How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

There are many different types of jobs available in finance. From risk management and financial planning to investment banking and insurance underwriting, you'll be able to find a finance career that you'll enjoy.

In fact, more finance jobs will be available in the future because of an expanding economy and the need for financial expertise in an increasingly complex market.

If you're interested in a finance career, pursuing a degree in finance or a related field is one of the best ways to prepare yourself. Finance degrees not only provide the necessary foundational knowledge and skills but also open doors to internships and networking opportunities that are crucial for career advancement.

Understanding what type of and how many finance jobs are available to you is the first step toward making informed decisions about your educational and professional journey.

How Many Jobs Are Available in the Finance Industry?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 911,400 job openings are expected annually on average in business and financial occupations from 2022 to 2032. This growth is due to both new job creation and the need to replace workers who leave the field permanently.

Some key roles in finance that will see a lot of growth include financial analysts and financial managers. Financial analysts, who currently number around 376,100, have a job growth projection of 8% from 2022 to 2032. Certified Financial managers, with about 792,600 positions, are expected to grow 16% in the same period.

Moreover, the finance industry offers considerable mobility between different fields. This flexibility allows professionals to transfer skills across various finance roles.

Whether you're interested in analyzing or managing, the finance sector provides a dynamic environment with the potential for continuous career growth and development.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Finance Degree?

A finance degree will qualify you for many different jobs. Below, we'll discuss 10 in-demand finance jobs, highlighting what each role involves and why it's crucial in today's economic environment.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts play a pivotal role in helping companies and individuals make informed investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments, providing guidance on what to buy, hold, or sell.

This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret market trends to forecast future performance.

Investment Banker

Investment bankers are key players in helping companies, governments, and other groups plan and manage large financial transactions. Their duties include issuing debt, helping companies go public (IPOs), and facilitating mergers and acquisitions.

This high-stakes position requires strategic thinking and a deep understanding of market conditions.

Corporate Controller

Corporate controllers oversee a company's accounting operations. Duties include producing periodic financial reports, managing the budget process, and ensuring that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards. They also play a critical role in strategic planning and internal controls.

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify and analyze potential risks that could affect a company's profitability or existence. They develop strategies to control or mitigate risks through insurance, investment diversification, and other financial products.

This role is crucial in safeguarding a company's assets and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Financial Planner

Financial planners assist individuals in managing their finances and planning for their financial future, including retirement, education, and other life events. They provide personalized advice to help clients achieve their financial goals through investments, budgeting, and savings strategies.

Chief Financial Officer

Chief financial officers are senior executives responsible for managing the financial actions of a company. Their tasks include tracking cash flow, analyzing the company's financial strengths and weaknesses, and proposing corrective actions.

The role often requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire business to drive strategic financial planning.

Treasury Manager

Treasury managers are responsible for a company's financial liquidity, investments, and risk management related to the company's financial activities. They handle cash flow forecasts, financial modeling, and bank relationships, ensuring the company can meet its financial obligations at all times.

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers oversee a collection of client investments that could include individuals or institutions. They make decisions about investment mix and policy, matching investments to objectives, asset allocation for individuals and institutions, and balancing risk against performance.

Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants use their accounting knowledge to investigate financial discrepancies and anomalies. They may work in legal disputes, where they might recover funds from fraudulent activity, or in auditing, where they identify and rectify deceptive financial practices.

Compliance Officer

Compliance officers ensure that a company adheres to external legal and regulatory requirements as well as internal policies and bylaws. In finance, this often involves ensuring compliance with financial laws and regulations to avoid litigation or regulatory penalties.

What Companies Are in the Finance Field?

The finance field encompasses a variety of companies, from banks and investment firms to insurance companies and financial service providers. These prominent companies would be ones that you could secure a finance career at.

• JPMorgan Chase: one of the largest and most well-known banks in the world, offering a wide range of financial services
• Goldman Sachs Group: a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm known for its financial expertise.
• Morgan Stanley: a multinational investment bank and financial services company known for its wealth management and investment management divisions.
• Citigroup: an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation offering a broad spectrum of financial products and services
• Wells Fargo: a multinational financial services company with a significant presence in consumer banking, corporate banking, and investments
• Bank of America: one of the biggest financial institutions in the United States, providing a wide range of banking and financial services
• American Express: known for its credit card, charge card, and traveler's cheque businesses, a pivotal player in the financial services market
• BlackRock: the world's largest asset manager, which provides guidance to individuals, financial professionals, and institutions in managing investments
• Vanguard Group: known for its low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, a leader in worldwide investment management
• Berkshire Hathaway: a multinational conglomerate holding company led by Warren Buffett, with significant holdings in finance, insurance, and investment sectors

Is Finance a Good Career Path?

Finance is a great career path because of the financial sector's vast growth, driven by technological advances and global market integration, finance offers diverse opportunities that are both lucrative and intellectually stimulating. Consider these reasons before choosing to pursue a finance career.

High Earning Potential

Finance roles typically offer higher-than-average salaries compared to other industries. Senior positions like chief financial officer or investment banker are particularly well-compensated, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required.

Diverse Career Opportunities

The finance industry spans a wide range of sectors, including banking, insurance, real estate, and corporate finance, offering professionals a vast array of pathways and specialties to choose from. You'll be able to choose a sector that you enjoy working in and will have the opportunity to change to a different type of finance career if you want to as well.

Global Opportunities

Finance is a globally oriented field. Skills and qualifications in finance are often transferable between different countries, opening up international career opportunities and the potential for working abroad. This is a great idea to keep in mind if you are fluent in more than one language.

Professional Growth

The finance sector encourages continual learning and development through professional finance certifications and advanced degrees, which can significantly enhance career progression and expertise. Some certifications you can consider include:

• certified financial planner
• chartered financial analyst
• certified management accountant
• certified investment counselor
• chartered life underwriter
• certified merger and acquisition advisor
• financial risk manager

Impactful Work

Finance professionals play a critical role in helping individuals, companies, and governments make strategic financial decisions, directly impacting economic stability and growth. If you're passionate about making a difference, you could work for nonprofits and charities.