5 Rewarding Careers in Finance - CareerAlley

5 Rewarding Careers in Finance - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Some careers are good, some are bad and some are great. Getting the right mix of challenge, personal satisfaction and compensation can be difficult (but not impossible). Finance is one industry that can certainly offer all three. While finance has lost some of its appeal since 2008, it is still a vibrant industry and offers quite a bit to those that are interested. Finance is probably one of the more challenging careers (high expectations, but great rewards as well) and is not for everyone. But if you are great with numbers and want a meaningful and challenging career, then consider some of the jobs in todays post. Financial Analysts What They Do Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They understand and review macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions along with company fundamentals. They review business and industry dynamics and may make recommends based on their analysis. How Much They Make According to BLS, the median pay for Financial Analysts is $77,000 per year. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,000 while the top 10% earned in excess of $148,000. The job outlook is 16%, faster than the average for careers. Education and Training Requirements While college is not required, there is an expectation that financial analysts have an undergraduate degree in Finance or Accounting. An MBA or Masters will certainly help your career. All Financial Analysts must have good computer skills and should consider Excel training courses. Other Resources to Consider Book Corner How to Become A Financial Analyst Finding a Job Current Job Opportunities Financial Analysts Personal Financial Adviser (Financial Planners) What They Do Personal financial advisers generally give financial advice to small businesses and individuals. Based on the review their review of financial needs, they help individuals make decisions on investments, other personal financial questions and retirement planning. How Much They Make According to BLS, the median annual salary for Personal Financial Advisers is $67,500 per year with the highest paid earning in excess of $187,000 (sounds great!). The job outlook is 27%, faster than the average. Education and Training Requirements An Bachelors degree is generally required. There is also several types of certification such as a Certified Financial Planner (which also helps). As with Financial Analysts, a masters degree is also helpful. Other Resources to Consider Book Corner Your Guide to the CFP Certification Exam: A Supplement to Financial Planning Coursework and Self-Study Materials (6th Edition) Finding a Job Current Job Opportunities Personal Financial Advisers Insurance Underwriters What They Do Underwriters analyze risks on behalf of insurance companies. They Brokers analyze the risk factors on an application and submit their findings to insurance companies on behalf of individuals and businesses. Most insurance underwriters typically specialize in one of the main insurance fields life, health, and property and casualty. How Much They Make According to BLS,, the median annual salary for all workers was $34,750. The highest 10% earns in excess of $92,000 per year. Job growth is below the average. Education and Training Requirements While not required, a bachelors degree certainly helps. Strong computer skills is also required. Certification is generally required for advancement to senior underwriter and underwriter manager positions. Other Resources to Consider Book Corner Property/Casualty Insurance, a Basic Guide: For Adjusters, Underwriters, Agents, Brokers, Attorneys, Entrepreneurs, and Business Managers Finding a Job Current Job Opportunities Insurance Underwriters Financial Brokers What They Do Like financial planners, Financial brokers give financial advise to individuals in terms of buying and selling securities (stocks, bonds and other financial instruments) that meet their investment profile. They provide information on companies and financial instruments and make recommendations to their clients as to what they should include in their portfolio. How Much They Make According to BLS, the average annual stock broker salary in the U.S. is $100,910. The bottom 10% in the profession earn $32,030 or less and the top 10% of stock brokers earn in excess of $161,000 per year. Education and Training Requirements There is no formal degree requirements, but a bachelors degree certainly helps. Degrees should be in Finance, Accounting, Math or Economics. Finance graduates have a good shot at being hired and those with an MBA in finance have the best chance. Most countries and local municipalities require one or more licenses, depending on the types of securities and where the broker is located. Other Resources to Consider Book Corner How To Become A Stock Trader Finding a Job Current Job Opportunities Financial Brokers Financial Examiners What They Do Financial examiners monitor the financial condition of banks and other financial institutions. They can be internal examiners or work for a regulatory agency (like the SEC or Federal Reserve). They review balance sheets, and income statements. The review internal document to confirm assets and liabilities. They will generally issue a detailed report at the end of the examination listing their findings. They must understand regulations and policies to determine their the organizations compliance with minimum requirements. How Much They Make According to BLS, the median pay for Financial examiners is $77,000 per year. The bottom 10% earn $45,000 while the top 10% earn in excess of $145,000. Education and Training Requirements You typically need a bachelors degree in Finance or Accounting. A degree in Accounting with a focus on Auditing can be very important in helping you land a job. Other Resources to Consider Book Corner How to Become a Chief Bank Examiner Finding a Job Current Career Opportunities Financial Examiners We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. 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