The financial industry is such a broad category that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly which roles are the best paying jobs in finance. While you may be good with numbers, spreadsheets, or the stock market, finding the right role where you can have a steady career and a high paying salary isn’t easy.

Thankfully, the finance jobs are also lucrative ones. These positions are often in high demand. In this article, we’ll dive into five of the best jobs in finance to help you decide if you want to start your career in this industry.

If you’re looking to get started in the finance industry, then we recommend taking a finance course to help jumpstart your career. Although nothing can replace education and experience, you can also read one of the best finance books for beginners or download some of the best finance and budgeting apps to learn more about what it takes to make it in the finance industry.

5 Best Paying Jobs in Finance

1. Investment Banker

If you have a knack for financial research and portfolio growth, then becoming an investment banker might be the perfect role for you. You’ll be responsible for helping your client or company make money. It doesn’t matter whether it’s for mergers and acquisitions, issuing and selling stock, or raising capital.

To become an investment banker, you’ll need to have a strong foundation in mathematics, good communication and negotiation skills. While a bachelor’s degree is usually required, graduate degrees (along with experience or internships in a financial firm) can also increase your chances of being hired to get one of the best paying jobs.

2. Financial Advisor

A financial advisor helps those who need some extra assistance when it comes to handling money. Whether it’s for individuals or companies, financial advisors usually develop plans and give advice related to savings, budgeting, tax strategies, or investments.

Besides being a good communicator (you’ll be deeply involved in the financial and life situations of your clients), it’s also important for advisors to have economic, business, and analytical skills. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification which may include becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or passing an exam with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

3. Financial Analyst

A financial analyst is one of the best paying jobs in finance for entry-level employees. Their job is to examine a company’s financial history and data to find different ways or opportunities for the company to make more profit. They may be employed by a bank or institution, or they may work in-house as an employee for the company itself.

In order to become a successful financial analyst, you’ll need to have top-notch math, research, and analytical skills. Not only will you be knee-deep in spreadsheets, you’ll also be tasked with making complicated calculations on behalf of the company. Most employers will require you to have at least a Bachelor’s degree. More experienced positions will also need you to be licensed as a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).

4. Accountant

All individuals or companies will likely need help from an accountant at one point or another, which makes this one of the best jobs in finance. Accountants help with financial records, invoices, and records to ensure that laws are being passed and that financial operations are in order. They may work in a number of different sectors, including corporate, commercial, government, or forensic.

Accountants usually need a keen sense of detail, as well as analytical, mathematical, and intrapersonal skills. Even entry level accounts have the opportunity to earn a high salary. It tends to increase with experience, certifications, or licensing.

5. Traders

If you’re looking for one of the best jobs in finance, then look no further than the trading industry. Traders can deal with selling stocks, bonds, and currencies, or they can be employed by large financial firms, hedge funds, or investment banks. Their job is to advise on the best ways for their clients to increase their financial portfolios.

Trading is a vast field, and there are many different routes and jobs depending on your passion and experience. While you don’t necessarily need any certifications to become a trader, the most successful ones are extremely knowledgeable in their field. Thanks to higher education, exam certification, or even just practice.

 

Best of all, traders can make money without having any clients! If you’re able to make successful trades yourself, then you’ll be able to rake in a lot of money for your own financial portfolio.