaluate claims related to loss due to bodily injury, property damage, or related incidents. They decide whether the party claiming this loss should receive a payment under the insurance policy or not. They also perform calculations to decide on the amount of payment. Most insurance claims adjusters work for insurance companies, but others will serve as independent consultants.
Salary Information:
$68,130 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Some entry-level opportunities require a high school diploma
- Most insurance companies have comprehensive training programs
- Some positions will require a bachelor’s degree or work experience in an insurance-related role
8. Loan Officer
Job Duties
Loan officers work for credit unions, banks, and various institutions by helping customers apply for loans. They also do a full analysis to evaluate a customer’s credit strength through a detailed underwriting process. Loan officers consult clients on the loan type and amount that best fits their needs. These professionals typically focus on one of three lending types: mortgage, consumer, or commercial.
Salary Information:
$63,690 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance- or business-related field
- Coursework in economics, accounting, or finance
- Depending on the company, a master’s degree will raise the chances of getting hired
- Many loan officers receive some form of on-the-job training
9. Fundraiser
Job Duties
Fundraising professionals will plan, organize, and operate functions designed to raise funds for various organizations. They not only orchestrate the event, but they develop the promotional and marketing materials. Fundraisers will also establish meaningful relationships with sponsors to help strengthen the event. They also create and implement specific campaigns to raise funds.
Salary Information:
$59,610 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- High school diploma
- Prior experience working within a fundraising role
- Soft skills include emotional intelligence, creativity, analytical, and organizational leadership behaviors
10. Tax Examiner, Collector, or Revenue Agent
Job Duties
Tax examiners and collectors will evaluate how much taxes and collected taxes are owed by businesses and individuals. They often represent local, state, and federal governments. They analyze tax returns, perform audits, investigate taxes owed, and obtain overdue tax payments. These professionals must stay up to date on tax regulations and laws to advise taxpayers on correct courses of action.
Salary Information:
$55,640 (2020 median pay)
Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a finance-related field
- Some firms will require previous experience in auditing, tax compliance, or accounting
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