5 Best Entry-Level Finance Jobs in 2025

Summary

This video explores the best entry-level finance jobs that offer strong career growth, solid pay, and long-term potential. It covers roles such as financial analysts, investment banking analysts, accountants, credit analysts, and financial advisors. Viewers will learn about the core responsibilities of each position, necessary qualifications, salary ranges, and career progression. Whether you're interested in data analysis, high-paced investment banking, or helping clients with their financial goals, this video provides valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about starting your career in finance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Entry-level finance jobs offer good pay, career growth, and set you up for long-term success.
• 😀 A financial analyst transforms raw data into insights, working with spreadsheets, reports, and financial models. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics is often required.
• 😀 Financial analysts typically earn between $64,000 and $75,000 annually, with excellent career progression opportunities leading to senior roles like finance managers or CFOs.
• 😀 Investment banking analysts have high-paying, fast-paced roles, working on major transactions like mergers and acquisitions. They earn around $85,000 to $100,000, with potential to exceed $150,000 with bonuses.
• 😀 Strong academic performance, financial modeling skills, and internships are crucial for breaking into investment banking.
• 😀 Investment banking analysts can progress to high-ranking positions such as associate, vice president, and managing director, or transition to private equity or hedge funds.
• 😀 Accountants focus on financial record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance. They typically require a degree in accounting or finance.
• 😀 Accountants generally earn between $60,000 and $65,000, with career growth leading to senior accountant, accounting manager, or CFO positions.
• 😀 Credit analysts evaluate borrowers' creditworthiness, using skills in data analysis and financial modeling. A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics is common.
• 😀 Entry-level credit analysts earn around $60,000 to $70,000, with the potential to move into senior roles such as credit risk manager or transition into investment banking or asset management.
• 😀 Financial advisors help clients make smart financial decisions, offering advice on saving, investing, and planning for future goals. They need strong interpersonal and sales skills along with financial expertise.

Q & A

What is the role of a financial analyst?

A financial analyst is responsible for analyzing raw financial data and turning it into actionable insights. They create reports, build financial models, and evaluate investment opportunities to optimize business budgets and assess risks.

What qualifications are typically required to become a financial analyst?

To become a financial analyst, a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics is typically required. Strong proficiency in Excel and financial modeling is also important. While certifications aren't always necessary, passing the CFA Level 1 exam can be advantageous.

What is the earning potential for an entry-level financial analyst?

An entry-level financial analyst typically earns between $64,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on the location and industry. Career growth is significant, and they can advance to higher positions like senior analyst or CFO over time.

What does an investment banking analyst do?

An investment banking analyst is involved in major financial transactions like mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and capital-raising efforts. They build complex financial models, analyze market trends, and create reports for decision-making in high-stakes business environments.

How can one break into investment banking?

To enter investment banking, a degree in finance, economics, or business is essential. Strong financial modeling skills, a high GPA, internships, and networking are key to standing out in this competitive field.

What is the salary range for an investment banking analyst?

The base salary for an entry-level investment banking analyst ranges from $85,000 to $100,000 per year. However, the real earning potential comes from bonuses, which can push the total compensation over $150,000 in the first year.

What are the career growth prospects for an investment banking analyst?

The career growth for an investment banking analyst is excellent. They can advance to positions like associate, vice president, director, or managing director. Some also transition into private equity, hedge funds, or corporate finance for better work-life balance.

What does an accountant do in their role?

An accountant is responsible for recording, analyzing, and maintaining financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. They prepare financial statements, track expenses, revenue, and sometimes handle tax filings.

What qualifications are needed to become an accountant?

To become an accountant, a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is typically required. While certification is not mandatory for entry-level roles, many accountants pursue a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license for career advancement.

What is the earning potential for an entry-level accountant?

An entry-level accountant typically earns between $60,000 and $65,000 per year, depending on the industry and location. Over time, many accountants advance to senior roles, such as senior accountant or accounting manager, which offer higher salaries.

What does a credit analyst do?

A credit analyst evaluates financial data to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. They help lenders determine loan eligibility and credit limits by analyzing income, debt, and repayment history.

How does one become a credit analyst?

To become a credit analyst, a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics is generally required. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and financial modeling are important. Some professionals pursue certifications like the Credit Risk Certification (CRC) to boost their prospects.

What is the salary range for an entry-level credit analyst?

An entry-level credit analyst typically earns between $60,000 and $70,000 per year. Career growth includes moving into senior credit analyst roles or transitioning into higher-paying positions in investment banking or asset management.

What is the role of a financial advisor?

A financial advisor helps clients make smart financial decisions, guiding them in areas such as saving, investing, retirement planning, insurance, and taxes. They focus on building client relationships and ensuring financial security.

What qualifications are required to become a financial advisor?

To become a financial advisor, a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or business is needed. They also need to obtain licenses such as the Series 7 and Series 66 to offer investment advice in the U.S. Many advisors work toward the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

How do financial advisors earn income?

Entry-level financial advisors often start with a base salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. However, many advisors earn commission-based or fee-based compensation, which increases as they build their client base. Experienced advisors can earn over $250,000 annually.