What can you do with a finance degree?

By: The Capella University Editorial Team 

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Wall Street isn’t the only path to pursue with a finance degree. While some graduates may find roles in investment firms or large financial institutions, others apply their skills in corporate finance, banking, healthcare, government, nonprofits and small businesses.

This versatile field can offer opportunities across different industries. Explore what options may be available for those who choose to pursue a degree in finance.

Who should pursue a finance degree?

Someone who is interested in business, problem-solving and how organizations make financial decisions may be a strong candidate for a finance degree. Because finance connects with areas like economics, accounting, marketing, quantitative analysis, human resources and information technology, students often benefit from having broad business-based interests.

Ideal candidates also tend to have an interest in the valuation of things, from an individual financial security up through the valuation of an entire enterprise, or groups of enterprises.

Variety of career paths to explore

A degree in finance is designed to prepare graduates to pursue a variety of challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in the primary areas of investments, financial management, financial institutions and markets, and international finance. Here are just a few job titles to explore for a graduate with a degree in finance.*

Accounts payable manager

Accounts payable managers oversee a company’s outgoing payments, ensuring vendors and suppliers are paid accurately and on time. Responsibilities could include:

• Managing the invoice-to-payment process
• Supervising accounts payable staff
• Reviewing and approving vendor payments
• Reconciling accounts and resolving payment discrepancies
• Ensuring compliance with internal controls and payment policies

Branch manager

Branch managers lead the daily operations of a bank or financial institution’s local branch, balancing customer service, sales and staff management. Responsibilities could include:

• Overseeing branch staff and daily operations
• Meeting sales and growth targets for loans, deposits and accounts
• Ensuring compliance with banking regulations
• Handling escalated customer service issues
• Monitoring branch financial performance

Budget analyst

Budget analysts help organizations plan their finances by examining budget proposals and monitoring spending. Responsibilities could include:

• Reviewing budget proposals for accuracy and completeness
• Analyzing spending trends and forecasting future costs
• Preparing budget reports for management
• Recommending funding levels based on financial data
• Monitoring organizational spending to ensure compliance with approved budgets

General manager

General managers oversee the overall operations of a business, department or location, balancing financial performance with day-to-day management. Responsibilities could include:

• Setting and monitoring performance goals and budgets
• Overseeing staff hiring, training and performance
• Analyzing financial reports to guide business decisions
• Coordinating across departments to improve efficiency
• Ensuring the business meets revenue and profitability targets

Management trainee

Management trainees participate in structured programs designed to prepare them for future leadership roles within an organization. Responsibilities could include:

• Rotating through different departments to learn business operations
• Assisting with financial analysis and reporting
• Supporting project and team management under supervision
• Learning company policies, systems and procedures
• Building skills in budgeting, staffing and operations management

Mortgage loan officer

Mortgage loan officers evaluate, authorize and recommend approval of mortgage loan applications for individuals and businesses. Responsibilities could include:

• Evaluating applicants’ financial status and creditworthiness
• Explaining loan options, terms and requirements to borrowers
• Gathering and verifying financial documentation
• Ensuring compliance with lending regulations
• Guiding applications through underwriting and closing

Pricing analyst

Pricing analysts study market trends, costs and competitor data to help organizations set effective pricing strategies. Responsibilities could include:

• Analyzing market and sales data to identify pricing trends
• Developing pricing models and strategies
• Monitoring competitor pricing and market conditions
• Collaborating with sales and marketing teams on pricing decisions
• Preparing reports on pricing performance and profitability impact

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

There isn’t a single path to career development through a degree in finance. Lean into your interests to help guide your decision. Look across industries to see what additional positions are available – there are many choices within corporations, small businesses and nonprofits.

If the above career paths intrigue you, consider an online BS in Business, Finance from Capella University.

To continue to expand your business knowledge, consider an online Self-Designed MBA.