Explore Careers in Finance
Finance relates to the services involved in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management. The finance and insurance industry is all about managing money and making financial transactions—from a child’s first savings account to multimillion-dollar corporate loans.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Accountants and Auditors
Prepare and examine financial records, ensure accuracy, and help organizations stay compliant with regulations and tax law.
Financial Managers
Oversee an organization’s financial health — directing investment strategies, preparing reports, and guiding long-term planning.
Banking & Insurance Professionals
Work with individuals and businesses on loans, accounts, insurance policies, and risk management products.
Investment & Trading Professionals
Analyze markets, manage portfolios, and help clients grow their wealth through strategic investment decisions.
Considering a career in finance?
Some points to keep in mind:
- Most careers in this community require the skills to work meticulously with documents and policies, maintain records, and interpret government regulations and laws. Individuals may be liable if an action does not meet compliance.
- The finance and insurance industry typically has a more formal dress code than many other industries. Employees’ appearance contributes to a company’s impression as being trustworthy, upright, and reliable.
- Work schedules typically follow a routine 9-to-5, but work hours may extend for those who work for clients or need to be available when opportunity strikes.
- When it comes to managing investments, your co-workers are often your competitors; if you don’t capitalize on an opportunity, they might.
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of industries and career pathways you can enter with a background in Finance:
- Accounting and auditing
- Financial planning and analysis
- Banking and lending
- Investment management
- Insurance underwriting and claims
- Corporate treasury and controls
- Risk management and compliance
- Tax preparation and advising
- Real estate finance
- Financial technology (FinTech)
- Wealth management
- Credit analysis
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Finance:
- Banks, both commercial and community
- Credit card companies
- Insurance agencies and carriers
- Stock brokerages and trading firms
- Investment fund companies
- Corporations with in-house finance departments
- Accounting and consulting firms
- Government and regulatory agencies
- Nonprofits and community financial organizations
- Self employer business owner
Career Navigation Strategies
Volunteering:
- Volunteer with local non-profits and local boards to provide financial support or through these organizations
- Volunteer internationally with Bankers Without Borders
Internships & Simulations:
- Explore organizations that offer internships in financial services
- Complete a simulation with Forage to advance your finance skills
- Gain experience trading stocks in the Investopedia simulation
- Check out this tracker highlighting finance internship programs with application deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions
Finance offers a wide range of career paths beyond the most visible roles. Some common paths WGU alumni pursue include accounting and auditing, financial planning and analysis, banking and lending, investment management, insurance underwriting, corporate treasury, risk management and compliance, and financial technology (FinTech). The right path often depends on whether you prefer working with individuals, organizations, or data-driven systems.
Common skills needed for roles in finance include attention to detail, analytical thinking, proficiency with financial software and spreadsheets, communication, and the ability to interpret and apply regulations. Many roles also require strong ethics and integrity, since finance professionals may be personally liable if their work does not meet compliance standards.
The finance and insurance industry typically has a more formal dress code than many other industries — employees’ appearance contributes to a company’s impression as being trustworthy and reliable. Work schedules generally follow a routine 9-to-5, though hours may extend for those who work with clients or need to be available when opportunity strikes. In investment roles especially, co-workers can sometimes also be competitors, since capitalizing on opportunities quickly is a key part of the job.
Many finance roles require or strongly prefer a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business. However, transferable skills and certifications can open doors, especially in roles like financial analysis, insurance, or FinTech where technical knowledge and problem-solving matter as much as your specific major. A WGU degree in a business-related field, combined with hands-on experience or professional certifications, can be a strong foundation for entering this field.
Certifications can significantly strengthen your resume and open doors to more advanced roles. Some widely recognized credentials include:
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — required or strongly preferred for accounting and auditing roles
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — highly regarded in investment management and portfolio analysis
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner) — for roles in personal financial planning and wealth management
- Series 7 / Series 63 — required licenses for securities trading and brokerage roles
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) — valued in internal audit and risk management
Professional associations offer networking opportunities, job boards, continuing education, and credentialing pathways. Key organizations in finance include:
- AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) — the leading professional body for accountants
- CFA Institute — for investment and portfolio management professionals
- FPA (Financial Planning Association) — for financial planners and advisors
- GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals) — for risk management professionals
- IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors) — for internal audit professionals
Banking typically involves working with individual and business clients on products like checking and savings accounts, loans, and mortgages. The work is often client-facing and relationship-driven, with a focus on services and compliance. Investment management focuses on analyzing markets and managing assets — stocks, bonds, and other securities — on behalf of clients or institutions. Investment roles tend to be more research- and data-intensive, and competition can be a prominent feature of the culture, particularly in roles tied to performance.
