5 In-Demand Finance Jobs
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Actuary
- Financial Manager
Because the finance industry is so multifaceted, there are many great careers in finance. Even though we tend to think of money when we hear the word finance, a career in finance is not just all about money. This is because of the many careers that are part of the finance industry. From accountant and actuary to financial manager or budget analyst, the job possibilities for a finance career go on and on. Here are five top careers in finance.
1. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide financial guidance to individuals and businesses making investment choices. They evaluate past and current financial data; research business and economic trends; evaluate the company’s management team; meet with individuals and company officials to learn their prospects; prepare written reports and make recommendations on investments. They often work in banks, insurance companies, security firms, pension funds or independently. Financial analysts are projected to see an 11 percent increase in jobs from 2016-2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau reports financial analysts earned an average annual wage of $84,300 as of May 2017.
2. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts help private and public companies organize their finances. They review a company’s budget proposals, work with project managers to develop a budget, monitor company spending, help management analyze projected plans, collaborate with all department heads, inform project managers of fund availability and make financial recommendations to the company regarding projects and financial stability. The BLS predicts budget analysts should see a job growth of seven percent from 2016-2026. Budget analysts earn an average yearly wage of $75,240.
3. Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts work with clients to help them make as much revenue as possible. They help the client learn who their best consumers are, what those consumers want as well as how much they’re willing to pay. They obtain this information from surveys, focus groups and new marketing technologies. Market research analysts also analyze data and present reports to their clients along with their recommendations. U.S. News & World Report ranks market research analysts number six among best business jobs. Market research analysts earn an annual median wage of $62,560.
4. Actuary
Actuary is a career often chosen by individuals who enjoy working with statistics, math and financial theories because they use these things to help them assess risk values to potential projects or investments. Once the actuary has determined how much risk is in question, the individual helps the company develop ways to minimize the risk. Actuaries may work in various industries but are most valuable to insurance companies. U.S. News & World Report ranks actuaries number two among best business jobs, number three among best STEM jobs, number 22 among best-paying jobs, and number 24 among the 100 best jobs. Actuaries earn a median annual wage of $100,610.
5. Financial Manager
Financial managers do exactly what their name indicates. They oversee the finances of an organization, agency or company. They prepare financial reports, profit projects, cash-flow statements and balance sheets to present to department or company heads so they know where the company stands financially. They also help other team members understand the financial reports. Financial managers also have to make sure the company is in compliance with regulations and laws. U.S. News & World Report ranks financial manager number nine among best business jobs, number 16 among best-paying jobs and number 40 among the 100 best jobs. Financial managers earn a median annual wage of $121,750.
Related Resource: Top 35 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Finance 2018
Anyone with a head for numbers who enjoys watching money grow will enjoy a finance career. With the wide range of possibilities, a finance graduate can find many exciting, challenging and rewarding careers in finance.
