[Updated: 16.2.24]

Thinking about pursuing a career in finance? Or perhaps you already have your foot in the door and you’re ready to take the next step in your finance career?

Whatever the case may be, there are many jobs available in finance. The financial industry is bursting with career opportunities for rookies and experts alike.

So, just how many jobs are available in finance?

The answer is a lot.

With so many options to choose from, it's difficult to know which is the right career path for you. That's why we’ve curated a list of some of the most sought-after roles to consider, covering:

1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Chief Financial Officer, or CFO for short, is basically the money guru of any company. As a senior executive, the CFO oversees anything, and everything related to the financial health of the business. We're talking managing cash flow, prepping financial statements, dealing with taxes, and more.

The CFO is the one analyzing all those numbers and finances to make sure things are accurate and sound. When issues come up, such as profits sinking or costs ballooning, they build models to find solutions.

On a daily basis, the CFO has their plate full of responsibilities like:

  • Putting together financial reports and statements
  • Working with the accounting and finance teams to make sure protocols are followed
  • Comparing income and expenses to find ways money is being wasted
  • Giving the executives and CEO recommendations based on the financials to guide big decisions
  • Liaising with investors and partners to establish relationships
  • Monitoring cash flow patterns and investments
  • Ensuring compliance
  • Overseeing anything related to $$$ - budgets, payroll, revenue goals, you name it!
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2. Financial Controller

The main role of a Financial Controller is to supervise activities related to accounting within the company. For example, overseeing the preparation of budgets and making sure that ledgers are accurately showcasing how much cash is coming in and out of the company.

Typical responsibilities for Financial Controllers vary from company to company, but may include:

  • Overseeing accounting and all financial control activities.
  • Setting up bank accounts.
  • Managing external tax accountants if applicable.
  • Ensuring payment is received from debtors and customers, etc.
  • Ensuring the company meets all tax, permit, and licensing requirements.
  • Supplying accurate financial information to executives to help guide effective financial strategizing.
  • Analyzing deficiencies and summarizing budget trends.

3. Financial Analyst

Tracking a company’s financial performance to decide whether they’re suitable for investment is the main responsibility of a Financial Analyst. But their workload doesn’t end there. Financial Analysts are responsible for a long list of tasks, such as:

  • Reviewing company accounts.
  • Financial forecasting, reporting, and tracking key metrics.
  • Creating financial models to help support business decisions.
  • Analyzing financial reports and data.
  • Interpreting data (yield, risk, stability, price, etc.) that contribute to a company’s viability.
  • Collaborating with other teams such as the accounting team to ensure accurate reports.
  • Evaluating the financial performance of the company and overseeing financial functions (tax, budgeting, planning, cost control, auditing, etc.).

4. Financial Advisor

With their acute organizational skills, Financial Advisors help companies manage money. Again, the role varies depending on the size of the company. However, a few of the common responsibilities of a Financial Advisor include:

  • Helping board members (such as the CEO) make informed decisions.
  • Researching financial products and presenting all the relevant information to help the company choose which products to invest in.
  • Assisting the company when it comes to building credibility and customer loyalty.
  • Completing risk analyses and researching the marketplace.
  • Building effective financial strategies.
  • Responding to the changing needs of the business.
  • Communicating with product suppliers for better rates.
  • Working closely with members of the head office, financial service providers, solicitors, valuers, and so on.

5. Chief Accountant/Accounting Manager

Chief Accountants have a wide range of responsibilities and oversee accounting operations. Making sure that financial transactions are reported and recorded properly (and on time) is an important part of the role.

A Chief Accountant’s job role involves:

  • Performing financial analysis and month-end accounting activities.
  • Creating financial reports and statements and reviewing both for any errors.
  • Managing accounting procedures for compliance.
  • Monitoring cash flow to make sure debts are paid.
  • Building working relationships with regulators, external auditors, etc.
  • Conducting internal audits to assess the company’s financial management system.
  • Reporting to management as and when needed.
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6. Treasury Manager

This role involves overseeing a company’s cash flow, revenue, and other areas of finance. They usually report to senior staff such as the CFO. The Treasury Manager is often part of a larger finance team depending on the size of the organization.

But what are some of the main responsibilities of a Treasury Manager?

Here are just a few:

  • Managing cash flow, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
  • Assessing the company’s need for funding.
  • Helping to minimize financial risk.
  • Taking control of treasury operations and controls.
  • Managing foreign currency exposure and currency payments, etc.
  • Debt facilities and daily cash management.
  • Developing risk mitigation strategies and interest rate management.
  • Reporting treasury updates and activities to senior management.

7. Budget Analyst

A Budget Analyst evaluates the company’s budget and determines the most efficient ways to allocate resources (project funds).

Some of the main responsibilities of this role include:

  • Reviewing budget proposals and assessing funding requests.
  • Performing cost-benefit analyses.
  • Deciding whether to approve or reject funding requests and submitting budgeting recommendations.
  • Developing a budget and a final budgetary agreement.
  • Forecasting the financial needs of the business.
  • Monitoring spending.

8. Finance Business Partner

The role of Finance Business Partners is to help the business make strategic decisions to help secure its financial future. Finance Business Partners are also accountants that have stepped into the role of trusted advisors within the business.

Here are a few of the key responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner:

  • Analyzing financial reports and helping management make strategic business decisions.
  • Monitoring business performance and helping to build key partnerships.
  • Gaining investment and updating shareholders.
  • Identifying and mitigating business risks.
  • Providing real-time support and analysis.

9. Finance Manager

The Finance Manager plays a vital role in the success of the business, providing financial guidance and support when needed.

Main responsibilities:

  • Reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
  • Monitoring cash flow, analyzing targets, and predicting trends.
  • Back-office duties such as accounts payable, payroll, and collection.
  • Providing data and insights that reflect the overall financial health of the company.
  • Liaising with department heads and accountant teams.
  • Ensuring the business meets statutory and compliance requirements.
  • Building strategic business plans to help influence business performance.

10. Director of Finance/ Finance Director

A Director of Finance has a huge role to play when it comes to any finance-related business decisions. They are responsible for ensuring the stability of a company’s finances and have a lot of important tasks to carry out, such as:

  • Assessing financial markets and trends.
  • Analyzing the company’s financial performance and risks.
  • Financial planning and monitoring cash flow.
  • Identifying solutions and providing insights to help drive business decisions, such as budget allocation and future investments.
  • Preparing accounts and creating financial models as needed.
  • Collaborating with other departments within the company.
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11. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager

FP&A Managers oversee business forecasting and are able to predict possible future outcomes by reviewing past company performance while keeping a close eye on economic and business trends.

The FP&A Manager’s general responsibilities include the following:

  • Assessing a company’s financial health.
  • Providing commercial financial analysis on key KPIs.
  • Preparing internal reports to support leadership’s decision-making.
  • Identifying when and how the company can optimize assets, investments, and progression opportunities.
  • Working with other departments to prepare accurate budgets.
  • Building and maintaining financial models and forecasts.
  • Analyzing historical data, performing variance analysis, and paving the way forward.

12. Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

The responsibility of developing and communicating a company’s investment strategy lies with the Chief Investment Officer. They usually oversee and manage the company’s investments and have further responsibilities, including:

  • Sourcing, managing, and monitoring the company’s investments.
  • Developing an investment policy statement (IPS) and ensuring all investment policies are followed.
  • Developing (and communicating) the company’s investment strategy.
  • Working closely with external analysts, portfolio managers, and investors.
  • Building and managing the investment team.
  • Overseeing the entire investment process from start to finish.
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How many jobs are available in finance?

This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible finance career paths in finance. With so many roles to choose from, you can pave your own way and choose the best career path for you.

Of course, we couldn’t list all of the jobs available in finance in detail in this post. But here are a few more that you might be interested in:

Accountant

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations.

Tasks:

  • Prepare financial statements and tax returns.
  • Conduct audits to ensure financial compliance.
  • Offer financial planning and advisory services.

Auditor

Auditors examine financial statements to ensure they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations.

Tasks:

  • Review financial statements and accounting systems for efficiency and compliance with laws.
  • Identify potential financial mismanagement.
  • Report findings and recommend improvements.

Head of Financial Crime

This role involves leading efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and financing of terrorism within an organization.

Tasks:

  • Develop and oversee anti-financial crime policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate with regulatory bodies and law enforcement.
  • Train staff on financial crime risks and compliance.

Equity Researcher/Financial Market Researcher

Equity researchers analyze companies and industries to make investment recommendations.

Tasks:

  • Analyze financial statements and market trends.
  • Produce reports on potential investment opportunities.
  • Advise investment teams and clients on stock selections.

Bank Cashier/Clerk

Bank cashiers or clerks handle the day-to-day financial transactions with customers at a bank.

Tasks:

  • Process deposits, withdrawals, and other banking transactions.
  • Answer customer inquiries and offer banking products.
  • Maintain accurate transaction records.

Bank Manager

Bank managers oversee the operations and staff of a bank branch, ensuring efficient service and profitability.

Tasks:

  • Manage branch staff and operations.
  • Develop strategies to attract and retain customers.
  • Ensure compliance with banking laws and regulations.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers maintain an organization's financial records, recording transactions, and preparing reports.

Tasks:

  • Record financial transactions in ledgers.
  • Prepare invoices and manage accounts payable/receivable.
  • Reconcile bank statements and produce financial reports.

Finance Administrator

Finance administrators manage the day-to-day financial operations within an organization.

Tasks:

  • Manage budgets and financial records.
  • Process invoices and payments.
  • Assist with financial reporting and forecasting.

Investment Banker

Investment bankers assist organizations in raising capital and provide strategic financial advice.

Tasks:

  • Structure and negotiate financial deals.
  • Conduct market research and financial analysis.
  • Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions.

Payroll Administrator

Payroll administrators manage the process of paying employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax laws.

Tasks:

  • Process payroll transactions and ensure accurate employee payments.
  • Manage payroll taxes and deductions.
  • Address payroll-related queries from employees.

Tax Examiner

Tax examiners ensure individuals and businesses comply with tax laws by reviewing tax returns and conducting audits.

Tasks:

  • Review tax returns for accuracy and compliance.
  • Conduct audits and investigations into tax issues.
  • Assess taxes owed and manage disputes.

Treasury Analyst

Treasury analysts manage an organization's financial assets, ensuring liquidity and optimizing financial performance.

Tasks:

  • Manage cash flow and forecast financial needs.
  • Handle investments and debt obligations.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate financial risk.

FAQs

How many people work in the finance industry?

The number of people working in the finance industry varies significantly across different countries and over time, influenced by economic conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. As of the latest data, millions of individuals globally are employed in various sectors of finance, including banking, investment, insurance, and financial planning. Precise numbers would require consulting specific labor market statistics from relevant government departments or industry reports.

What job roles are there in finance?

The finance industry offers a wide range of job roles, including but not limited to Accountants, Auditors, Financial Analysts, Investment Bankers, Financial Planners, Risk Managers, Bank Tellers, Loan Officers, Insurance Underwriters, Tax Advisors, and Treasury Analysts. These roles span across several sectors such as banking, investments, insurance, real estate, and corporate finance.

What is the highest finance job?

IThe highest finance job can vary depending on the context and criteria used (e.g., authority, compensation, impact). Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is often regarded as one of the highest positions in finance within a corporation, responsible for managing the company's financial actions, strategy, and planning. In the broader finance industry, roles such as CEO of a major financial institution or managing partner at a top investment firm are also highly prestigious and influential.

How do I start a career in finance?

Starting a career in finance often begins with obtaining relevant education, such as a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. Gaining internships or entry-level positions in financial institutions, networking, and pursuing professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) can significantly enhance your prospects. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are also crucial.

Are finance jobs in demand?

Finance jobs are generally in demand due to the critical role finance plays in the functioning of economies and businesses. Specific demand for finance roles can fluctuate with economic cycles, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Areas such as financial technology (FinTech), risk management, compliance, and data analytics have seen growing demand in recent years.

If you’re looking for a new role in finance, consider joining the Finance Alliance Slack community. Inside, you'll find a library of resources, networking opportunities, and job opportunities posted by our members.

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