9 Entry-Level Finance Jobs

Working in finance can be a lucrative career choice, especially if you enjoy analyzing and visualizing data, thinking critically about achieving financial goals, or staying up-to-date on economic trends.

In this article, we'll discuss different entry-level finance jobs you may want to consider if you're getting started in the field. Afterward, if you'd like to build your subject knowledge and skills in this area, consider enrolling in the University of Pennsylvania's Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization, where you'll gain an introduction to corporate finance and accounting.

9 entry-level finance jobs 

There are many different ways to work in finance. For instance, you can work at a company and focus on helping it achieve larger business goals through financial decision-making, or on behalf of individual clients at a wealth management institution. The jobs below range in area and responsibility. Discover what might be a good fit for you.

All salary information was taken from Glassdoor as of January 2025. 

1. Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers maintain a company's general ledger, perform payroll functions, and conduct accounts payable and receivable functions. Learn more about the skills and salary potential of bookkeeping.

• Average annual US salary: $$54,992

• Skills and qualifications: Knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles); experience using accounting software like Quickbooks; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or a bookkeeper certification

• Career advancement: Senior bookkeeper, lead bookkeeper, accountant

2. Staff accountant

Staff accountants work with many aspects of accounting, including financial statements, payroll, taxes, and auditing. They typically review and prepare financial records, compute taxes, prepare tax returns, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

• Average annual US salary: $64,020

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA credential; experience using accounting software; knowledge of tax laws and regulations

• Career advancement: Accounting manager, senior principal accountant

Read more: How to Get Your First Accounting Entry-level Job

3. Junior financial analyst

Junior financial analysts support financial analysts in their effort to conduct research to make informed investment recommendations (and decisions) on behalf of companies or individuals.   

• Average annual US salary: $71,110

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or statistics; data analysis; statistics; knowledge of economics, financial theory, and financial modeling; communications

• Career advancement: Financial analyst, senior financial analyst, financial manager

4. Junior risk analyst 

Junior risk analysts support the efforts of a risk analysis team to assess the financial risk of various business decisions in order to help companies limit their losses. They must be comfortable working with data and stay abreast of trends in the market.

• Average annual US salary: $87,439

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or statistics; proficiency in risk analysis and data analysis; experience with SQL and other data software; visual presentations

• Career advancement: Risk analyst, senior risk analyst, senior financial analyst, controller

5. Tax associate 

Tax associates have specialized knowledge of the tax system. They prepare tax returns and other tax documents for individuals, and help taxpayers minimize what they owe while fulfilling tax obligations.

• Average annual US salary: $60,145

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting; experience preparing tax returns, bookkeeping skills; general ledger skills; CPA credential is helpful 

• Career advancement: Tax accountant, tax consultant, tax analyst 

6. Personal financial advisor 

Personal financial advisors help clients manage their current finances and plan for the future, including investments, estate planning, and retirement.

• Average annual US salary: $94,222

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance; accounting; financial literacy skills; knowledge of financial liabilities; CFP ® is helpful 

• Career advancement: Senior roles in financial advising, other roles in finance 

7. Credit analyst 

Credit analysts assess individuals’ data and financial statements to determine any risks in lending to them. They also assess credit applicants and stay abreast of financial trends and news. 

• Average annual US salary: $67,564

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field; experience in R language and spreadsheets; understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)

• Career advancement: Credit analyst for businesses, senior roles in credit analysis 

8. Budget analyst 

Budget analysts advise organizations and government agencies about how to optimize budgets. They also analyze financial data to make more informed recommendations.

• Average annual US salary: $88,987

• Required skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a related field; skills in math or statistics; data analysis; budgetary experience 

• Career advancement: Advanced roles in budget analysis, other roles in finance   

9. Insurance claims adjuster

Insurance claims adjusters evaluate claims and investigate circumstances, negotiate claim settlements, and oversee payouts to policyholders.

• Average annual US salary:$62,873

• Required skills and qualifications: High school diploma may be sufficient for some positions; other positions may require a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field 

• Career advancement: Advanced claims adjuster roles, other roles in finance 

How to get an entry-level job in finance 

Once you settle on a career path in finance, begin the process of getting your entry-level finance job. Focus your efforts by following the steps below. 

1. Earn a degree. 

Given the specialized knowledge and skill set required to be a successful financial professional, most entry-level jobs in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, such as accounting, data science, or economics.

2. Hone your finance skills.

Your skill set can help you stand out as a job candidate. Prioritize learning or strengthening skills you may need for a particular role. One great way to do that is to review job listings on LinkedIn and Indeed, taking note of the required skills and qualifications section.

Once you know the skills you need to build or strengthen, consider taking additional courses or certificates in finance, or getting a certification in a specific area, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).

3. Search online for finance jobs.

Search sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for entry-level finance positions you’re qualified to fill and that align with your career goals. You can also search job sites specifically for finance, like eFinancialCareers and BrokerHunter. Review each job listing’s requirements, in terms of education, training, experience, and skills, as well as opportunities for career growth.  

As part of your job search, spend some time enhancing your resume and honing your interviewing skills.

Get started in your finance career on Coursera 

Develop or strengthen your knowledge of the financial industry and its many needs with online programs. Consider enrolling in the University of Pennsylvania's Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization. Over four courses, you'll build a foundation of core business skills in finance and accounting.

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