Entry Level Finance Jobs

There are numerous entry level finance jobs available in the finance sector. Salaries vary widely based on the firm, geographic location, and applicant education level. Below is a list of the most common entry level jobs along with average annual starting salaries, including bonuses.

Corporate Junior Financial Analyst

You would be working in the field of corporate finance. You help your corporation find the money it needs to help it operate and grow. You are on a team that helps the corporation plan its financial future and manage existing cash on hand. Problem solving skills are a must, as there is always a new project that management has decided to undertake. You’ll be making reports, many of them, on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Starting salary $35K – $50K.

Investment Junior Financial Analyst

You would be working for an investment bank. You do a lot of research and report planning. You help associates structure initial public offerings, governments issue government bonds, and corporations issue stock and bonds. Bonuses can be high, sometimes accounting for as much as 50% of your annual salary. Performance is a major factor in promotions and job retention.

Starting salary $60K – $150K.

First Year Stock Broker

Many stockbrokers start out as interns that are not paid, or they work on a commission-only basis to start while they complete their training and licensing exams. In the early years salaries may only be a few thousand dollars a year. However, salaries quickly increase with experience.

A business degree is not necessary to start, but if you have a degree in finance or economics you’ll have a definite leg up. You’ll also be more likely to get a position with a major brokerage and gain the experience you need to further your career.

The average salary for stock brokers in New York City is $90,000 per year. However, there are wide variations on both sides as high performing brokers receive huge annual bonuses.

Financial Planner

You’ll most likely be working for a private investment firm. You’ll need at least a BS in finance or economics. A master’s degree would be better. You will help individuals manage personal financial assets through proper planning and risk management and you will create for them a financial plan.

The field is highly competitive. Financial planners are always competing against one another for business. Your performance as a financial planner will directly impact your annual salary. First year financial planners earn about $40K per year. Salaries rise quickly with experience. If a financial planner becomes a certified financial planner, a six figure salary is easily obtainable with the right experience, geographic location, education, and firm.