What Can You Do With a Finance Degree in 2026?

A finance degree can prepare graduates to understand how money moves through businesses, markets, households and public organisations. Students may develop skills in financial analysis, budgeting, investments, risk assessment, accounting fundamentals, economics, statistics and business decision-making.

Those skills can apply across many industries. Finance graduates may work for banks, insurance companies, investment firms, corporations, government agencies, consulting organisations, nonprofit institutions, technology companies or financial planning practices.

However, a finance degree does not automatically qualify a graduate for every financial career. Some roles are suitable for entry-level applicants with a bachelor’s degree, while others generally require professional experience, licensing, employer registration, additional accounting coursework or professional certification.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial occupations had a median annual wage of $80,920 in May 2024, compared with $49,500 for all occupations. Career outcomes vary significantly depending on the occupation, employer, location, experience, credentials and individual performance.

What Do You Learn in a Finance Degree Program?

A finance degree typically focuses on how individuals and organisations raise, manage, invest and evaluate money. Program requirements vary by institution, but finance students may study subjects such as:

• Corporate finance.
• Financial accounting.
• Investment analysis.
• Financial markets and institutions.
• Risk management.
• Business statistics.
• Economics.
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Portfolio management.
• International finance.
• Financial modelling.
• Business law and ethics.

Finance programs may also require students to work with spreadsheets, financial databases, presentation tools and analytical software. Employers frequently value candidates who can interpret data, explain financial findings clearly and apply financial concepts to practical business decisions.

Skills Finance Graduates Can Develop

A finance degree may help students develop a combination of quantitative, analytical and communication skills. These abilities can be useful in both client-facing and organisation-focused careers.

Important finance-related skills may include:

• Financial analysis: Reviewing revenue, costs, investments, financial statements and market information.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Estimating future income, expenses and financial needs.
• Data interpretation: Identifying patterns and drawing conclusions from financial information.
• Spreadsheet and modelling skills: Organising assumptions, evaluating scenarios and presenting calculations.
• Risk awareness: Considering uncertainty, credit exposure, investment risk or regulatory concerns.
• Communication: Explaining financial information to managers, clients, regulators or non-financial stakeholders.
• Attention to detail: Reviewing figures, reports and documentation for accuracy.
• Ethical judgment: Handling financial information and recommendations responsibly.

Students interested in finance careers can strengthen their preparation through internships, relevant student organisations, case competitions, coursework in analytics or accounting, and experience using common business technology tools.

Career Paths for Finance Degree Graduates

A finance degree can lead to career paths involving corporate decision-making, personal financial guidance, banking, compliance, budgeting, investments and financial management. The roles below illustrate common directions finance graduates may explore.

Career Path	Typical Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2024	Projected Employment Change, 2024–2034
Financial and Investment Analyst	Bachelor’s degree	$101,350	Varies within financial analyst categories
Personal Financial Advisor	Bachelor’s degree	$102,140	10% growth
Budget Analyst	Bachelor’s degree	$87,930	1% growth
Accountant or Auditor	Bachelor’s degree	$81,680	5% growth
Financial Examiner	Bachelor’s degree with accounting coursework	$90,400	19% growth
Loan Officer	Bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training	$74,180	2% growth
Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agent	Bachelor’s degree	$78,140	3% growth
Financial Manager	Bachelor’s degree plus substantial related experience	$161,700	15% growth

Median pay figures describe the wage at which half of workers in an occupation earned more and half earned less. They are not starting salaries and do not guarantee what an individual graduate will earn. Entry-level compensation may be lower and may vary by industry, location, credentials and employer.

Financial and Investment Analyst

Financial and investment analysts evaluate financial information to help businesses or individuals make decisions about money, investments, performance and risk. This career may appeal to finance graduates who enjoy working with data, financial statements, economic trends and business strategy.

A financial analyst may work for:

• Corporations.
• Banks and credit institutions.
• Investment firms.
• Insurance companies.
• Consulting firms.
• Asset-management organisations.
• Government or public-sector employers.

Depending on the employer and position, duties may include:

• Reviewing financial statements and business performance.
• Developing budgets, projections or financial models.
• Evaluating investment opportunities.
• Researching industries, companies or economic conditions.
• Assessing financial risk.
• Preparing reports and presentations for decision-makers.
• Monitoring performance against financial targets.
• Supporting capital budgeting or strategic planning decisions.

Financial analyst roles commonly require strong spreadsheet ability, analytical thinking and the capacity to explain findings clearly. Courses in accounting, statistics, data analysis, economics and corporate finance may be particularly useful preparation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial and investment analysts had a median annual wage of $101,350 in May 2024. Financial risk specialists had a median annual wage of $106,000 during the same period.

How to Prepare for a Financial Analyst Career

• Develop strong skills in Excel or similar analytical tools.
• Learn how to interpret balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.
• Gain experience with forecasting and valuation concepts.
• Consider internships in corporate finance, banking, insurance or investments.
• Build communication skills for presenting financial conclusions.
• Explore relevant credentials later in your career where appropriate to your role.

Personal Financial Advisor or Financial Planner

Personal financial advisors help individuals make decisions about financial goals, retirement, investments, insurance, taxes, college savings and estate-planning considerations. Some advisors develop broad financial plans, while others focus on investments, retirement planning or particular client needs.

This career may suit finance graduates who enjoy combining financial knowledge with client communication and long-term relationship building.

Personal financial advisors may:

• Discuss financial goals with clients.
• Review income, savings, investments and liabilities.
• Explain investment or retirement-planning options.
• Help clients develop financial strategies.
• Monitor client plans and recommend updates as circumstances change.
• Educate clients about risk, time horizons and financial trade-offs.
• Build and maintain a client base.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Their median annual wage was $102,140 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

CFP® Certification Considerations

Graduates interested in comprehensive financial planning may eventually consider pursuing CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification. CFP Board identifies four central certification requirements:

• Education: Completion of required financial planning coursework and a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Examination: Passing the CFP® certification examination.
• Experience: Completing qualifying professional experience related to the financial planning process.
• Ethics: Meeting ethics requirements, including an ethics declaration and background review.

CFP® certification is not automatically awarded with a finance degree. It is a separate professional credential requiring additional coursework, examination, experience and ethical review.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organisations plan how money will be allocated and spent. They may work in government agencies, universities, nonprofit organisations, healthcare organisations or private companies.

This path may be a good fit for finance graduates interested in organisational planning, public spending, financial accountability or helping decision-makers understand the effect of budget choices.

Budget analysts may:

• Prepare and review budget proposals.
• Analyse funding requests.
• Monitor organisational spending.
• Estimate future financial needs.
• Explain budget recommendations to managers or stakeholders.
• Review whether programs or departments are using funds appropriately.
• Help organisations prioritise limited resources.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, budget analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree, and coursework in accounting, economics and statistics may be helpful. Budget analysts had a median annual wage of $87,930 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 1% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 3,100 openings projected each year on average over the decade, largely due to replacement needs.

Skills Useful for Budget Analysts

• Budget preparation and financial analysis.
• Understanding of organisational or public-sector finance.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Spreadsheet and reporting skills.
• Attention to policy, compliance and documentation requirements.
• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance audiences.

Accountant or Auditor

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. A finance degree may provide relevant financial knowledge for some accounting-related roles, particularly when the student completes sufficient accounting coursework. However, students interested in accounting careers should review employer expectations and professional licensure requirements carefully.

Accountants and auditors may:

• Prepare or examine financial statements.
• Review accounting records for accuracy.
• Analyse financial operations.
• Prepare tax-related information or support tax compliance.
• Assess internal controls.
• Identify financial reporting risks.
• Help organisations improve reporting processes.
• Support external or internal audit work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that accountants and auditors typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Their median annual wage was $81,680 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.

CPA Licensure Considerations

Some accounting roles may not require Certified Public Accountant licensure, while other positions or advancement opportunities may strongly prefer or require it. CPA requirements are determined by state boards of accountancy and may include specific education, examination and experience standards.

A finance major considering the CPA path should check the requirements in the state where they plan to become licensed, because a finance curriculum may not automatically include every required accounting course or credit hour.

Financial Examiner

Financial examiners help ensure that organisations handling financial transactions comply with applicable laws and regulations. They may work in government agencies or within areas of financial oversight and risk management.

This career may appeal to finance graduates interested in banking, compliance, consumer protection, risk review or regulatory work.

Financial examiners may:

• Review balance sheets, income statements and loan documentation.
• Assess institutional compliance with financial laws and regulations.
• Evaluate risk-management processes.
• Review lending practices or consumer-compliance matters.
• Prepare examination reports.
• Recommend corrective actions where problems are identified.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial examiners typically need a bachelor’s degree that includes some accounting coursework. Entry-level financial examiners commonly receive on-the-job training from senior examiners.

Financial examiners had a median annual wage of $90,400 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Loan Officer

Loan officers evaluate, authorise or recommend approval of loan applications for individuals and businesses. They may work with mortgages, commercial loans, consumer loans or other credit products, depending on the employer and role.

A finance degree can provide useful preparation for understanding borrower financial information, credit decisions, interest rates, repayment risk and business lending considerations.

Loan officers may:

• Meet with applicants seeking financing.
• Gather and review financial documentation.
• Explain available loan products and terms.
• Use underwriting systems and lending criteria.
• Assess whether applicants are likely to repay.
• Submit applications for approval or make recommendations.
• Communicate lending decisions and required documentation.
• Develop relationships with borrowers or business clients.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that loan officers typically need a bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training. Mortgage loan officers must be licensed. Loan officers had a median annual wage of $74,180 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034.

What to Know About Mortgage Loan Officer Roles

Mortgage lending can involve additional licensing and regulatory requirements because the work concerns residential mortgage loans. Students interested in this path should research the licensing requirements applicable to the state and employer involved before assuming that a degree alone is sufficient.

Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agent

Finance graduates interested in investments, markets, institutional clients or investment banking may consider careers classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as securities, commodities and financial services sales agents.

Professionals in these roles may connect buyers and sellers in financial markets, advise companies seeking investors, conduct transactions or help clients understand financial products.

Duties may include:

• Monitoring financial markets and investment performance.
• Communicating with prospective or existing clients.
• Buying and selling securities or other permitted financial products.
• Supporting companies involved in raising capital.
• Analysing company finances for transactions, offerings or mergers.
• Explaining financial services and investment risks.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these professionals typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs. Brokers and investment bankers must register as representatives of their firms with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, commonly known as FINRA.

Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents had a median annual wage of $78,140 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034.

Important Considerations for Market-Focused Careers

Roles in securities and investment banking can be competitive and may involve significant client interaction, sales expectations, time pressure and regulatory requirements. Students interested in these careers may benefit from internships, networking, advanced financial modelling skills and careful understanding of registration requirements.

Financial Manager

Financial manager is generally not an entry-level role immediately after completing a finance degree. Instead, it is often a later-career position reached after gaining experience in financial analysis, accounting, banking, auditing or another relevant business and financial occupation.

Financial managers are responsible for supporting the financial health and longer-term financial direction of an organisation. Depending on the employer, titles may include controller, treasurer, credit manager, cash manager, risk manager or finance director.

Financial managers may:

• Prepare financial reports and oversee reporting processes.
• Direct investment or capital-allocation activities.
• Develop long-term financial plans.
• Analyse opportunities for improving profitability.
• Support executives in strategic decisions.
• Monitor cash management, risk or financial controls.
• Oversee finance teams or financial operations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and five years or more of experience in another business or financial occupation, such as accountant, securities sales agent or financial analyst.

Financial managers had a median annual wage of $161,700 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Tax-Related Career Paths

Some finance graduates also consider tax-related work. Tax professionals may help individuals, businesses or government organisations understand tax reporting, prepare documents, assess compliance or evaluate financial information.

Finance coursework may provide useful background, but tax positions often require a stronger accounting foundation and knowledge of current tax rules. Some career paths may involve additional education, employer training, professional credentials or state-specific requirements.

Potential tax-related roles may include:

• Tax associate in an accounting or advisory firm.
• Corporate tax analyst.
• Tax examiner or revenue agent.
• Tax compliance specialist.
• Accounting or audit roles with tax responsibilities.

Students interested in tax work should consider adding accounting and taxation coursework to a finance program and researching which credentials are valued for their preferred career path.

Finance Degree Careers Compared

Career	Primary Focus	Suitable as an Entry-Level Goal?	Additional Considerations
Financial Analyst	Business performance, investments, forecasting and financial modelling	Yes, depending on employer and experience	Analytical and technical skills are important
Personal Financial Advisor	Helping individuals manage goals, investments and financial plans	Potentially	Certification or registration may support advancement or be needed for some activities
Budget Analyst	Planning organisational spending and evaluating financial requests	Yes	Communication and public-sector knowledge may be valuable
Accountant or Auditor	Financial reporting, records, controls and compliance	Potentially, with appropriate coursework	CPA requirements vary by state
Financial Examiner	Regulatory compliance and financial institution oversight	Yes	Accounting coursework is commonly important
Loan Officer	Assessing borrowers and financing applications	Yes	Mortgage loan officers must be licensed
Financial Services Sales Agent	Markets, securities, investment clients and transactions	Yes, depending on employer	FINRA registration may be required for brokers and investment bankers
Financial Manager	Organisational financial leadership and strategy	Generally no	Typically requires five years or more of related experience

Is Bookkeeping a Finance Degree Career?

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks record financial transactions, maintain records and support financial reporting. These roles can help individuals gain exposure to business finances, but they are not generally the primary professional outcome associated with completing a bachelor’s degree in finance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that entry requirements for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks vary. Some employers prefer college coursework or a degree in accounting or a related field, while others hire candidates with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training.

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks had a median annual wage of $49,210 in May 2024. Employment is projected to decline 6% from 2024 to 2034, although openings are expected as workers leave the occupation.

A finance graduate who is interested in professional growth may prefer to evaluate roles such as financial analyst, financial examiner, budget analyst or entry-level accounting and audit positions, depending on coursework and career goals.

Industries That Hire Finance Graduates

A finance degree is not limited to employment at a bank. Organisations in many sectors need professionals who can interpret financial data, manage budgets, assess risk and support financial decisions.

Finance graduates may find opportunities in:

• Banking and lending.
• Investment and asset management.
• Insurance.
• Corporate finance departments.
• Government agencies.
• Healthcare organisations.
• Technology companies.
• Consulting firms.
• Universities and nonprofit institutions.
• Real estate and property finance.
• Manufacturing and supply-chain businesses.
• Accounting and advisory firms.

Employers may value finance graduates for roles involving planning, analysis, reporting, budgeting, compliance, operations or client service, even when the organisation itself is not primarily a financial business.

How to Prepare for an Entry-Level Finance Career

A degree provides an academic foundation, but employers may also seek practical experience and workplace-ready skills. Students can strengthen their preparation before graduation by building experience that demonstrates how they apply finance knowledge in real situations.

Complete an Internship

Internships can help students understand workplace expectations, learn industry tools, develop professional contacts and gain experience with financial tasks. Potential internship settings include:

• Corporate finance departments.
• Banks or credit unions.
• Investment or wealth-management firms.
• Insurance companies.
• Government budget or regulatory offices.
• Accounting firms.
• Financial technology companies.

Strengthen Analytical and Technology Skills

Many finance roles involve spreadsheets, data presentation, reporting systems and financial modelling. Students may benefit from developing ability in:

• Spreadsheet functions and financial models.
• Data visualisation.
• Financial statement analysis.
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Presentation software.
• Database or business intelligence tools where relevant.
• Statistics and quantitative analysis.

Develop Communication Skills

Finance professionals often explain complex information to people who do not work in finance. Employers may value candidates who can write clearly, present conclusions, communicate with clients and explain the implications of financial analysis.

Research Licensing and Certification Requirements Early

Some careers require or reward credentials beyond a finance degree. Depending on the path, students may need to investigate:

• CFP® certification for comprehensive financial planning careers.
• CPA licensure for certain accounting or audit paths.
• FINRA registration for certain securities-related roles.
• Mortgage loan originator licensing for mortgage lending work.
• Other professional credentials relevant to risk, investments or financial analysis.

Requirements vary significantly. Students should review current official requirements for the occupation and state in which they intend to work rather than relying on general career descriptions.

Finance Degree Versus Accounting Degree

Finance and accounting are related fields, but they often prepare students for different types of work.

Area	Finance Degree Focus	Accounting Degree Focus
Primary Emphasis	Investment decisions, corporate finance, financial markets, risk and forecasting	Financial reporting, auditing, tax, controls and accounting standards
Common Career Directions	Financial analyst, advisor, loan officer, investment or corporate finance roles	Accountant, auditor, tax associate, controller-track roles
Professional Credential Considerations	CFP®, securities registrations or other finance credentials depending on path	CPA licensure may be central for some accounting careers
Overlap	Both fields commonly involve financial statements, business decision-making, analytical work and ethical responsibilities.

A student who wants to keep both finance and accounting options open may consider adding accounting coursework, selecting a related minor or speaking with an academic adviser about requirements for intended credentials.

Can a Finance Degree Lead to Senior Roles?

A finance degree can provide a foundation for career advancement, but senior roles generally require experience, strong performance and often additional skills or credentials.

Over time, finance professionals may advance toward positions such as:

• Senior financial analyst.
• Finance manager.
• Controller, depending on accounting background.
• Treasury manager.
• Risk manager.
• Portfolio manager, depending on employer and qualifications.
• Director of finance.
• Vice president of finance.
• Chief financial officer.

Advancement may depend on professional experience, management ability, technical expertise, employer needs, regulatory requirements and, in some careers, graduate education or professional credentials.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Finance Degree

• Which finance careers interest me most?
• Does the program include coursework relevant to those careers?
• Does the school provide internship or career-placement support?
• Will I need additional accounting coursework, licensing or certification?
• What tools and analytical skills will I develop?
• How much will the degree cost, and what financial aid options are available?
• What are realistic career outcomes for graduates?
• Would an accounting, economics, data analytics or business degree better fit my goals?
• Does the program support online, part-time or working-student needs if relevant?
• How will I gain practical experience before graduation?

Common Misconceptions About Finance Careers

• A finance degree guarantees a high-paying job: Earnings vary by occupation, experience, location, employer and credentials.
• All finance graduates work in investment banking: Finance graduates work across corporate finance, planning, lending, budgeting, insurance, government and many other fields.
• Financial manager is an entry-level role: BLS reports that financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and five years or more of related work experience.
• A finance degree automatically qualifies someone to become a CPA: CPA licensure requirements are state-specific and commonly require particular accounting education and other requirements.
• A degree alone is enough for financial planning certification: CFP® certification requires education, examination, experience and ethics requirements.
• Bookkeeping is the same as professional financial analysis: These occupations involve different responsibilities, typical qualifications, wage levels and career paths.
• Every finance job involves buying and selling investments: Many positions focus on budgets, corporate planning, lending, compliance, reporting or client guidance.

Key Insights

• A finance degree can prepare graduates for careers involving analysis, budgeting, financial planning, lending, compliance, markets and organisational finance.
• Business and financial occupations had a median annual wage of $80,920 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Financial and investment analysts had a median annual wage of $101,350 in May 2024.
• Personal financial advisors had a median annual wage of $102,140, with employment projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034.
• Budget analysts, accountants and auditors, financial examiners, loan officers and financial services sales agents offer additional career pathways for finance graduates.
• Financial manager is generally a later-career role requiring significant related professional experience.
• Some careers require additional licensing, registration, accounting coursework or professional certification beyond a finance degree.
• CFP® certification requires education, examination, professional experience and ethics requirements.
• Internships, analytical technology skills and clear communication can improve preparation for entry-level finance opportunities.
• Students should compare career goals, program cost, curriculum and credential requirements before choosing a finance degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Careers With a Finance Degree

What jobs can you get with a finance degree?

Finance graduates may pursue roles such as financial analyst, personal financial advisor, budget analyst, financial examiner, loan officer, securities or financial services sales agent, corporate finance analyst and certain accounting or audit roles where their coursework meets employer needs.

Is financial analyst an entry-level finance career?

Financial analyst roles may be available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree, depending on the employer, internship experience and technical skills. Employers often value financial modelling, spreadsheet ability, financial statement analysis and communication skills.

How much do financial analysts earn?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial and investment analysts had a median annual wage of $101,350 in May 2024. This is not a guaranteed starting salary; entry-level pay varies by employer, industry, location and candidate qualifications.

Can a finance degree lead to a financial planning career?

Yes. Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor’s degree, and a finance degree can provide relevant preparation. Graduates interested in becoming CFP® professionals must also meet CFP Board’s coursework, examination, experience and ethics requirements.

Can you become an accountant with a finance degree?

Some employers may consider finance graduates for accounting-related positions, particularly when they have relevant accounting coursework. However, students planning to pursue CPA licensure should verify their state’s specific education and licensure requirements because a finance degree alone may not meet them.

Is loan officer a finance career?

Yes. Loan officers review borrower information and support lending decisions for consumer, commercial or mortgage products. BLS reports that loan officers typically need a bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training, and mortgage loan officers must be licensed.

What finance career has strong projected growth?

Among the roles discussed here, financial examiners are projected to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034, financial managers 15% and personal financial advisors 10%, according to BLS projections. Growth does not guarantee employment for any individual graduate.

Is financial manager an entry-level job after earning a finance degree?

Generally, no. Financial managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and five years or more of experience in another business or financial occupation. A finance graduate may first build experience as an analyst, accountant, auditor or related professional.

Do finance careers require professional licences or certifications?

Some do. Mortgage loan officers must be licensed, brokers and investment bankers must register as representatives of their firms with FINRA, CFP® professionals must meet certification requirements, and CPA licensure requirements apply to accountants pursuing that credential.

Is a finance degree worth considering?

A finance degree may be worth considering for students interested in financial analysis, business decision-making, budgeting, investments, planning, lending or compliance. Before enrolling, compare program cost, curriculum, career support, likely credential requirements and the occupations that align with your goals.