Careers Career Paths Best Entry-Level Finance Jobs for Graduates 10 Jobs to Start a Career in Finance Print Career Paths Finance Careers Technology Careers Sports Careers Sales Project Management Professional Writer Music Careers Media Legal Careers US Military Careers Government Careers Fiction Writing Careers Entertainment Careers Criminology Careers Book Publishing Aviation Animal Careers Advertising Learn More Table of Contents Expand Top 10 Entry-Level Finance Jobs Accountant Actuary Financial Analyst Credit Analyst Data Analyst Budget Analyst Insurance Underwriters Insurance Claims Adjusters Benefits Specialists Personal Financial Advisor By Alison Doyle Updated on 08/25/19 Are you fascinated by money and the inner workings of financial markets? Are you someone who thinks in numbers? If so, a career in finance may be perfect for you. The best jobs in finance offer higher-than-average salaries for college graduates, along with the opportunity for career growth. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Winter 2019 Salary Survey reports that finance majors can expect to earn an average projected starting salary of $58,464. The chart below illustrates the best entry-level finance jobs, broken down by salary and growth rate. Top 10 Entry-Level Finance Jobs Entry-level jobs provide a path to lucrative careers in a variety of financial occupations. For some jobs, working as a trainee or assistant prior to taking on the full spectrum of responsibilities may be required. For others, especially candidates with prior work experience or strong internship credentials, you may be hired directly for the position. Review some of the best jobs in finance for college graduates, including salary information and projected employment outlook, along with tips for how to get hired. Accountant Accountants maintain financial records and generate reports regarding income, expenses, profits, losses, and tax liabilities. They advise managers about the financial implications of business decisions. Some accountants work for public accounting firms that are contracted by corporations for auditing, tax, and consulting work. Others work directly for corporate and governmental entities. Salary: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that the average pay for accountants in May 2018 was $70,500 per year. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated there were about 1,397,700 accounting jobs in the U.S. economy and projected growth of 10% through 2026, faster than the national average. Actuary Actuaries calculate the financial cost of risk in order for companies to estimate the potential impact of various events. They use statistical models, mathematics, and financial theories to conduct analyses. Actuaries work mostly for insurance companies and consulting entities. Salary: Actuaries earned an average salary of $102,880 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that there were about 23,600 actuarial jobs in the U.S. and projected a much greater-than-average growth rate of 22% through 2026. Actuaries also need significant financial industry experience. Most have been in the financial industry for decades. Financial Analyst Financial analysts provide input to businesses and individuals regarding decisions about investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. They analyze companies, industries, and economic trends to help decision makers anticipate financial risks and opportunities. Financial analysts work for investment companies, insurance companies, consulting firms, and other corporate entities. Salary: Financial analysts earned an average of $85,660 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that there were about 296,100 financial analyst jobs in the American economy and projected a faster-than-average growth rate of 11% through 2026 for these jobs. Credit Analyst Credit analysts investigate the creditworthiness of potential borrowers and estimate the likelihood of default, if loans are issued. Their analyses help banks, credit unions, and credit card companies to set rates and determine loan approvals. Salary: Credit analysts earned an average of $71,290 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that about 73,800 credit analysts work in the U.S. and forecasted growth of about 8% through 2026, which is in line with all occupations nationwide. The ability to analyze data and create forecasts is a highly coveted skill across the financial industry. Data Analyst Data analyst jobs are rapidly expanding as big data analysis is applied to many aspects of organizational planning. Data analysts working on financial issues construct and apply higher level data systems. These analyses provide financial input for managers to make decisions about investments, acquisitions, plant expansions, and other new projects. Salary: Glassdoor estimates that data analysts earn an average of $67,377 per year. Job Outlook: Indeed currently has over 6,000 data analyst jobs advertised in their system, with at least 1,099 incorporating some focus on finance. Budget Analyst Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. They prepare budget reports and monitor institutional spending. Budget analysts develop cost estimates for potential future programs or expansions. They also make recommendations for managers, identifying areas of possible budget reductions based on analyzing past underspent budget items. Salary: Budget analysts earned an average of $76,230 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that there were 58,400 budget analyst jobs in the country and predicted an increase of about 7% by 2026, which is close to the average for all occupations. Insurance Underwriters Insurance underwriters review client data and actuarial information to make recommendations regarding insurability, rates, and policy structure for potential customers. Underwriters evaluate risk factors involved with prospective client profiles. They must communicate effectively with insurance agents regarding difficult policy decisions. Salary: Insurance underwriters earned an average of $69,380 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that there were 104,100 insurance underwriter jobs in the U.S. with a projected decline of 5% through 2026–lower than the average for all occupations. Keep in mind, however, this option is not often considered by new graduates, which lowers the level of competition for interested candidates. The insurance industry is often overlooked by many graduates with financial degrees, but they can be very lucrative after more experience and time. Insurance Claims Adjusters Insurance claims adjusters gather information about the circumstances surrounding insurance claims, including interviews with people involved in accidents, obtaining photographs, and the physical inspection of damages. They review policies to determine the level of coverage, estimate repairs, and issue determinations concerning payments to customers. Adjusters negotiate settlements with clients, attorneys, and other insurers. Salary: Insurance claims adjusters earned an average of $65,900 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimates there are 328,700 jobs for insurance adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators with a projected decrease of 1% in these jobs by 2026. Given the low visibility of this option with prospective graduates, competition for vacant positions is relatively low. Compensation and Benefits Specialists Compensation and benefits specialists analyze options for providing employee benefits in a company with the goal of maximizing coverage at the lowest possible cost. They evaluate positions, classify jobs, and set standards for salary and wages. Compensation specialists research market rates for salaries to make sure the compensation offered is competitive enough to attract talent. Salary: Compensation and benefits specialists earned an average of $63,000 in May 2018, according to the BLS. Job Outlook: The BLS estimates that there are 84,200 jobs for compensation and benefits specialists with expected growth of 9% by 2026, which is about the average for all occupations. Personal Financial Advisor Personal financial advisors evaluate the financial needs of individuals and help them with decisions on investments, tax laws, tax planning, and insurance. Advisors help clients plan for short- and long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement through investments or other strategies. Many advisors provide tax advice or sell insurance in addition to providing financial advice. Salary: The BLS estimated the average pay for personal financial advisors was $88,890 in May 2018. Job Outlook: The BLS estimated that there were about 271,900 personal financial advisor jobs in the U.S. economy and projected growth of 15% through 2026, which is much faster than the national average.