Those looking for careers in finance are certain to discover that there are near limitless opportunities. The finance industry continues to grow year after year, and financial professionals are needed regardless of the economic climate. However, some finance careers earn higher salaries than others.
1- Chief Financial Officer
Might as well start at the top of the food chain. A chief financial officer (CFO) can earn between $85,980 and $174,594 or higher, according to PayScale.com. You must have significant experience in other finance careers, however, in order to bag this level of position. You’ll earn more if you work at a large, multi-national corporation rather than a small- or medium-sized business.
2- Corporate Controller
A corporate controller is similar to a CFO, and observes many of the same roles within the corporate structure. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the entire financial department of a business, from accounting to investments, and they can make up to $96,000 per year according to PayScale.com.
3- Tax Manager
Tax managers are generally responsible for creating and implementing tax plans for their employers. This means keeping up with the latest changes in the tax code and often includes managing other employees. Salaries for this position start lower than those for corporate controllers and CFOs, but can actually be higher at the top of the range.
4- Financial Adviser
I have used a financial adviser for years, and these professionals can earn top salaries while enjoying diverse careers. They can work for themselves, banks, or corporations, depending on their goals, and they can earn up to $73,000 per year in straight salary. Keep in mind, however, that financial advisers often bring home considerable income from bonuses and profit sharing programs in addition to that base salary.
5- Investment Banker
This group of finance careers comes in lower on the list only because there is a wide range of potential salary figures. Investment bankers, particularly hedge fund managers, can earn millions each year through studious application of education and understanding of the investment market. However, according to PayScale.com, those on the lower end of the totem pole might bring home as little as $58,000.
6- Certified Public Accountant
If you like numbers and people, finance careers as a certified public accountant (CPA) might be right up your alley. There is also a large range of potential salaries in this career group, from $48,183 to $70,797 according to PayScale.
7- Senior Accountant
These professionals are well-versed in general accounting practices and are responsible for recording and evaluating all financial transactions for a company. If you’re looking for finance careers in a stable, predictable environment, this is perfect for you. Salaries range from $50,000 to $67,000 on average.
8- Private Banker
Some careers in finance have you working with people more than numbers, and this is the case with finance careers in private banking. Earn an average of $76,967, according to Salary.com, while helping wealthy customers manage their investments and income.
9- Financial Analysis Manager
The salaries for some finance careers are all over the map, and such is the case of the financial analysis manager. The median salary is nearly $100K, according to Salary.com, but some professionals make much less in this finance career.
10- Financial Analyst
Financial analysis managers and financial analysts occupy two of the most common finance careers in the United States, and serve similar functions. However, the average salaries for financial analysts are much lower at $58,000, and they are not afforded as much seniority in larger companies as their manager counterparts.
