15 Career Paths in the Military With a Finance Degree

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps branches each have unique roles and focuses. Within these military branches are numerous specialized roles that require specialized degree training.

Finance majors have several opportunities in the military, including options similar to civilian career paths. In addition to the benefit of specialized training, a college degree is required to become a commissioned officer.

Finance bachelor's degree programs teach various skills that will help them in financial operations and related fields, as well as softer skills that can apply to other aspects of military service, like project management.

Top Military Careers for Finance Degree Holders

Finance positions are some examples of jobs in the military that require a bachelor's degree Finance officers have multiple career paths, regardless of the military branch. These finance jobs work within the military and with the Department of Defense (DoD) in financial planning and budget considerations.

1. Financial Management Officer

Financial management officers work to monitor and control the financial operations of individual bases or military branches. Military finance differs from civilian finance and often requires officer status and earning security clearances due to sensitive projects and budgets.

This role often only requires a bachelor's degree; but for additional promotion opportunities, you might benefit from a master's degree.

2. Budget Analyst

The individual branches of the military have multi-billion dollar budgets, with individual bases still having budgets in the thousands and millions. Military budget analyst duties include auditing and reviewing expenses to make sure that disbursements are allocated properly. These roles work at different levels within the military structure from individual bases to branch-wide budget work.

3. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts might seem like budget analysts at first glance, but there are several key differences. These analysts look at systemic financial matters, such as economic trends and shifts in market conditions.

Market trends for military financial analysts include small foreign markets when it comes to local suppliers for international installations.

4. Logistics Officer

Logistics officers are similar to supply chain managers. These professionals work to support other service members by coordinating the procurement and distribution of materials, supplies, and food. They also coordinate the work of contractors, including the budgeting for these projects.

Logistics officers don't require a finance-based degree, but many required skills overlap with financial services.

5. Accountant

Accountants provide some of the most visible financial services for companies, and military-based accountants perform similar roles. Accountants in the armed forces coordinate military pay disbursements and balance budgets. They also file accounting documents like balance sheets and income statements.

Accountants can continue their careers to management roles like comptroller or other officer-level positions.

6. Internal Auditor

Internal auditing is the process that evaluates financial structures within a military base or branch. Auditors review budgets, expenses, and unplanned costs to improve efficiency and monitor performance. Internal auditing is important for financial planners to make informed budgets and long-range plans.

7. Compliance Officer

Military financial management is still subjected to rules and regulations. Compliance officers are finance managers who ensure their organization follows these rules. Military compliance officers work under American legal codes, but they will also benefit from understanding global and foreign economic guidelines.

Compliance officers require an understanding of finance and law; some students pursue a double major including finance and a program like international relations or business law.

8. Risk Management Specialist

Risk management in a financial context includes reviewing investment opportunities and looking for possible negative outcomes. No investment is free from risk, but risk management specialists work to minimize risks before investments occur.

This type of thinking can also be used in other parts of the military, especially in strategic operations. Financial training can prepare graduates for military roles in and out of finance.

9. Research Analyst

Research analysts work in multiple industries to find all relevant information to improve decision-making. Financial research analysts look specifically into the monetary angles of projects.

In the military, these projects are often related to missions or overall strategy. Research analysts can also help with budgeting by studying market trends for supply chain management and other administrative projects.

10. Supply Chain Manager

Supply chain managers are responsible for monitoring supply levels and ensuring that bases and other military locations are properly stocked. Military supply chains are often different from civilian roles due to the necessary supplies and the unique financial situations in which some of these bases and installations exist.

Military supply chains can include foreign suppliers and a high level of security clearance, due to the sensitive nature of some required supplies.

11. Policy Analyst

Policy analysts review current policies and make recommendations for changes and new policies. Financial policy analysts look at policies and how they affect military budgets. This can include policies for domestic bases and international installations. Most policy analysts earn a master's degree in public policy or international relations.

12. Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts work to review the individual processes and procedures that make larger military operations possible. Financial operations research analysts perform budgetary analysis and ensure military operations stay within budget. They perform auditing tasks and compile data that will be used in future decision-making.

13. Education Specialist

Military training takes on multiple forms. Service members receive training in various disciplines and finance majors can use their knowledge to teach their fellow service members. These roles can take place on bases or through branch-specific academies.

14. Development Manager

A development manager is a type of project manager. This role works to coordinate with department leaders to create a plan for projects. Military development managers work with strategies and mission planning to set timelines that achieve larger goals while maintaining a proper budget and schedule.

15. Public Affairs Officer

Public affairs officers are liaisons between military branches, the Department of Defense, and the public (e.g., media organizations). These officers help explain and provide answers about military operations with non-military stakeholders.

This role combines a knowledge of military operations and public relations. A double major in finance and marketing or public relations will give you a solid background for this position.

How Does Military Experience Enhance a Career in Finance?

Finance degrees can have benefits for military experience, but military experience can also benefit a career in finance. Starting a civilian career in finance with years of experience in the military can give you a better understanding of global supply chains, global financial policies, and more knowledge of how budgets are made and audited.

Many of these skills can be learned in civilian positions, but the expansive nature of military service adds context that some civilian roles can't. You'll also gain experience working within the government that can lead to roles in the public sector.