A finance degree is one of the most versatile qualifications you can gain. Whether you're passionate about numbers, enjoy strategic decision-making, or want to understand how businesses work, finance opens the door to countless career opportunities.
However, your degree is just the starting point. Most careers in finance are enhanced by professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or CFA. These credentials are often necessary to progress into senior, technical, or specialised roles. And if university wasn’t your path, there are still many gateways into finance through apprenticeships and employer-supported training programmes.
Here are some of the best careers you can pursue with a finance degree, alongside tips on how to excel in each role.
Accountant
One of the most popular and stable career choices, accountancy provides clear paths for progression and allows you to work across almost any industry. You might begin as a junior accountant, tackling tasks like preparing financial statements or supporting audits, and work your way up to roles such as financial controller or CFO.
To advance in accounting, a professional qualification like ACCA, ACA, or CIMA is typically required. The good news is that these qualifications can often be studied while working, through flexible learning or apprenticeships.
Financial analyst
Financial analysts evaluate data to help organisations and investors make important decisions. This role could involve forecasting performance, analysing market trends, or building financial models. Financial analysts are highly sought after in sectors such as investment banking, corporate finance, and asset management.
For this career path, the CFA qualification is widely respected. Strong skills in Excel, data analysis, and communication will also put you at an advantage. Alternatively, the ACCA qualification or the ACCA Finance Analyst Level 3 apprenticeship will significantly help set you up for success.
Management accountant
Management accountants specialise in analysing internal financial performance. They guide companies in planning budgets, evaluating profitability, and making strategic decisions to improve operations.
The go-to qualification for this role is CIMA, which combines financial knowledge with an understanding of business strategy. Employers often support graduates in studying CIMA while working in entry-level roles.
Investment banker
Investment bankers advise clients on raising capital, mergers, acquisitions, and other high-level financial strategies. It’s a demanding career with long hours, but the rewards often include high salaries and international opportunities.
Graduates aiming for investment banking roles often complement their degree with the CFA qualification and benefit greatly from internships or graduate schemes to gain experience.
Auditor
Auditors ensure that financial records are accurate and comply with regulations. This role involves understanding a business inside out, making it an excellent choice for detail-oriented individuals.
Graduate schemes at accountancy firms often provide pathways to qualifications such as ACA or ACCA. If you’re starting without a degree, auditing roles are accessible through Level 4 or Level 7 apprenticeships.
Tax adviser
Tax advisers help individuals and businesses manage their tax obligations and remain compliant with legislation. This technical role involves problem-solving and providing expert advice on structuring finances.
Qualifications such as ATT or CTA are typically required to work in tax. Many employers offer support for these qualifications or integrate them into apprentice programmes.
Data analyst in finance
The demand for data analysts in finance has surged with the rise of technology. These professionals work with large datasets to identify trends, assess risks, and provide insights that drive business decisions.
Skills in tools such as SQL, Python, Power BI, or Tableau are becoming essential in this field. Many finance graduates enhance their career prospects by upskilling in data literacy.
At Kaplan, we provide training via apprenticeship programmes in data and technology to help you upskill in this area. Learn more about our apprenticeship programmes, or if you’re currently employed, read more on how to talk to your employer about starting an apprenticeship.
Risk manager
Risk managers help businesses identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks. This can include analysing market volatility, managing credit exposure, or advising on operational risks.
This career combines analytical thinking with commercial awareness. Risk managers often succeed by pursuing qualifications in finance, risk, or regulation, particularly in banking or insurance sectors. Furthering your studies with the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) qualification is a perfect step into this career.
Business consultant or strategy analyst
Finance graduates often thrive as consultants or strategy analysts, guiding businesses in making informed decisions based on financial and operational data. These roles are perfect if you enjoy problem-solving and working closely with clients or stakeholders.
Though not always required, a professional qualification will add credibility and solidify your technical knowledge in this field.
Careers without a degree
Many career paths in finance are also accessible without a university degree. School leavers can pursue higher apprenticeships, gaining real-world experience and qualifications while earning a salary and avoiding student debt.
Kaplan offers a range of apprenticeship programmes in accountancy, tax, and finance, providing clear paths for qualification and career growth.
How to choose the right path
If the range of career options feels overwhelming, start by reflecting on your strengths and interests. Are you more analytical or people-focused? Would you prefer structured tasks or fast-paced environments?
Here’s how to narrow your choices:
- Gain first-hand experience through internships or placements.
- Network with industry professionals through LinkedIn or careers events.
- Research specific qualifications and what day-to-day work in a role involves.
Next steps
A finance degree lays a strong foundation, but the most successful professionals are those who continue to develop their skills. Whether you aim to work in investment, tax, data, or strategy, gaining a professional qualification will help you stand out and advance your career.
At Kaplan, we provide flexible learning options, expert guidance, and industry-recognised qualifications to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re studying full-time, working alongside your studies, or entering finance through an apprenticeship, we’re here to support your success.
Explore our courses and apprenticeships today to take the next step in your finance career.
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