Top 30 Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance

1. Hedge Fund Manager

Average Salary: $145,816 per year

A hedge fund manager is an individual or financial firm that manages and makes investment decisions and oversees the operations of a hedge fund.

The role of a hedge fund manager is to create and maintain a competitive advantage, a clearly defined investment strategy, adequate capitalization, a marketing and sales plan, and a risk management strategy. To be successful, a hedge fund manager must consider all these factors and make advantageous trade choices.

Hedge fund managers typically specialize in a particular investment strategy that they then use to power their fund portfolio’s mandate for profits. The personal worth and funds of hedge fund managers are usually tied directly to the fund itself. This means that they are entitled to a large percentage of the profits that the hedge fund makes.

2. Chief Financial Officer

Average Salary: $135,000.

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for managing a company’s financial operations. The CFO is responsible for overseeing the financial planning, budgeting, and reporting of the company.

They work closely with the CEO to develop financial strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives. The CFO is also responsible for ensuring that the company’s financial practices comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

The CFO’s primary duties include managing the company’s financial resources, analyzing financial data, and developing financial plans to improve the company’s overall financial health.

They are also responsible for identifying investment opportunities and managing mergers and acquisitions. The CFO works closely with other executives to develop and implement strategic plans that will help the company achieve its financial goals.

3. Finance Director

Average Salary: $195,627

A Finance Director is a professional who is responsible for ensuring the financial stability of a company. They are tasked with assessing financial markets, identifying solutions to any issues that may arise, and preparing reports for management on the company’s financial status to make important decisions about future investments or budgets accordingly.

A Finance Director is also responsible for driving the financial planning of the company by analyzing its performance and risks, retaining constant awareness of the company’s financial position, and acting to prevent problems. They are strategic thinkers and effective leaders who can make the most profitable decisions.

The responsibilities of a Finance Director include, but are not limited to:

Driving the financial planning of the company by analyzing its performance and risks
Retaining constant awareness of the company’s financial position and acting to prevent problems.
Setting up and overseeing the company’s finance IT system
Setting targets for and supervising all accounting and finance personnel (management accountants, internal auditors, etc.)
Overseeing all audit and internal control operations
Developing the corporate fundraising strategy and managing relationships with partners and investors
Preparing timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a quarterly and annual basis
Analyzing to make forecasts and report to upper executives.
Ensuring adherence to financial laws and guidelines

4. Investment Manager

Average Salary: $97,000

An investment manager is a professional who specializes in managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients. They handle activities related to financial planning, investing, and managing a portfolio for their clients.

Investment managers follow market activity closely to help dictate investment decisions they will make for their clients, ensuring that portfolios are balanced and meet each client’s needs. They may meet with clients individually, or if managing the investments of a large business, the relevant financial team members at each company.

Investment managers can range in size from one-person offices to large multidisciplinary firms with global offices. They devise strategies and execute trades within a financial portfolio. Client portfolios can include assets in market sectors such as technology, utilities, healthcare, or energy.

Investment managers consistently strategize to expand product offerings for their clients. In 2022, 72% of managers increased the number of investment products they offer to clients, and the 3 largest investment management companies globally based on AUM were BlackRock at $10 trillion, The Vanguard Group at $8.5 trillion, and Fidelity Investments at $4.2 trillion.

5. Investment Banker

Average Salary: $125,000

An investment banker is a professional who works for a financial institution and is primarily concerned with raising capital for corporations, governments, or other entities. Investment bankers facilitate large, complicated financial transactions such as structuring an acquisition, merger, or sale for clients.

They also issue securities as a means of raising capital and assist with pricing financial instruments and navigating regulatory requirements.

The investment banking field is popular because it is typically well-paid. However, investment bankers must have excellent number-crunching abilities, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the capacity to work long and grueling hours.

In theory, the investment banker is an expert in their field or industry, who has a finger on the pulse of the current investing climate. Businesses and nonprofit institutions often turn to investment bankers for advice on how best to plan their development.

6. Corporate Controller

Average Salary: $112,069

A Corporate Controller is a key financial leader within a corporation, responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial functions of an organization. Their duties include financial planning, managing financial processes, and handling budgets.

They are also responsible for developing and implementing financial policies, ensuring compliance with financial and accounting regulations, and managing financial reports and documents, such as balance sheets and income statements.

In addition, Corporate Controllers are responsible for guiding financial decisions by developing and monitoring policies and procedures, evaluating and enhancing financial controls and tax return procedures, and analyzing and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, cash flow, and liabilities. They also perform financial risk assessments and internal audits.

7. Associate at Venture Capital Firm

Average Salary: $68,000 per year

Venture capital firms provide funding to startup companies and small businesses that have limited access to more conventional sources of capital like bank loans. In exchange, the venture capitalists receive an ownership stake in the company and significant managerial oversight.

The venture capital associate is the most junior member of a VC firm and is responsible for sourcing new deals for their firm and for supporting those that are already in the works.

The associate is on the front lines of finding and screening deals, and is expected to bring an ambitious, sales-like mentality to this task, oftentimes sourcing potential deals by cold calling companies and entrepreneurs in order to set up meetings. The associate then presents prospective deals to the firm partners.

8. Commercial Banker

Average Salary: $92,167

A Commercial Banker is a business professional who helps clients with their financial needs. They work in commercial banks or other financial institutions and offer a wide range of services and products to clients, which allows commercial bankers to work with a broad range of customers and specialize in their desired interest area.

The job responsibilities of a commercial banker may vary depending on their specialization, the size of their institution and their years of work experience. Some basic duties of a commercial banker include:

Connecting clients with lenders
Developing, negotiating and closing commercial loans
Managing corporate, government or institutional accounts
Marketing their bank to attract new clients
Offering financial advice tailored to a client’s specific needs
Supplying credit products, such as term loans, cash management services, syndicated facilities and revolving lines of credit
Issuing deposit products, such as checking and savings accounts
Providing business development services, such as brand development, financial planning, product development and marketing
Providing lending services, such as commercial real estate lending, equipment financing and working capital for businesses
Delivering specialized services for certain businesses or industries, such as aircraft lending, investment real estate lending or auto dealer services
Providing treasury management services, such as disbursement, fraud prevention and fund collection

To become a commercial banker, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Some employers may require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field. Additionally, you may need to obtain a license to sell financial products and services, depending on the country and the institution.

9. Actuary

Average Salary: $125,000

An Actuary is a professional who assesses and manages financial risks using mathematical and statistical methods.

They use their analytical skills to evaluate the likelihood of certain events, such as natural disasters, deaths, or sicknesses, and design insurance policies or business strategies to reduce a company’s financial risks. Actuaries work in various industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare, among others.

The job description of an actuary typically includes analyzing data to identify trends, developing models to predict future events, understanding the industry’s ecosystem and its various stakeholders, using mathematical skills and statistical analysis to assess financial risks, and communicating findings to a non-technical audience.

Actuaries are responsible for studying statistical data for the purpose of creating an analysis, creating estimates of probability and likely costs for a given event, calculating how insurance policies for different types of coverage are likely to pay out, generating charts and presenting them at meetings along with explaining the information, and analyzing reports to determine next steps for the company or client.

To become an actuary, one must have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and economics. A bachelor’s degree in any of these fields is usually required, and many actuaries also hold advanced degrees.

10. Treasury Manager

Average Salary: $127,819

A Treasury Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities in treasury functions to meet the financial obligations of an organization. They perform treasury activities related to cash flow, borrowings, debt, and capital management.

The manager allocates cash balances, maintains investment records, and prepares expense and earnings forecasts. They ensure policies and procedures meet the organization’s objectives, needs, and regulatory body requirements. Additionally, the Treasury Manager determines procurement of funds and monitors investments and collections.

The role of a Treasury Manager requires a bachelor’s degree and typically reports to a director. The manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. They ensure that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. They have full authority for personnel actions and extensive knowledge of department processes.

11. Auditing Manager

Average Salary: $85,000

An Audit Manager is responsible for overseeing internal operating controls, processes, and practices. They are also responsible for recommending changes and enhancements to existing policies and controls to ensure they are current, adequate, functional, and utilized in accordance with standards established by the government and the company.

Audit Managers must be technically and mathematically proficient as there are thousands of tools and software programs available for auditors, and many of them have become ubiquitous in the corporate landscape.

Audit Managers must also have excellent written and oral skills, strong time management and organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships while asking tough questions.

To become an Audit Manager, a bachelor’s degree in a specialty area such as accounting, finance, or business administration is required, along with eight years of hands-on accounting or auditing experience.

12. Commodity Manager

Average Salary: $100,000

A Commodity Manager is a professional who oversees the purchase of commodities to assist a company’s supply chain. They are responsible for procuring supplies from vendors, evaluating market conditions to mitigate risks, and supervising department personnel. They also study the market to identify potential supply chain issues.

The role of a Commodity Manager is crucial in managing the company’s supply chain by sourcing, reviewing, and purchasing commodities. They update inventory strategies where needed to increase sales and manage stock quantities.

They evaluate, select, and recommend new vendors to management. They negotiate favorable prices and terms of purchase to maximize best commodity sourcing practices. They build and maintain good relationships with commodity suppliers and distributors.

They study market trends and identify any risks when sourcing and procuring commodities. They ensure that project-approved budgets are adhered to. They supervise department personnel when they prepare contracts and purchase orders. They resolve vendor disputes and any commodity-related issues.

To become a Commodity Manager, a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, economics, or a similar field is required. At least four years’ experience in supply chain or commodity management is also necessary. A Commodity Manager should have solid knowledge of financial markets that influence commodity prices.

13. Portfolio Manager

Average Salary: $128,350

A Portfolio Manager is a finance professional who manages and selects investments on behalf of clients or financial institutions. They analyze the market, evaluate investment opportunities, and develop strategic investment plans to help optimize their clients’ portfolios.

The responsibilities of a Portfolio Manager include generating an investment policy statement outlining clients’ investment objectives, constructing successful investment portfolios informed by market conditions and economic trends, and buying and selling securities in client accounts to maintain a specific investment strategy or to reach an investment objective.

To be a successful Portfolio Manager, one must have a strong understanding of investment strategies and risk management, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

14. Financial Controller

Average Salary: $92,220

A Financial Controller is a professional who is responsible for overseeing a company’s financial operations. They are responsible for preparing financial reports such as balance sheets and income statements, and ensuring that the company is in compliance with all financial regulations. They also monitor internal controls to ensure that everyone is doing their job correctly.

The duties of a Financial Controller may vary depending on the size of the organization. In smaller companies, they may be more involved in hands-on accounting tasks, while in larger organizations, they may focus more on financial analysis and accounting management.

A Financial Controller is expected to have a thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures and should have at least 5 years of overall combined accounting and finance experience. They should also have an advanced degree in accounting, and a CPA or CMA certification is preferred.

15. Commercial Lender

Average Salary: $118,342

A commercial lender is a financial institution that provides loans to businesses to help them fund their operations, purchase equipment, or expand their business. Commercial loans are debt-based financing that are repaid over time with interest. These loans can be structured as business term loans or lines of credit, depending on the lender and the borrower’s needs.

There are different types of commercial loans available, such as equipment financing, commercial real estate loans, commercial auto loans, and commercial construction loans. The amount of loan, repayment terms, interest rates, and qualifications vary largely based on the lender and loan type.

To get a commercial loan, a business owner needs to submit an application to the lender. The application process typically involves providing financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant documents. The lender will then evaluate the application and determine whether to approve or deny the loan request.

16. Equities Trader

Average Salary: $87,500

An Equities Trader is a finance professional who buys and sells stocks and other securities on behalf of clients, companies, or themselves. They are responsible for analyzing market trends, evaluating financial risks, and ensuring government compliance.

Equities traders earn an average of $84,000 per year, making them the 16th highest paid professionals in finance. A bachelor’s degree in finance is required to become an equities trader, as well as previous experience in trading.

The job of an equity’s trader involves buying and selling stocks and other securities, analyzing transactions to ensure government compliance, and evaluating market trends for financial risk. They also need to be well-versed in financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies.

17. Private Wealth Advisor

Average Salary: $100,000

A Private Wealth Advisor is a professional who helps high-net-worth individuals and families manage their assets and investments. These individuals are often employed by large banks or independent firms, and their duties may include investing clients’ money, providing financial advice and preparing tax returns.

Private wealth managers provide objective advice and guidance and offer personalized financial plans that take into account their clients’ unique circumstances. They may also provide services like cash management, estate planning and tax advice. Some even help arrange loans and other financial services.

Private wealth managers can be employed by large financial institutions to assist key clients, or they may work independently as a boutique firm. Either way, they usually provide ongoing support and advice as their clients’ needs change over time.

18. Equity Analyst

Average Salary: $88,565

An equity analyst is a financial professional who works in the financial sector, usually as an internal employee at a corporation or brokerage firm. They analyze and keep track of their employing company or client’s finances to determine the value of its stock.

Equity analysts are usually experts on the stock market, as they pay close attention to any trends or forecasts to help their clients make smart financial decisions. They work directly with clients to understand what their financial goals are and the ways they wish to meet them. They determine what their client’s need out of an investment and how much they’re willing to risk getting those returns.

The primary duties of a typical equity analyst include gathering and assessing securities data including industry-related stocks and bonds, analyzing company financial reports to determine the market performance of existing securities, and using data modeling software and methodologies to create financial forecasts.

19. Commodities Trader

Average Salary: $80,796

A commodity trader is an individual or business that invests in physical substances like oil, gold, or agricultural products. They buy and sell commodities based on expected economic trends or commodity market opportunities.

Commodity markets typically trade in the primary economic sector and most commodity trading involves the purchase and sale of futures contracts, though physical trading and derivatives trading are also standard.

Commodity traders may work to secure a supply of raw material for a business or industry, to help to create liquidity in an international market, or to invest in a speculative capacity. Several types of traders are active in the commodities market, dealing in raw materials used at the beginning of a production chain.

20. Economist

Average Salary: $109,230

Economists are professionals who study and analyze economic data and trends to understand and predict the behavior of economies. They are employed by companies and government organizations to advise on effective business and financial decisions.

Their main duties include gathering financial and socioeconomic data and statistics, building models for economic projections, and advising on solutions to economic problems. They also write papers for academic journals and other media and interpret and forecast market trends.

21. Operations Research Analyst

Average Salary: $82,360

An Operations Research Analyst is a professional who applies advanced analytical and mathematical techniques to solve complex problems and optimize decision-making in various industries. They work with large sets of data and develop mathematical models and algorithms to assist in decision-making, improve efficiency, and maximize outcomes.

Operations research analysts work on a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning, scheduling, inventory management, logistics, and facility layout. They use their expertise to formulate and solve mathematical models that represent real-world scenarios, considering factors such as constraints, uncertainties, and objectives.

The duties and responsibilities of an operations research analyst can vary depending on the specific industry, organization, and project requirements. However, some common responsibilities associated with this role include problem identification and formulation, data collection and analysis, mathematical modeling and optimization, and simulation and scenario analysis.

22. Foreign Exchange Trader

Average Salary: $204,530 per year

Foreign exchange trading, also known as forex trading, is the process of exchanging one currency for another. This is done for various reasons, including commerce, trading, or tourism.

The foreign exchange market is the largest and most liquid asset market in the world, with a daily global volume of $7.5 trillion in 2022. The market is open 24 hours a day, five and a half days a week, and is conducted electronically over the counter (OTC).

Forex markets exist as spot (cash) and derivatives markets, offering forwards, futures, options, and currency swaps. Some market participants use forex to hedge against international currency and interest rate risk, speculate on geopolitical events, and diversify portfolios, among other reasons.

To start trading forex, you need to choose a broker, open an account, and fund it. You can then use the broker’s trading platform to buy and sell currencies. It is important to note that forex trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite before deciding to trade forex.

23. Statistician

Average Salary: $99,960

A Statistician is a professional who specializes in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data to identify trends and patterns that help inform planning and decision-making processes in an organization.

Statisticians work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, finance, government, and research. They use statistical software programs such as SPSS, SAS, or Stata to create and maintain databases, perform statistical analyses, and prepare industry reports.

The responsibilities of a Statistician include interpreting statistical models and numerical data to help organizations plan and make decision-making processes, liaising with departments to obtain data, instructing departments on data submission requirements, and performing statistical tests to determine the reliability and soundness of results. Statisticians also contribute to strategic planning by identifying industry trends and preparing forecasts.

24. Business Development Manager

Average Salary: $100,769

A business development manager is a key member of the go-to-market (GTM) team, responsible for strategic planning, sales management, and prospecting for new clients to help grow an organization. They identify leads, offer proposals, and build relationships with customers and co-workers.

The role involves strategic planning, project management, and successful negotiation. Tasks include identifying opportunities in target markets, generating leads through cold calling or networking, nurturing relationships with key customer accounts, staying updated with industry developments, assessing client needs, following up with new leads and referrals, preparing status reports on goals, and using CRM software like Salesforce.

Successful business development managers often move into more senior roles in business development and sales management.

25. Chief Accountant

Average Salary: The median annual salary for a Chief Accountant is $82,500

A Chief Accountant is a senior-level accounting professional responsible for overseeing the accounting operations of an organization. They ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded and reported in a timely fashion, and they often play an active role in helping to develop and implement the company’s overall accounting strategy.

Chief accountants typically have extensive experience working as accountants or auditors before being promoted into this role. This gives them a deep understanding of how the accounting department operates and how it fits into the larger organization.

To become a Chief Accountant, you will likely need to have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration, as well as several years of experience working in accounting. The median annual salary for a Chief Accountant is $82,500, with the top 10% earning $122,000.

26. Securities Trader

Average Salary: $72,372

A securities trader is a professional who buys and sells tradable assets such as stocks or bonds. They are responsible for driving profits from strategic purchases and trades, which may be for their own portfolio or a client or company. Securities traders are skilled at watching macro- and micro-economic trends and predicting the future of their investments.

There are several different styles of securities trading. For example, a day trader makes many trades throughout the day, focusing on short-term profits. On the other hand, buy-and-hold-style traders look for long-term investments, keeping their investments for potentially years.

Securities traders may work independently, buying or selling on behalf of their personal portfolio or for clients. However, some securities traders will work as part of a larger firm, such as a private equity firm or investment bank. The compensation package for securities traders may include a base salary and commission.

27. Fraud Manager

Average Salary: $85,886 per year

Thank you for your message. Fraud Manager is a job title that is responsible for detecting and preventing fraudulent activities in an organization.

The role of a Fraud Manager involves analyzing data to identify any deficiencies in controls, duplication of effort, fraud, or lack of compliance with management’s established procedures. The job requires a high level of attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

Fraud Managers are employed in various industries such as banking, insurance, retail, and e-commerce. They work closely with other departments such as risk management, compliance, and legal to ensure that the organization is protected from fraudulent activities.

28. Cash Management Officer

Average Salary: The median annual salary for a Cash Management Officer is $66,500.

A Cash Management Officer is responsible for managing the flow of money into and out of a company. They ensure that all transactions, from paying vendors to making payroll, are handled in an efficient manner, while also ensuring that the company’s cash reserves remain healthy at all times.

The duties of a Cash Management Officer typically include:

Maintaining records and monitoring cash flow to ensure that there are enough funds available to pay bills on time.
Reviewing reports on cash inflows and outflows and making adjustments as needed to ensure that there is enough cash available to meet company needs.
Preparing cash forecasts to help determine how much cash will be needed to cover upcoming expenses.
Reviewing accounts payable invoices and checks to ensure that all payments were made correctly.
Preparing reports on cash balances and other financial activities for management review.
Preparing reports on loan repayments and other financial transactions for external parties such as banks or investors
Maintaining an inventory of cash at all times in order to have ready access to funds when needed.
Opening new bank accounts and arranging for electronic deposits from customers’ accounts.
Coordinating with external vendors such as banks or insurance companies to arrange for payment of invoices.

The salary of a Cash Management Officer varies depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses. The median annual salary for a Cash Management Officer is $66,500.

29. Trust Officer

Average Salary: $77,538

A Trust Officer is a professional who manages trust accounts on behalf of clients. They are responsible for managing the assets of individuals, families, and businesses. Trust officers work with clients to help them plan for their future by creating trusts, wills, and other legal documents.

They also manage trust accounts on behalf of their clients, ensuring that they receive proper investment returns while remaining compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

The duties of a trust officer typically include:

Monitoring the financial markets and providing advice on how to invest assets to meet clients’ goals.
Reviewing investment proposals to ensure they comply with company policies and federal regulations.
Providing clients with information about their investments and helping them develop strategies to reach their financial goals.
Recommending investment strategies based on clients’ needs and risk tolerance.
Assisting customers with questions regarding their trust accounts or other banking services, such as home loans or commercial loans.

30. Acquisitions Associate

Average Salary: $71,622/year

An Acquisitions Associate is a professional who provides recruitment counsel and guidance to HR business partners and functional hiring teams regarding marketplace employment trends, compensation, skills/attributes, target companies, interview processes and assessment methods.

The day-to-day responsibilities of an Acquisitions Associate include:

Researching potential acquisition opportunities
Analyzing financial data
Preparing financial models
Conducting due diligence
Negotiating deals
Managing the acquisition process.

To be an effective Acquisitions Associate, one must possess a relevant degree such as bachelor’s and master’s degree in business, Human Resources, Education, Acquisition, Legal, Technical, Communications, Management, Marketing, Finance.

Desired skills for acquisition associate include:

Federal and New York state laws regarding employment practices
JCAHO Personnel policy and procedure
Local requirements for job postings
Relation to position requirements
PowerPoint
Common HR / recruitment practice / processes
Competition and advises on potential trends that may influence recruiting.
Microsoft Excel
Success Factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these salary figures global or specific to a particular region?

The salary figures provided may vary by region and are influenced by factors such as cost of living, industry demand, and economic conditions. It's essential to consider regional variations when evaluating job opportunities.

Are there specific educational requirements for the listed finance jobs?

Educational requirements vary for each job. While some positions may require a bachelor's degree, others may necessitate advanced degrees or specific certifications. The article provides details on the typical qualifications for each role.

How can individuals prepare for a career in finance?

The article includes a section on education and skill requirements, offering insights into the academic qualifications and skills necessary for a successful finance career. Additionally, networking, internships, and staying updated on industry trends are emphasized for career preparation.

Conclusion

The field of business and finance is expected to grow at a rate of 5% through 2029, which is much faster than average. We’ve compiled, in this article, a list of the top 30 highest-paying jobs in finance. These jobs are diverse and offer a range of opportunities for those with a Master of Finance degree or those working towards one.

In conclusion, the finance industry offers a wide range of high-paying jobs for those with the right qualifications and skills. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in finance, then consider exploring the positions we’ve listed in this article. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve success in any of these exciting and lucrative fields.

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Overview of the Finance Industry

Skills Required for High-Paying Finance Jobs

List of the Top 30 Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance