The 10 highest-paying jobs with a finance degree

If you’re an analytical thinker with an interest in the business world or global economics, you may have your sights set on a degree in finance. It’s a comprehensive qualification with a wide range of career options available to those who graduate. 

To help you weigh up which path you might want to pursue, we’ve pulled together a list of the 10 highest-paying jobs for graduates with a finance degree. Read on to learn what the jobs are, what kind of salary you can expect and which types of finance degrees can open the door to the highest-paying jobs.

What is a finance degree?

A finance degree is a university-level academic qualification that focuses on the study of financial management, investment strategies and economic principles – often in a business context. 

Finance degree courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to perform activities that are crucial in financial careers. These include analysing financial markets, managing resources and making strategic financial decisions. Students also typically learn about financial reporting, budgeting and analysis and navigating the world of corporate finance. 

A finance degree typically covers micro and macroeconomics, financial accounting and business mathematics. Students also learn about specialized financial topics, such as investment analysis, financial markets and risk management. 

Students also learn practical skills like data analysis and financial modelling, strategic decision-making informed by financial insights and the use of financial software and other digital tools. 

Finance and finance and accounting are the most typical finance degree subjects. However, degrees in subjects like economics, mathematics and statistics are also considered to be finance degrees. 

Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, a finance degree can be a great option for numerically-minded, data-driven, critical thinkers who have an interest in business.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a finance degree?

A finance degree can lead to some of the highest-paying jobs available. Some of these career paths are also available to students who graduate with a degree in business and management.  

However, in the case of the best-paying jobs, graduates with a bachelor’s degree must gain on-the-job experience and undertake further training before they can be considered. 

With this in mind, here are the best-paid jobs available to new finance graduates at the start of their careers and those with experience and additional credentials.  

High-paying jobs for new finance graduates

Here are the highest-paying finance jobs available for graduates at the very start of their careers. 

Investment banking analyst

An investment banking analyst conducts financial analysis to support investment decisions, building detailed financial models for mergers, acquisitions and IPOs. The role involves performing market research and due diligence, as well as analyzing industry trends, to identify new investment opportunities.

Investment banking analysts assist in deal execution and with managing the documentation required for transactions. They also prepare pitch decks and presentations for client meetings. 

Finance graduates who go on to become investment banking analysts typically have a BSc in either Finance or Mathematics with Finance. Starting salaries range from £40,000 to £55,000.

Management consultant 

A management consultant advises businesses on improving performance through strategy, operations and financial efficiency. To do this, they analyse business performance and identify areas for improvement, develop strategies for solving complex business problems and conduct market research and benchmarking. 

A big part of the role of a management consultant is to present insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders. They also advise on efficiency and cost reduction and facilitating organisational change. 

Management consultants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds but those with finance degrees often have a BSC in either Finance, Mathematics or Economics. The starting salary for a junior or associate-level management consultant is £35,000 – £50,000.

Wealth manager

A wealth manager provides tailored financial advice to high net-worth individuals, managing investment portfolios to achieve their clients’ objectives and advising on tax-efficient strategies and estate planning.

Wealth managers also monitor financial markets, assess investment opportunities and ensure compliance with financial regulations. They build and maintain strong relationships with their clients through regular communication.

Wealth managers usually have a BSc in either Finance or Finance and Accounting. Starting salaries range from £30,000 to £40,000.

Risk manager

The role of a risk manager is all about assessing and identifying risks to an organization and developing strategies to manage and mitigate that risk. To do that, risk managers conduct risk assessments and audits and prepare risk reports for senior management. 

They also monitor compliance with regulatory and industry standards, collaborating with other departments to ensure risk awareness across an organization.

Risk managers typically have a BSc in either Finance, Accounting or Mathematics with Finance. Starting salaries range from £28,000 to £35,000.

Financial analyst

A financial analyst creates financial models and forecasts, prepares reports on financial performance and, of course, analyses financial data to support decision-making. The role also involves assessing the financial health of companies, evaluating the impact of economic conditions on business performance and assisting in budgeting and cost analysis. 

Financial analysts usually have a BSc in either Finance, Finance and Accounting or Mathematics with Finance. The salary range for an entry-level role is £25,000 – £35,000.

Accountant 

An accountant prepares financial records and statements, manages budgets and financial forecasts and conducts audits to ensure financial information is accurate. An important part of an accountant’s role is to ensure that the companies and/or individuals comply with tax and regulatory requirements. 

Many accountants have a BSc in Accounting or a BSc in Finance and Accounting. While a finance graduate can get started as junior or trainee accountants right away, they must complete additional professional qualifications to become a chartered accountant.

The salary range for a junior or trainee-level accountant is £25,000 – £30,000.

High-paying finance jobs for graduates with experience and additional credentials

After many years of experience and – in many cases – further study, finance graduates can progress to roles with even more attractive prospects. Here are the best-paid jobs for finance graduates whose careers are well under way.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees a company’s financial operations, develops financial strategies and leads initiatives to ensure the company’s financial health.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics, CFOs usually have either an MBA or an MSc in Finance or Accounting and Finance. Many CFOs have professional accounting credentials, like the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification.

Typically, CFOs have over 10 years of experience in senior finance roles, such as Financial Controller or VP of Finance.

The salary range for a CFO is £120,000 – £200,000 or more.

Hedge fund manager

A hedge fund manager manages hedge fund portfolios by developing investment strategies and executing high-risk, high-reward trades.

Hedge fund managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in either Finance, Mathematics or Business and Management, and an MSc in Finance or Finance and Investment. To work as a hedge fund manager, a finance professional must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as an Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs). 

The salary range for a hedge fund manager is £80,000-£150,000 with additional bonuses. 

Private equity associate

A private equity (PE) associate conducts due diligence and monitors the financial performance of companies as part of the private equity investment process. 

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Mathematics or Business, PE associates usually also have an MSc in Finance or Finance and Investment. PE associates have extensive experience in asset management or investment banking. They also have strong data analysis skills and an in-depth knowledge of financial markets.

The salary range for a PE associate is £70,000-£120,000 with additional bonuses. 

Actuary 

An actuary uses mathematics, statistics and economic theory to analyse risk, typically in insurance or pensions. 

After graduating with a degree in Finance, Mathematics or Economics, they undertake actuarial exams to become qualified and gain entry to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). In addition to their actuarial qualifications, some actuaries have an MSc in either Mathematics Statistics or Actuarial Science. 

The salary range for a qualified actuary is £60,000 – £100,000

What are the highest-paying finance degrees?

Now that you’ve learned about the highest-paid jobs in finance, you might be wondering which degrees open doors to the best opportunities for graduates.

The highest-paying bachelor’s degrees in finance

Bachelor’s degrees in finance provide students with a strong grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen discipline. 

BSc Finance

A BSc in Finance equips students with analytical skills to assess financial performance. The curriculum often focuses on financial markets, investment strategies and corporate finance. It covers topics such as financial instruments, risk management and regulatory frameworks.

BSc Finance and Accounting

A BSc in Finance and Accounting helps students develop skills in financial reporting, budgeting and tax management. Integrating principles of finance with in-depth accounting practices, the course prepares students for roles in financial management and accounting. It also helps them to prepare for professional accountancy qualifications.

BSc Accounting

An accounting degree equips students with expertise in managing and interpreting financial data, focusing on accounting principles, financial reporting and auditing standards. The course prepares students for roles in accounting, auditing and financial management. It also helps them to prepare for professional accountancy qualifications.

BSc Economics

An economics degree explores economic theories, models and their real-world applications. The course covers microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods, preparing students for careers in economic analysis, consulting or policy advising. 

BA and BSc courses are both available. A BA in Economics focuses on economic policy-making and the application of theory. A BSc in Economics emphasises the technical aspects of economics, including mathematics and statistics, making it a popular choice among students preparing for careers in finance.

BSc Mathematics

A mathematics degree teaches mathematical theories, computational techniques and problem-solving skills. It covers topics like calculus, algebra and mathematical modelling, equipping students with the analytical skills required in a finance career. 

BSc Mathematics with Finance

A BSc in Mathematics and Finance combines mathematical teaching with financial theory and applications. Covering topics such as portfolio management, derivatives and quantitative analysis, it prepares students for roles in investment banking or financial modelling.

The highest-paying master’s degrees in finance

Master’s degrees in finance allow students with bachelor’s degrees to gain a deeper understanding of their subject and hone their technical skills even further. 

MSc Finance

Focused on the advanced study of financial theories, investment strategies and risk assessment, an MSc in Finance includes practical training in financial modelling and data analysis. The course is designed for careers in corporate finance, investment or asset management.

MSc Accounting and Finance

An MSc in Accounting and Finance integrates the teaching of advanced accounting principles with financial management. Focusing on corporate governance, auditing and financial analysis, it prepares students for senior roles in finance or professional accountancy bodies.

MSc Financial Management

With an emphasis on strategies for managing corporate finance, investments and risk, an MSc in Financial Management covers financial decision-making, valuation and global markets. It prepares students for leadership roles in financial planning or consultancy.

MBA 

An MBA – which stands for Master of Business Administration – is a globally recognised and highly respected postgraduate business degree. It provides a comprehensive overview of business management, including finance, focusing on leadership, strategic thinking and global business practices. An MBA program equips students with the knowledge and expertise to pursue a wide variety of executive positions, including those in finance. 

Unlock a high-paying career finance career with an online degree from FutureLearn 

A finance degree can lead to some of the most financially rewarding career paths around. A bachelor’s degree opens the door to a number of attractive entry-level roles, while a master’s degree can take a flourishing finance career to even greater heights. 
Whether you’re at the beginning of your learning journey or you’re looking to give your existing finance career a boost, at FutureLearn, we can help with our flexible online options. Check out our undergraduate and postgraduate online finance degrees to find the right course for you.