If you’re a recent or an upcoming finance graduate, you’re probably going through quite an exciting time in your life.
Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll be applying for different finance roles which will have a lasting impression on your career as a whole. So choose wisely!
In this article, you’ll find some of the more popular entry level finance jobs you might (or might not) be considering as you look to get your foot in the door of the industry.
Investment banking is one of the most respected segments of the financial sector, with specialists assisting individuals, organizations, venture capital firms, and even governments with funding needs.
For both institutions and individual investors, investment banks underwrite new loans and equities for all types of enterprises, assist in the sale of securities, take companies public, and facilitate mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, and broker swaps.
An analyst works in an investment bank, hedge fund, or venture capital firm as an entry-level position. Producing deal-related information, doing industry research and financial evaluations of firm performance, and gathering materials for due diligence are among their most common responsibilities.
Recommendations based on financial data interpretation are frequently used to determine whether certain activities or deals are viable.
Related article: Becoming an Investment Banker: 8 Key Skill AreasSome financial services, particularly those related to taxation - the need to comply with changing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements as well as municipal and state laws - remain in high demand.
These specialists calculate and estimate payments, do research, analyze internal fiscal systems, prepare returns and other tax-related paperwork, and work with auditors to implement actions and formulate policies connected to taxes.
These responsibilities may appear quite niche, but they can lead to corporate roles like controller (or comptroller), accounting manager, budget director, and even treasurer or chief financial officer (CFO).
Related article: Five Finance Jobs of the FutureA data analyst job could be suitable for you if you enjoy finance and technology.
This position involves data gathering, organization, and analysis.
As part of this role, you could be examining sales performance, analyzing stock and inventory, or even monitoring marketing and social media initiatives, depending on your chosen route.
In a collaborative work environment, data analysis entails detecting trends, preparing reports, and sharing insights with others.
Related article: Five Fundamental Jobs of the Finance IndustryFinancial analysts work for a variety of companies, including investment firms, insurance firms, consulting firms, and other corporations.
They write reports, conduct market research, and create forecast models. Financial analysts study the economy, industry trends, and business fundamentals.
Credit analysts usually work for a bank, asset management firm, private equity firm, or other financial organization.
The major responsibility of this position is to evaluate a customer's credit application.
The position necessitates research abilities and knowledge, and it is a good fit for those who enjoy investigative work.
Related article: How to Get a Promotion in FinanceA financial planner assists an individual in organizing their finances and providing investment and savings advice.
A financial planner may also act as a personal financial advisor in specific instances.
However, unlike a financial advisor, some financial planners have a one-time relationship with their clients.
Financial advisors frequently assist elderly clients who are approaching retirement or require assistance structuring their estates.
Related article: Starting Your Career in Finance – 7 Tips for GraduatesIndividuals' financial needs are assessed by personal financial advisors, who then assist them in making decisions regarding investing, budgeting, and saving.
From tax preparation to retirement planning to estate planning, advisors assist clients in strategizing for short and long-term financial goals.
In addition to financial advice, many advisors offer tax services or market insurance.
They may provide financial products such as mutual funds, handle investments directly, or act as a link between an individual and an asset manager.
Many finance occupations require accounting abilities and knowledge, but that doesn't mean general accountants aren't needed.
Accountants can work for accounting firms, corporations, or as independent contractors, dealing with both businesses and people.
A budget analyst assists businesses and organizations with annual budgets, ensuring that spending is on track to meet financial objectives.
Running financial reports, determining financing needs, and assisting with operational decisions for ongoing and one-time expenses are all part of the job.
A budget analyst role could be ideal for you if you appreciate teamwork and the puzzle-solving part of crunching statistics.
While a financial auditor and an accountant have many similarities, the two positions have certain distinct qualifications and responsibilities.
The primary goal of a financial auditor is to ensure that a company's financial statements comply with widely accepted accounting rules (GAAP).
As a result, an auditor's primary responsibility is to detect fraud or inaccuracies in a company's financial documentation.
A company's financial statements, accounting entries, tax returns, cash flow statements, and other financial records may be examined by an auditor in this function.
The auditor may be hired by the company to manage finances or called in as an independent consultant if fraud or errors are detected. In this role, your attentiveness and acute eye for detail will come in handy.
