10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance

Monster, which is one of the most popular employment websites in the world, states that the highest-paying jobs in finance are found at both the entry-level and management level. This is good news for students with finance and accounting degrees because they may end up working in one of the following 10 jobs.

1. Actuary

An actuary will be responsible for performing statistical and mathematical tasks. This could be compiling and categorizing data for actuarial analysis. It could also be documenting and verifying computational factors through careful research. Actuaries often prepare rate filings, statistics schedules and financial statements while determining benefits, premiums and pricing levels. They must gain knowledge of the company’s financial services in order to properly leverage their actuarial tools methodologies. Actuaries perform routine assignments using actuarial modeling software that helps them establish risk, pricing and valuation models. They resolve basic and routine issues, but escalate certain issues to experience actuaries.

2. Economist

Economists provide organizations with advice and consultation regarding cost analysis, benefit, utility and effectiveness. They use mathematical and statistical sciences to analyze, understand and interpret financial data. They apply their economic analysis expertise to projects findings, ongoing research, application recommendations and standard methodologies. Economists may focus on topics like macroeconomics, public health, government spending, labor fluctuations and business revenue. Economists identify significant observations during their research in order to provide decision makers with valuable financial data and advice. For example, they may advise a pharmaceutical company on the cost-effectiveness of experimental drugs.

3. Securities and Commodities Sales Agent

Securities and commodities sales agents will drive investment results and business decisions. They actively contribute to the development of new relationships with potential clients. Securities and commodities sales agents’ tasks include client prospecting, visiting other businesses and following up on potential opportunities. They typically generate and follow up on sales leads through call, email and social media campaigns. They are responsible for the scheduling, preparation and follow-up of client meetings. These agents develop knowledge of their product market and maintain an understanding of current SEC regulations.

4. Management Analyst

Management analysts are liaisons between business units and divisions. They analyze systems, procedures and workflows in order to ensure the highest levels of safety, quality, efficiency and performance achievement. They coordinate with departmental managers to ensure that individual units’ systems and processes are properly set up and that new users are properly trained. They may analyze production performance and target achievement objectives related to cost, yield and ROI. They use query programs and analyze data to compile reports that are presented to executives. Management analysts may re-design and re-engineer operation processes and information flows to ensure better efficiency and effectiveness.

5. Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors are licensed professionals who help clients reach their financial goals. They receive requests for advice from clients through various channels. They ask comprehensive questions to understand key facts, life events, financial needs and personal objectives. Some personal financial advisors document all relevant information in client relationship management systems. They use their license training and technical knowledge to identify, explain and recommend financial decisions. For instance, they may help clients review investment options, prepare to purchase life insurance or engage in estate planning. They motivate clients to accept recommendations by using mathematical facts, financial projections and persuasion skills.

6. Financial Examiner

Financial examiners perform basic examination functions that measure the risk and performances of financial institutions. They asses the organization’s ability to identify, evaluate, monitor and control specific risks. For example, many bank financial examiners will verify the reporting accuracy of internal documents and standardized industry forms. Some bank financial examiners will conduct their work based on the Banks Secrecy Act relevant information technology regulations. They may review account administration, credit quality assessment and internal accounting controls. Financial examiners may work on cross-functional teams involving actuaries, auditors, analysts and comptrollers.

7. Market Research Analyst

Mark research analysts do a variety of interesting duties. They may identify topics of interest, design innovative surveys or participate in the development of client reports. Market research analysts who focus on commercial products or services will evaluate consumer surveys, trends and usage patterns in order to provide actionable recommendations to management. Others will outline and present research proposals based on quantitative and qualitative analysis. Some market research analysts primarily respond to specific client requests by mining, cleaning and analyzing different research data. They may work with financial analysts to track and analyze specific finance consumer trends.

8. Real Estate Broker

Real estate brokers must meet their state’s licensing requirements, which may involve education, certification and affiliation with designated professional organizations. Real estate brokers who work in the office may research market and demographic trends by interviewing and communicating with clients, brokers, leasing agents and property managers. They may use the data they collect to create comparative analyses of similar property sales. Real estate brokers who work in the field may conduct inspections of property that is being appraised. They may also conduct research in order to present reports to clients regarding site, zoning and real estate tax insights.

9. Accountant

Accountants perform a wide variety of duties. Senior accountants may audit vendor invoices and client statements for accuracy, completeness and adherence to company policy. They may verify that accounting staff are using the proper financial codes, respecting internal controls and accurately reconciling financial statements. Accountants may process department expenditures, use automated accounting systems and verify the availability of account funds for capital projects. Some accountants focus on resolving discrepancies confirming financial data and researching invoices to eliminate duplicate payments. Accountants who simply perform bookkeeping duties will issue refunds, credit vouches, financial reports and external invoices.

10. Auditor

Financial auditors may be employed by government agencies, such as the state’s department of revenue, or by corporations with multiple branches. Auditors execute audit plans and tests to achieve objectives in timely fashions. They apply audit tools and techniques to produce documentation that clearly defends their findings and recommendations. They be able to identify internal control deficiencies, work flow vulnerabilities and improper employee decisions. They discuss their audit results and action plans with management in order to address risks, eliminate non-compliances and increase accounting integrity.

Monster.com also states that some of the additional highest-paying jobs in finance include loan officer, cost estimator, credit analyst, insurance underwriters and auto insurance appraisers.