What they do

Financial Analysts work with Bankers, Investors, and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to analyze stocks, bonds, acquisitions, and mergers. Common job duties include building financial models and conducting quantitative analysis to produce reports for their employers or clients. Find out more about what is it like working as a Financial Analyst.

How to become one

Financial Analysts typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, or Economics. Financial Analysts who sell financial products also require licensing through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Additional certifications are available for career advancement, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. The CFA certification is available from the CFA Institute and requires a Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience.

How much they make

$96630

What they do

Financial Planners are sometimes called Personal Financial Advisors and assist individuals and businesses with their financial plans. They may provide retirement planning advice and offer tax planning strategies. Financial Planners must also monitor the economy and the potential risks of various investment options for clients.

How to become one

Financial Planners often need at least a Bachelor’s degree. Most Financial Planners have degrees in Finance, Economics, Business, Accounting, or Mathematics. After obtaining a job, Financial Planners typically receive on-the-job training, working under a senior Advisor.

Financial Planners who directly buy or sell stocks or provide investment advice need professional licenses through the applicable organization. Licensing requirements vary through states and are available from the North American Securities Administrators Association. Obtaining the voluntary Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board can increase your employability in this field.

How much they make

$124,140

What they do

Budget Analysts help private and public organizations maintain their budgets. They may work for businesses, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, reviewing budgets for projects or individual departments. Find out more about what is it like working as a Budget Analyst.

How to become one

Budget Analysts often need at least a Bachelor’s degree. Common fields of study include Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Statistics.

Government Budget Analysts may need to earn the Certified Government Financial Manager credential, which is offered through the Association of Government Accountants. Candidates need at least a Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience.

How much they make

$82690

What they do

Credit Analysts analyze the risks associated with approving loans or offering financing to individuals or companies. They analyze loan applications, review financial trends, and determine the risk of individuals defaulting on their loans. Find out more about what is it like working as a Credit Analyst.

How to become one

Credit Analysts typically require a Bachelor’s degree. However, some lenders and credit card companies may accept candidates with an Associate’s degree and several years of experience. Credit Analysts often major in Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, or Business.

Voluntary industry certifications are also available to increase employability. A common certification is the RMA-Credit Risk Certified (CRC) designation, which is offered through the Risk Management Association (RMA).

How much they make

$86170

What they do

Commercial Real Estate Agents help buy and sell commercial properties, which requires a strong financial background. Agents need to estimate the value of properties and analyze the potential financial risks to help clients select profitable commercial real estate investments. Find out more about what is it like working as a Commercial Real Estate Agent.

How to become one

Most states require Commercial Real Estate Agents to become licensed. The licensing requirements vary but most states require 30 to 180 hours of coursework and an exam. Applicants often need at least a High School diploma. While state licenses may not require a postsecondary degree, many employers prefer candidates with at least a Bachelor’s degree.

How much they make

$62990

What they do

Insurance Agents sell insurance products to clients based on their individual needs. They typically work for insurance companies, selling and negotiating policies for life, health, or property insurance. Job duties include calling prospective clients and analyzing their financial status to match them with appropriate insurance policies. Find out more about what is it like working as an Insurance Agent

How to become one

Some employers only require a High School diploma but most Insurance Agents have at least an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. Finance, Business, and Economics are common fields of study.

Most states require Insurance Agents to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary but Insurance Agents typically need to complete specific courses and pass an exam. The exams are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

How much they make

$69100

What they do

Public Accountants provide financial consulting to individuals and corporations. They may prepare tax returns, conduct audits, and assist clients with planning their financial goals. Common job duties include preparing financial statements, analyzing tax filings, and providing various financial consulting services. Find out more about what is it like working as a Public Accountant.

How to become one

Public Accountants need at least a Bachelor’s degree. Accounting is the most common major. However, students may choose to complete a Finance degree program that meets the educational requirements for state licensing. After earning a degree, aspiring Public Accountants need to pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and meet all additional state requirements.

How much they make

$81660

What they do

A Venture Capitalist (VC) is a private investor who invests in companies in exchange for equity. They gain a share of the company by offering the capital the company needs to launch or expand their operations. Venture Capitalists analyze market trends, the economy, and industries to determine the potential risks and profits of providing capital to companies.

How to become one

Working for a Venture Capital Firm typically requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Economics. Advancing in this career may require a Master’s degree. About 50% of Venture Capitalists have a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

How much they make

$153,000

What they do

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the top financial executive within a company, responsible for tracking company profits and developing strategies to achieve financial goals. Job responsibilities include managing the financial operations of a company, tracking cash flow, and assessing the financial strengths and weaknesses of companies.

How to become one

Becoming a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) typically requires extensive experience and advanced education. Candidates often have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree, they often earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Along with advanced degrees, you will likely need to work your way up from entry-level positions such as Financial Analyst.

How much they make

$134,302

What they do

Financial Auditors are responsible for completing financial audits for companies. They help detect bookkeeping errors and evaluate financial risk management processes by reviewing cash flow statements, account balances, and various financial reports. Find out more about what is it like working as a Financial Auditor. 

How to become one

Financial Auditors typically work for accounting firms and need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Common fields of study include Finance and Accounting.

Many accounting firms also require Financial Auditors to earn the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. The CPA certification is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

How much they make

$81660

What they do

Loan Officers work for banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to assist borrowers with the loan application process. Common responsibilities include evaluating, approving, and rejecting loan applications and assessing the needs of potential borrowers. Find out more about what is it like working as a Loan Officer.

How to become one

Loan Officers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Business. After obtaining entry-level positions, Loan Officers often receive on-the-job training.

Mortgage Loan Officers require a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license, which requires at least 20 hours of additional coursework. Loan Officers may seek voluntary certifications to gain more career opportunities. Certifications are available through the Mortgage Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, and several other banking associations.

How much they make

$76930

What they do

A Bookkeeper is an entry-level position for Finance graduates that involves recording and monitoring financial transactions for private or public organizations or individual departments within a company. They maintain a ledger and verify all expenses and incomes to give companies a detailed balance sheet. Find out more about what is it like working as a Bookkeeper.

How to become one

Bookkeepers typically require at least a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting. Employers often prefer candidates to have completed coursework in Accounting and Finance. However, some small local businesses may employ individuals with just a High School diploma and on-the-job training.

Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers may increase your career prospects. To earn this credential, you need to pass an exam and have at least two years of work experience.

How much they make

$44100