By: MOFD Staff

Jobs in finance are growing at an exponential rate! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of business and finance is expected to grow at five percent through 2029 — much faster than average! That means it’s a great time for anyone interested in finance to enter the job market. And while there are myriad job types available, some professionals may be interested in the highest paying jobs in finance. If you’ve completed, or are working towards completing, a Master of Finance degree we encourage you to read through this article, then research the positions which may work best for you and your career goals.

1. Hedge Fund Manager

$145,279

If you’re looking for the highest paying jobs on Wall Street, then consider the role of hedge fund manager. Hedge funds are a type of pooled investment fund that are only available to licensed or well-established investors and investment companies. The managers of these hedge funds come up with the investment strategy that guides the fund’s day-to-day portfolio decisions. Additionally, it is the manager’s job to publicize the fund, and to communicate frequently with investors. Though hedge fund managers make an average of $145,279 per year, they are paid by commission. According to PayScale, hedge fund managers with 1-4 years of experience make about $85,000 per year, while those with 20+ years of experience can make upwards of $400,000!

2. Chief Financial Officer

$136,248

According to PayScale, the 2nd highest salary in finance belongs to the chief financial officer (CFO). Chief financial officers oversee the financial operations of their companies. Responsibilities are many, and include:

overseeing departments involved with purchasing, investments, accounts payable, etc.
preparing financial statements and financial position forecasts
implementing internal control policies for activities like cash and credit management, accounting, and budgeting

Chief financial officers should have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting. They should also have plus strong leadership skills, and many years of work experience.

3. Finance Director

$114,315

When it comes to finance jobs that pay the most, finance director definitely tops the list. Boasting an average salary of just over $114,000, finance directors lead a company’s finance team in everything from accounting, to financial analyses, to projections. Specific responsibilities include:

hiring and carrying out performance evaluations
overseeing the preparation of regulatory and financial reporting
managing the preparation of budgets and forecasts, among other things

In addition to strong leadership and communication skills, finance directors should have a master’s degree in finance (or a related subject) and years of industry experience.

4. Investment Manager

$102,212

The role of investment manager is another of the highest paying jobs in finance. Usually employed by investment management firms, investment managers manage the money invested by individuals and/or institutions. Responsibilities include:

learning about a client’s goals
managing client investment portfolios for maximum financial returns
analyzing current investment strategies and trends, among other things

To become an investment manager, one should have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must. You also need solid knowledge of markets, risk and return, and investing instruments.

5. Investment Banker

$101,258

Companies attempting to raise capital often turn to investment bankers for assistance. Investment bankers then work to examine the needs of the company, and formulate strategies for raising capital. Once the company and the investment banker have agreed on a strategy, the investment banker works with prospective investors who match the risk/reward profile of the initial company. To become an investment banker, one of the top paying finance jobs, you should have at least a four-year degree in finance or business (though an MBA is usually preferred). Also important are:

attention to detail
the ability to analyze financial data
excellent interpersonal skills.

6. Corporate Controller

$100,473

One of the highest paying corporate jobs is corporate controller. For approximately $100,000 per year, a corporate controller oversees all of the financial and accounting functions of a company or organization. Responsibilities include:

supervising budgets and billings
overseeing investment and asset management
ensuring payroll is processed correctly

Some corporate controllers are also responsible for filing quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To become a corporate controller, you should have:

solid knowledge of computers and financial software
a four-year degree or higher in finance or a related field
relevant work experience.

7. Associate at Venture Capital Firm

$95,970

Venture capital firms exist to pinpoint potentially successful business ideas, and to infuse those ideas with the capital they need to get off the ground. Associates at these firms are tasked with “making educated wagers,” as the career website PayScale describes. In other words, venture capital associates:

scrutinize an entrepreneur’s plans
study the level of demand and possible paths to success
decide whether or not to invest in the potential new business

Though there is no one set way to become an associate at a venture capital firm, most associates have a bachelor’s degree, and at least two years of work experience with a consulting or investment banking firm.

8. Commercial Banker

$92,447

Commercial bankers are employed by financial institutions to handle the financial affairs of corporate clients. Their many responsibilities include:

establishing and maintaining relationships with clients
assisting businesses with investing profits
facilitating large loans for the purpose of improving capital or building new facilities

Performing these tasks well makes the commercial banker one of the highest paid bank employees. Commercial bankers are usually expected to have a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field.

9. Actuary

$96,515

One of the best jobs with a finance degree is that of actuary. For an average of $96,515 per year, actuaries determine:

whether insurance companies should issue a policy
what the premium of that policy should be

Because they analyze huge amounts of data, actuaries should have a solid working knowledge of computers and the software that manages large data streams. They should also have a four-year degree or higher in a field related to statistical analysis.

10. Treasury Manager

$92,120

When it comes to finance jobs that pay the most, treasury manager is #10 on our list. Boasting an average salary of just over $92,000, treasury managers are charged with overseeing all financial transactions of their company or organization. Specific responsibilities include:

monitoring and reporting on available cash and cash flow
keeping track of regulatory and legal changes
managing relationships with banks, among other things

In addition to strong leadership and communication skills, treasury managers should have a bachelor’s degree in finance (or a related subject) and previous experience in a similar position.

11. Auditing Manager

$91,091

Auditing managers are employed by companies to ensure they are following all financial laws and regulations. A few of their responsibilities include:

studying and analyzing accounting records
preparing financial reports about operating procedures,
keeping a detailed record of all company finances

Performing these tasks well makes the auditing manger one of the highest paid employees in finance. Auditing managers are usually expected to have:

a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field
three to five years of relevant work experience
a solid knowledge of the auditing process.

12. Commodity Manager

$88,289

Commodity managers work in a variety of industries, though jobs are most commonly found in engineering and manufacturing companies. For an average salary of just over $88,000, commodity managers are responsible for:

creating an efficient supply chain
researching potential vendors
negotiating contracts with suppliers
analyzing market conditions, among other things

To become a commodity manager, you should have a bachelor’s degree, some prior work experience, and excellent organizational skills.

13. Portfolio Manager

$87,025

Next on our list of the highest paying finance careers is portfolio manager. These financial professionals work with individuals and/or businesses, and are responsible for investing money. Responsibilities include:

consulting with clients and providing financial advice
composing frequent reports on investment activity and performance
managing bond and equity portfolios to maximize returns

A bachelor’s is the minimum degree required to work as a portfolio manager. Most portfolio managers also obtain certification as certified financial advisors.

14. Financial Controller

$85,026

Also known as a financial comptroller, financial controller is 14th on our list of the highest paying finance jobs. Financial controllers are employed by companies where they manage the accounting department, audit department, budget department, and any other finance-related department a company may have. Responsibilities include:

composing important financial reports
preparing profit and loss statements
predicting the company’s financial performance over time

Because financial controllers must have solid knowledge of financial reporting, math, and problem solving, they should have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance. Some employers may require a license as a:

certified public accountant
certified management accountant
certified financial manager.

15. Commercial Lender

$83,638

Commercial lenders are employed by financial institutions where they grant loans to large commercial entities. Typical tasks include:

meeting with clients
obtaining any necessary paperwork
determining whether an organization qualifies for the loan for which they are applying.

To become a commercial lender, you should have:

a bachelor’s degree
a few years of relevant experience
excellent communication skills

Many commercial lenders also work on commission, and according to PayScale, can actually make upwards of $127,000 per year.

16. Equities Trader

$83,577

Equities traders make an average of nearly $84,000 per year, which makes them the 16th highest payed professionals in finance. They are employed by companies and/or individual clients, on behalf of whom they purchase and sell activities of equities. This includes:

buying and selling stock and properties
analyzing transactions to ensure government compliance
evaluating market trends for finance risk, among other things

A bachelor’s degree in finance is required to become an equities trader, as is previous experience in trading.

17. Private Wealth Advisor

$80,537

A private wealth advisor is a type of financial advisor who offers services across the financial spectrum. For one set fee, a private wealth advisor manages for an affluent client everything from accounting and tax services, to retirement planning and estate planning. To become a private wealth advisor, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree (though a master’s degree is preferred by many), plus any relevant certifications.

18. Equity Analyst

$80,536

The 18th highest paying job in finance is equity analyst. Equity analysts are employed by companies for whom they:

oversee investments
track investment data
make recommendations for improvement

Responsibilities include:

analyzing market trends
working with a portfolio manager to manage upside/downside price targets
presenting quarterly data

When hiring an equity analyst, most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, certified financial analyst certification, and a minimum of five years of finance experience.

19. Commodities Trader

$79,153

The 19th highest paying finance career is that of commodities trader. Commodities traders may be employed by banks or brokerage firms, or they may be self employed. In either scenario, commodities traders are tasked with facilitating the transactions of:

securities
stocks and bonds
agricultural output
currency, among other things

They are responsible for analyzing markets, and making intelligent financial decisions that will benefit their clients. While some commodities traders have only a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related subject, most also have a master’s degree. They must also be licensed through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

20. Economist

$77,809

Economists average about $78,000 per year, but can make as much as $134,000, according to PayScale. They are employed by companies and government organizations where they are tasked with advising their employer on things like:

tax rates
international trade
health statistics, and more

Using different computer programs, economists:

design and conduct research
encourage the adoption of financial policies
compile reports, among other things

Economists typically have a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, or a related field.

21. Operations Research Analyst

$77,408

Operations research analysts make an average of nearly $88,000 per year, enough to rank #20 on our list of the top paying finance jobs. They are employed by companies where they are responsible for completing and analyzing operations research. Specific responsibilities include:

performing analyses on operations-related trends
designing and executing experiments, using simulation models
predicting systems performance

To become an operations research analyst, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. Excellent critical thinking skills and proficiency with computer software are also musts.

22. Foreign Exchange Trader

$76,444

According to PayScale, foreign exchange traders earn an average of $76,444 per year, making them some of the highest paid employees in finance. Foreign exchange traders are employed by companies where they are responsible for conducting financial trading in foreign currencies. Specific tasks of a foreign exchange trader include:

tracking currency exchange rates
buying and selling certain currencies and stocks at specific time intervals

To become a foreign exchange trader, you should have a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, plus some experience as a trader.

23. Statistician

$74,261

Granted, “statistician” is a broad term, and according to PayScale, statisticians in the United States can make anywhere between $52,000 and $110,000 per year. Generally speaking, statisticians analyze a variety of data to support the work of professionals or businesses in the public and private sectors. The work of a statistician typically involves:

managing or executing surveys
processing and analyzing data using specialized software and mathematical techniques
summarizing the results for their employer

To become a statistician, you should have a master’s or doctoral degree in statistics. Those working in the financial industry should also have relevant educational and work experience in finance.

24. Business Development Manager

$74,015

Business development managers are at the forefront of an organization’s growth. They also have one of the highest salaries in business. The main responsibility of a business development manager is to develop business solutions for the company or organization. This includes:

composing effective business plans
strategizing ways to create more revenue
increasing brand loyalty
improving customer satisfaction

A bachelor’s degree is required to become a business development manager. Most companies also prefer a few years of work experience and business and leadership certifications.

25. Chief Accountant

$73,366

Chief accountants earn an average of $73,366 per year, making them some of the highest paid in finance. They are usually employed by:

hospital billing departments
retail chains
banks
government agencies

Responsibilities include:

overseeing payroll
maintaining a budget
handling tax-related duties
collecting and paying bills

To become a chief accountant, you should have either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Some employers prefer that their chief accountant also be a certified public accountant (CPA).

26. Securities Trader

$72,831

Twenty-sixth on our list of the biggest salaries in finance is securities trader. Securities traders are employed by financial companies where they are responsible for buying and selling stocks and bonds on behalf of clients. The main responsibility of a securities trader is to place securities orders at specific times for better prices. Other tasks include:

advising clients on how they can reach their financial goals
adapting to change in the financial markets
ensuring all security transfer paperwork is completed correctly

To become a securities trader, you should have a bachelor’s degree in finance or economics, plus some relevant work experience.

27. Fraud Manager

$70,224

Next on our list of the highest paying finance jobs is fraud manager. Fraud managers are hired by companies to help prevent fraud or legal issues. Typical responsibilities include:

ensuring all processes adhere to government guidelines and regulations
managing the tools used to monitor fraud risks
continuously improving strategies to detect fraud.

To become a fraud manager, you should have a master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.

28. Cash Management Officer

$68,739

Twenty-eighth our list of the best paying jobs in finance is cash management officer. Cash management officers help a financial institution’s business clients with their unique banking needs. A few of a cash management officer’s vast responsibilities include:

setting up a variety of accounts which help a company to maximize the efficiency of their cash
analyzing markets to recommend appropriate strategic initiatives
nurturing relationships between a financial institution and companies and organizations

Cash management officers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, plus a few years of relevant experience.

29. Trust Officer

$70,722

Twenty-ninth on our list is trust officer. Trust officers are employed by banks and investment firms where they provide expertise in trust and estate issues. Responsibilities include:

communicating with trust clients and relevant agencies
interpreting legal documents
managing appropriate tax paperwork
monitoring the allocation of funds

Trust officers should have a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. Some employers also require work experience and/or relevant certifications.

30. Acquisitions Associate

$64,360

Rounding out our list of the highest paying jobs in finance is acquisitions associate. These professionals may be employed in either the financial sector or the real estate sector. In either case, they’re mainly responsible for researching business opportunities and determining whether those opportunities would be worthwhile. Specific tasks include:

developing cash flow analysis of properties
coordinating with the loan administrator and other third parties
preparing relevant financial forecasts

A bachelor’s degree is required to become an acquisitions associate, though most employers also prefer:

previous acquisitions experience
excellent communication skills
a solid understanding of financial models.

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