Follow
For undergraduate business students who are unsure about whether to continue their education into graduate school, it is important to remember that there are still a broad range of finance jobs available with a Bachelor’s in Finance degree. While upper-level management and leadership roles in the financial industry often require the completion of a master’s degree, investing your undergraduate years in pursuing a finance major at the bachelor’s degree level can also open many professional doors in financial services. In fact, finance is often listed among the top undergraduate majors for leading to the best-paying jobs for bachelor’s degree holders, according to CBS News. Read on to learn more about the most popular career options for students with an accredited Bachelor’s in Finance degree.
Budget Analyst
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance and fine-tuning analytical skills, budget analysts use cost-benefit analyses to help public and/or private institutions organize their finances through budget reports. In an effort to continually monitor an organization’s spending habits, budget analysts are responsible for developing budget plans, reviewing budget proposals for accuracy, consolidating departments budgets, providing recommendations for funding requests, assisting executives with proposed plans, brainstorming other funding alternatives, and estimating future financial needs. Budget analysts most often work for corporations, government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and other business entities.
Insurance Underwriter
For individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree in finance and related work experience in the insurance industry, becoming an insurance underwriter may be a good career option. In order to determine the terms for insurance coverage, insurance underwriters are responsible for evaluating insurance applications, determining premium rates, screening applicants for risk, using underwriting software, and contacting field representatives for further client information. As the primary link between insurance companies and insurance agents, insurance underwriters are vital financial professionals for achieving a balance between risky and careful decisions.
Financial Examiner
Financial examiners have one of the highest paying finance jobs available with a Bachelor’s in Finance degree with an average annual salary of $75,800 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether working in consumer compliance or risk scoping, financial examiners are given the vital duty of guaranteeing that all transactions properly comply with regulations. Financial examiners typically are monitoring the financial health of institutions, reviewing balance sheets, evaluating loan documentation, preparing reports on an institution’s compliance, analyzing new regulations, designing guidelines for policies, and training others in the financial examination process.
Loan Officer
Within banks, credit unions, mortgage brokerages, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, loan officers utilize the underwriting process to determine whether certain applicants should qualify for receiving a loan. In addition to verifying financial information and evaluating applicants’ finances, loan officers must have strong customer service skills to guide individuals through the application process, answer questions, and solicit new business. Loan officers usually need a bachelor’s degree in the field of finance with related work experience to enter this rewarding occupation.
Related Resource: Financial Analyst
Regardless of whether you pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, an undergraduate degree in finance will provide you with foundational knowledge in many areas of the financial services industry, including accounting, statistics, financial planning, cost control, investing, international finance, financial markets, statement analysis, and more. Not only can undergraduates further their studies at the graduate level with a solid foundation, but they can also get to work in any of these finance jobs available with a Bachelor’s in Finance degree.
