Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Discover career opportunities in finance and how to get your first finance job.
Finance entry-level jobs: what to know in 2023
Finance can be a great career path for people who enjoy working with numbers, learning about how the economy works, investing successfully, and helping companies and individuals achieve their financial goals. According to finance industry predictions by Forbes and Insider Intelligence, 2023 could bring some exciting trends [1, 2]. For example:
71 percent of Generation Z consumers believe that brands should help them achieve their personal and financial goals.
Financial institutions are beginning to expand services to support gig workers, with digital gig work expected to generate $455 billion by 2023.
Central banks are experimenting with digital currencies and helping to bridge the gap between decentralized finance and traditional finance.
As the finance industry evolves, getting an entry-level job in finance can offer several career benefits, including:
Gaining valuable experience in cutting edge technologies and strategies in finance
Building technical and workplace skills
Deepening your understanding of finance
Growing a professional network
Qualifying for a more advanced rolewith higher earning potential
Making a positive financial impact on companies and individuals
As you consider a career in finance, let’s explore your job prospects at the entry level and beyond.
How many jobs are available in finance?
Because most companies benefit from having a finance professional on staff, you will likely find job opportunities in various industries. As of August 2022, Glassdoor lists over 59,000 US jobs in finance, while Indeed lists over 120,000 US jobs in finance, with almost 44,000 of them listed as entry level. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in business and finance occupations are expected to increase 7 percent by 2031 [3].
What do finance jobs pay?
The BLS reports that, as of May 2021, the median annual income for people in business and finance occupations in the US was $76,570, higher than the average salary of $45,760 for all occupations [3, 4]. Glassdoor reports that as of January 2022, an entry-level credit analyst in the US can make, on average, $58,671, which includes the base salary and additional pay such as commissions, profit sharing, bonuses, etc. A chief financial officer with 15 or more years of experience in this advanced position can make around $308,231, including base salary and additional pay.
In this article, discover entry-level jobs in finance, how to get one, and courses you can take to build job-ready skills.
9 entry-level finance jobs
In this section, you will explore entry-level jobs in finance, including their average total pay (base salary + additional pay) in the US, required skills and qualifications, typical responsibilities, and advancement opportunities. Job information is taken from Glassdoor, as of May 2023.
1. Financial analyst
What they make: $74,952
What they do: Track the financial performance of an organization, create forecasts, stay abreast of regulations and policies, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field, knowledge of Excel and financial modeling, etc.
Potential advancements: Senior positions in financial analysis, financial consultant, controller, financial manager
2. Investment banking analyst
What they make: $142,123
What they do: Raise capital for businesses and individuals, issue debt and sell equity, examine risks, execute financial transactions, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field, some experience in investment banking, proficiency in risk analysis, experience with SQL and other software systems, etc.
Potential advancements: Senior roles in investment banking
3. Tax associate
What they make: $52,854
What they do: Prepare tax returns and other tax documents, help taxpayers minimize what they owe while fulfilling tax obligations, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, experience preparing tax returns, bookkeeping skills, general ledger skills, CPA credential is helpful, etc.
Potential advancements: Tax accountant, tax consultant, tax analyst
Read more: How to Get Your First Accounting Entry-level Job
4. Personal financial advisor
What they make: $93,137
What they do: Help clients manage current finances and plan for the future, including investments, estate planning, and retirement, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, financial literacy skills, knowledge of financial liabilities, CFP ® is helpful, etc.
Potential advancements: Senior roles in financial advising, other roles in finance
5. Credit analyst
What they make: $63,772
What they do: Assess credit individuals’ data and financial statements to determine risks in lending to them, assess credit applicants, stay abreast of financial trends and news, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field, experience in R language and spreadsheets, understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), etc.
Potential advancements: Credit analyst for businesses, senior roles in credit analysis
6. Budget analyst
What they make: $75,893
What they do: Advise organizations on how to optimize budgets, analyze financial data, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, skills in math or statistics, budgetary experience, etc.
Potential advancements: Advanced roles in budget analysis, other roles in finance
7. Insurance claims adjuster
What they make: $55,313
What they do: Evaluate claims and investigate circ*mstances, negotiate claim settlements, oversee payouts to policyholders, etc.
Required skills and qualifications: High school diploma may be sufficient for some positions, other positions may require a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field
Potential advancements: Advanced claims adjuster roles, other roles in finance
8. Bookkeeper
What they make: $42,274
What they do: Maintain a company's general ledger, perform payroll functions, conduct accounts payable and receivable functions
Required skills and qualifications: Knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles); experience using accounting software like Quickbooks; finance or accounting degree, or a certification
Potential advancements: Senior bookkeeper, lead bookkeeper, accountant
Read more: A Guide to Bookkeeping: Skills, Salaries, and Careers
9. Staff accountant
What they make: $59,556
What they do: Prepare financial records, compute taxes, prepare tax returns, ensure compliance with GAAP, and other laws and regulations
Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, CPA credential, experience using accounting software, knowledge of tax laws and regulations
Potential advancements: Accounting manager, senior principal accountant
Read more: What Is a Staff Accountant? And How to Become One
How to get an entry-level job in finance
Once you settle on a career path in finance, begin the process of getting your entry-level finance job. Focus your efforts by following the steps below.
1. Get a finance education.
Most entry-level jobs in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. Finance degree programs typically cover disciplines like accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, as well as skills like financial analysis, financial reporting, and forecasting.
Read more: What Can You Do with a Finance Degree? 7 Career Paths
2. Gain experience in finance.
Before you seek employment at the entry-level, gaining some experience in finance can offer several benefits:
Applying what you learned in a degree program or course to real-world scenarios
Honing your skills in finance
Standing out among other finance job candidates
To gain experience, scour job sites and reach out to your network to find internships, volunteer roles, or even freelance or contract work in finance. For example, you could assist startup founders with their bookkeeping or offer a seminar at a school or organization on topics in personal finance.
Coursera learner Diego P.’s career shows how a job in finance can bring together different skill sets. Diego built upon his background in applied mathematics and computer science with courses like Machine Learning from Stanford University to work in analytics roles for banks and ultimately launch his own Fintech start-up.
3. Hone your finance skills.
At the same time that you pursue a finance education and gain experience, be sure to build in-demand, priority skills for the entry-level job you want to get. A great way to stay updated on the skills employers are looking for is to review individual job listings on career sites. Note skills and qualifications that appear on multiple listings for the same job title.
Two career sites in particular, Zippia and ZipRecruiter, collect information from thousands of real resumes and job descriptions, making it easier to identify which skills you can prioritize. For example, according to Zippia's data on financial advisor resumes, skills like wealth management, securities, and investment strategies are among the skills listed most often on resumes [5]. According to ZipRecruiters' data on financial advisor job descriptions, skills like financial planning and customer services, along with having a Series 7 license, are among the qualifications employers are looking for [6].
Consider taking additional courses in finance, or getting a certification in a specific area, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), or honing skills like data analysis, which is increasingly important in this field.
4. Search online for finance jobs.
With the range of possibilities across industries, high salary expectations, and optimistic job growth projections for people in finance, you may find many entry-level opportunities to gain entry into this field. For example, Glassdoor lists Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan, Amazon, Boeing, and Verizon among the top companies hiring financial analysts.
Search sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for entry-level finance positionsyou’re qualified to fill and that align with your career goals. You can also search job sites specifically for finance, like eFinancialCareers and BrokerHunter. Review each job listing’s requirements, in terms of education, training, experience, and skills, as well as opportunities for career growth.
As part of your job search, spend some time honing your interviewing skills, enhancing your resume, and reflecting on your talents and career goals.
Advance your finance career with Coursera
Learning online can be a great way to build finance knowledge, hone your skills, prepare for upcoming interviews, and explore your career potential. Learn the fundamentals of strategic financial management with the University of Illinois Financial Management Specialization and walk away with a solid understanding of the strategies behind accounting, investments, and corporate finance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Finance is a broad field with many different roles. Stress level will likely vary depending on a job's level of seniority, responsibilities, working hours, etc. Generally speaking, those working as investment bankers may find themselves in high-pressure situations more often than accountants, for example. Managing stress and creating work-life balance looks different for everyone based on personal goals and preferences.
There are entry-level finance positions that hire recent college graduates with no industry experience. However, be prepared to study and pass licensing exams on the job, such as a Certified Financial Planner certification.
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