List of Financial Careers

Financial careers usually involve record-keeping and analysis.

Individuals demonstrating an interest and aptitude in statistics, analysis, mathematics and business should consider a career in finance. Whether they work for individual clients or Fortune 500 corporations, individuals working in the financial sector face challenging work and lucrative salaries.

Accountant

Also known as auditors, accountants can work for clients of all kinds, including state and federal governments, high-powered corporations, non-profit companies or individuals. Responsible for compiling, maintaining and analyzing financial records, an accountant ensures that clients pay their taxes accurately and punctually. Accountants are also qualified to provide clients with financial advice regarding budgeting, financial planning and investing capital. Aspiring accountants must earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. All accountants benefit from achieving certification by becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), which requires successfully passing an examination as well as demonstrated practical work experience.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that accountants and auditors earned an average salary of $67,430 in 2009.

Financial Analyst

Also known as securities analysts and investment analysts, financial analysts monitor the status of investments, including stocks, bonds and commodities, to guide clients into making sound investment decisions. Clients include banks, insurance companies, securities firms and a variety of businesses, large and small. By analyzing financial statements and keeping track of sales, costs, expenses and taxes, financial analysts gain an understanding of the company's financial management, determining its value in the economy. By understanding a company's worth, financial analysts can inform business owners how new and existing policies and trends will affect the company's investments. Due to the complex nature of their work, financial analysts must possess a bachelor's degree. Some positions also require financial analysts to hold a master's in business administration (MBA) or related financial discipline.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial analysts earned an average salary of $85,240 in 2009.

Actuary

As essential components in the insurance industry, actuaries compile information to predict the probability that risks will occur, helping clients minimize the cost of potentially dangerous financial situations. Possible risks threatening the financial health of an individual or organization include death, illness, injury or disability, as well as property destruction or loss. Actuaries often work for health insurance firms, where they help develop policies by predicting which illnesses can occur in specific populations that share some common characteristic, such as their city of residence. Actuaries are also qualified to guide companies through the investment process, informing them how to use resources to maximize profits. An actuary's work involves a strong background in statistics as well as business. They must possess a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, actuarial science, finance, economics or business. Many employers also require actuaries to be certified by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for an actuary was $97,450 in 2009.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Financial Analysts
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics: Financial Analysts
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Actuaries

Resources

• Vocational Information Center: Business and Finance Career Resource