The finance and professional services industry in Australia is massive, employing over 500,000 professionals across various roles. What’s more, finance jobs play a crucial role in keeping businesses, governments, and individuals financially healthy. From banks to investment firms, every organisation needs finance professionals to manage money, assess risks, and ensure profitability.
In this guide, we’ll be diving into the exciting world of finance careers and covering what they involve, how to get started, and why they’re in such high demand. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get reading!
What are Finance Careers?
A career in finance is all about working with money, strategy, and decision-making! Essentially, finance careers help businesses and individuals make smart financial choices and ensure that money is managed wisely.
Whether it’s analysing market trends, planning for the future, or finding ways to grow wealth, finance careers revolve around making sense of numbers and turning them into opportunities. It’s a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry that rewards problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and anyone who really enjoys a challenge. The best part? As finance plays a crucial role in almost every industry, the possibilities are endless!
How to Start a Career in Finance
Wondering how to get started in the world of finance? There are tonnes of different pathways you can pick from, and your choice should depend on your interests and long-term goals. Have a look through your options and see which one calls out to you!
University Degrees & Qualifications
Unsurprisingly, most finance careers require a university degree. To give you an idea of what kind of education you’ll need, here are some of the most popular courses and majors to consider!
- Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Major): Covers financial principles, investments, and risk management.
- Bachelor of Economics: Focuses on financial markets and economic theory.
- Bachelor of Business (Finance): A general business degree with a focus on financial management.
- Master of Finance (for postgraduates): For those looking to specialise and advance their careers in finance.
Alternative Pathways
If university isn’t for you, don’t worry too much; there are still a few ways to enter the finance industry without taking out a huge student loan. That’s right, you actually can launch a professional career in finance right out of high school!
- TAFE and Diploma Courses: Provide foundational knowledge in financial services.
- Internships & Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience with financial firms.
- Certifications: Some roles require professional accreditation, such as CPA (Certified Practising Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
What Jobs Can You Get With a Finance Degree?
A finance degree opens the door to many opportunities. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the exciting roles you could land:
Corporate Finance Manager
Think of the people in this role as the masterminds behind their company’s financial game plan; these professionals ensure businesses stay profitable, manage budgets, and make strategic investment decisions.
Financial Consultant
Love giving advice? Financial consultants help individuals and companies plan for the future and encourage a much smarter approach to things like investments and retirement strategies.
Banking and Credit Analyst
These professionals assess loan applications and financial statements to determine if businesses and individuals are eligible for credit. If you enjoy analysing risks and making calculated decisions, this could be the one for you!
Wealth Manager
Wealth managers are the ultimate money gurus! Those working in this financial career guide clients in making investment decisions to grow and protect their assets. Essentially, they’re making sure everyone maintains their wealth instead of spending it all on unnecessary things.
Actuary
If you’re a maths whiz who loves crunching numbers, this financial career could be your perfect fit. Actuaries use statistics to predict future risks (like the probability of someone making an insurance claim) and help businesses prepare accordingly.
Entry Level Finance Careers
Just starting out? No worries! There are plenty of finance careers that are entry-level that will help you gain experience and work your way up the ladder:
Finance Assistant
Starting out with this financial career is the perfect way to get your foot in the door! Finance assistants help with data entry, preparing reports, and supporting senior finance professionals.
Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
This role involves handling invoices, processing payments, and making sure businesses stay on top of their finances. It’s a great role to ease you into the finance industry.
Graduate Analyst
Graduate roles are a common starting point for those who want to work at investment firms or banks. You’ll analyse financial data, market trends, and help make key money-related decisions.
Junior Financial Planner
We know, this title sounds a little intimidating, but you’ll actually be working under other experienced professionals. Together, you’ll help clients create financial strategies, manage investments, and plan for clients’ big life events.
Credit Analyst
In this finance career, you’ll help banks and lenders assess whether individuals and businesses are financially stable enough to borrow money. It’s like being a financial detective; you’ll be investigating people’s financial history!
And remember, most finance jobs require at least a university degree, but internships and part-time work can help you gain a competitive edge. No matter where you start, the key is to keep learning, stay curious, and gain as much hands-on experience as possible!
Are Finance Jobs in Demand?
Finance jobs are absolutely in demand! The finance industry is one of the most stable and in-demand sectors in Australia; it even has a market size of $473 billion in 2025!
With the rise of digital banking, fintech, and global markets, finance professionals are needed now more than ever. Whether it’s managing investments, analysing risks, or helping businesses grow, finance roles are essential in today’s economy.
If you’re looking for even more industry insights, check out our mini-mag on finance careers!
What’s the Difference Between Finance vs Accounting
People often confuse the finance industry and the accounting industry, but they are different fields, and understanding the difference is key for someone going into a finance career:
Finance is about managing money, investments, and financial planning. Careers in finance include investment banking, financial planning, and risk management.
Accounting is focused on tracking and reporting financial transactions. Careers include auditing, tax accounting, and bookkeeping.
While both fields involve numbers, finance careers are more strategic and forward-looking, whereas accounting careers focus on record-keeping and compliance.
Discover Employers in the Finance Services Industry
Ready to start hunting for your dream workplace, too? We’ve got you covered! All you need to do is head to our professional industries employers page, scroll through, and find your perfect fit!
If you’re looking for an exciting, high-paying, and stable career, finance careers could be a great choice! With plenty of finance careers at entry-level, university pathways, and opportunities to grow, the finance industry offers something for everyone.
