What can you do with a finance degree?

Choosing an online degree in finance opens up a world of exciting career opportunities and can significantly boost your earning potential. But with so many options available, you might be wondering, “What can I actually do with a finance degree?” 

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of finance degrees, unpack the career paths available to graduates, and share the average salaries on offer when you reach your end goal.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, or CFO, the skills you gain from a finance degree are in high demand and open a lot of doors in the job market.

What is a finance degree?

A finance degree is designed to provide you with the skills needed to analyse financial data, make informed decisions, manage investments, and oversee financial operations effectively.

Typically offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this degree covers topics such as financial accounting, investment management, corporate finance, and economics.

One of the added benefits of a finance degree is that it normally also covers a broad range of business-related topics, which means you can be well-placed to pick and choose a career that you’re passionate about.

Types of finance degrees:

Understanding the different types of finance degrees can help you choose the right path based on your qualifications, career goals and interests.

Bachelor’s degree

In the UK, a Bachelor’s degree in finance is an undergraduate qualification that gives students a solid foundation in key financial topics. It normally takes three years to complete, and you can even combine finance with related subjects like accounting, business, or economics.

Typical degree titles include:

• Accounting and Finance
• Finance
• Economics and Finance
• Banking and Finance
• Business Management and Finance

Core modules often include:

• Financial accounting
• Investment analysis
• Corporate finance
• Financial markets
• Risk management
• Business economics

Students usually learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical tutorials, with grades being decided via coursework, group projects, and written exams.

It’s also worth noting that many universities also offer optional placements or work experience opportunities, allowing students to gain real-world experience alongside their studies.

Whether you choose to do it online, on-campus, with or without a placement year, you will be well-prepared for lots of jobs with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Plus, it can serve as a stepping stone to further studies, such as a Master’s degree or professional qualifications.

Master’s degree in finance 

A Master’s degree in finance is a postgraduate qualification that typically takes one year of full-time study or two years part-time. It offers advanced knowledge and specialised skills in finance, building on the foundation provided by a Bachelor’s degree.

Unlike a bachelor’s degree, which offers a broad overview of finance, a master’s degree focuses on specialised areas like investments, trading, and risk management. Earning a master’s degree can set you apart from candidates with only an undergraduate qualification, with a master’s degree in finance paving the way for you to land the highest paying jobs.

Typical degree titles include:

MSc in Finance

MSc in Financial Management

MSc in Banking and Finance

MSc in Financial Economics

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Core modules often include:

Advanced financial management

Financial modelling

Financial ethics

Financial engineering

Investment analysis

International finance

Corporate finance

Similarly to undergraduate studies, students attend lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, and assessments usually include coursework, projects, and exams. Many programmes also include a research project or dissertation.

Specialised finance degrees and further studies

If you have specific career aspirations, specialised finance degrees offer focused expertise in areas like financial technology (FinTech) or sustainable finance. These courses allow students to tailor their studies to align with niche industries or emerging fields within finance.

And of course, for those interested in academic research or advanced professional roles, pursuing a doctorate in finance provides an opportunity to contribute to the field’s knowledge base and achieve the highest level of academic qualification.

What can you do with a finance degree? 

A finance degree sets you up for a brilliant career across most industries. Whether you’re interested in analysing financial data, managing investments, or advising clients, a degree can help you get your foot in the door. 

In this section, we’ll explore some of the career paths available to finance graduates and what you can expect from each job. You’ll also find average salary figures for each role, but keep in mind that your earnings could be even higher with more experience or in major cities.

Accountant:

Accountants are responsible for managing financial records, preparing tax returns, and making sure everything is in line with the law. 

As an accountant, you might find yourself working in accounting firms, large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, or even setting up shop as an independent consultant.

Key responsibilities:

Maintain and analyse financial records.

Prepare and submit tax returns.

Ensure compliance with financial rules and standards.

Provide financial advice and support for decision-making.

Average Salary in the UK:

£36,868 (With advanced qualifications such as ACCA or CIMA, salaries can exceed £70,000.)

Auditor:

Auditors are brought in to meticulously review financial statements to ensure they are accurate, transparent, and legally sound. In doing so, they’re also asked to spot areas where processes, systems or budgets can be improved. 

You might find them working for auditing or accountancy firms, within businesses themselves, for government bodies, or as freelance consultants.

Key responsibilities:

• Review and verify financial statements and records.
• Ensure financial practices meet regulations and standards.
• Identify problems or errors and recommend solutions.
• Report findings and suggest improvements.

Average salary in the UK: 

£36,636 (With advanced qualifications such as ACA or ACCA, salaries can exceed £50,000.)

Banking:

Banks offer a range of services to both individuals and businesses. Whether assisting personal clients or managing corporate accounts, bankers play a key role in providing loans, financial advice, and tailored solutions to meet their clients’ financial goals.

Corporate banking tends to pay better, but whichever route you take, a finance degree will put you in good stead to land a spot on top-notch graduate schemes and management programmes.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage accounts and client relationships.
• Evaluate loan applications and assess creditworthiness.
• Provide financial advice and tailored banking solutions.
• Monitor and manage loan portfolios.

Average salary in the UK:

• Corporate Banking: £45,095
• Retail Banking: £31,492

Chief Finance Officer (CFO):

As the most senior financial expert in a company and often on the board of directors, the CFO is ultimately responsible for overseeing the financial operations and strategy of a business.

In this senior role, you’ll steer financial planning and risk management, while offering strategic advice to the CEO and the rest of the board.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support business goals.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Supervise financial reporting and compliance with regulations.
• Analyse financial performance and drive improvements.
• Lead the finance team and collaborate with other departments.
• Advise the CEO and board on financial decisions and risk management.

Average salary in the UK: £115,078

Financial Analyst:

Financial Analysts study data and trends to guide investment decisions. They work for banks, investment firms, or large companies, examining financial statements, market trends, and economic conditions to make informed recommendations.

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluate financial performance and investment opportunities.
• Create financial models and forecasts.
• Prepare reports and presentations for decision-makers.
• Monitor economic and industry trends.

Average salary in the UK: £39,165

Finance Manager

A Finance Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining a company’s financial health and can be a stepping stone to senior leadership roles.

Their day-to-day work includes managing budgeting, payroll, payments, cost reduction, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and manage budgets and financial forecasts.
• Oversee financial reporting and ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Analyse financial performance and provide insights for decision-making.
• Manage cash flow and financial planning.
• Supervise and mentor finance team members.

Average salary in the UK: £47,394

Financial planner

Either as part of a firm or as a freelance consultant, a Financial Planner (or Financial Advisor) helps people manage their finances to grow their wealth and hit their long-term financial goals. 

In this role, you’ll enjoy a varied work life, advising on investments, retirement plans, insurance, mortgages, and more—all with the aim of helping your clients.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement personalised financial plans and strategies.
• Provide advice on investments, retirement savings, and insurance.
• Monitor clients’ financial progress and adjust as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients.

Average salary in the UK: £49,359 

Investment banker

An Investment Banker assists companies in raising money and managing financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.

Key responsibilities:

• Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, and financial restructuring.
• Assist clients in raising funds through stocks and bonds.
• Conduct financial analysis and valuation of companies and investment opportunities.
• Negotiate and manage complex financial transactions.

Average salary in the UK: £85,000

Risk Manager

As a Risk Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of identifying and managing risks that could impact a company’s financial stability and reputation. You’ll be asked to develop strategies that minimise potential threats and ensure that the company’s financial practices align with its business goals.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate potential risks in financial, operational, and strategic areas.
• Develop and implement strategies and policies to manage these risks.
• Advise senior management on their decisions and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ensure the company follows industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Average salary in the UK: £54,958

Venture Capitalist

As a Venture Capitalist, you’ll provide funding, strategic advice, and mentorship to help small businesses and start-ups grow, all while aiming for significant returns on your investments

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluate and select promising businesses for investment
• Provide capital and strategic guidance to companies
• Assist with business development and scaling efforts
• Conduct market research and due diligence

Average salary in the UK: £76,024

Final thoughts

A finance degree lays the groundwork for a wide range of career paths, each offering its own opportunities and rewards. So, whether you’re drawn to the meticulous nature of accounting, the strategic side of risk management, or the breakneck speed of investment banking, there’s a spot for you in the finance sector.

And if finance isn’t where you see yourself long-term, remember that this degree also serves as a springboard to other industries or even to starting your own business.

Whatever path you choose, you’ll have the flexibility to shape a career that meets your personal interests and ambitions.