Graduates of a finance degree online program can pursue lucrative careers as accountants, auditors, financial managers, or budget analysts. Students earning this degree obtain the technical and soft skills needed for employment in a variety of industries, including finance, insurance, professional services, and government.
Completing a bachelor's degree in finance online ensures that students meet the minimum education requirement for most jobs in finance, turning an eye for detail and dexterity with numbers into a rewarding career. Many candidates can further improve their job prospects by becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), certified management accountant, or certified internal auditor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10% increase in job growth for accountants and auditors by 2026, with an annual median salary well above the national median of $69,350.
Students seeking maximum scheduling flexibility often choose to earn a finance degree online, as this option enables students to log in anytime and from any location. Online finance bachelor's degrees also serve diverse learning styles, enabling students to choose between a full- or part-time workload, an accelerated schedule, and synchronous or asynchronous coursework. The best online finance degrees also tend to offer lower tuition rates, while helping students save money on commuting and housing costs.
With broad applications spanning multiple business fields, an online degree in finance prepares graduates for their choice of careers. Professions like accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping suit finance students with a mastery of math and analytical skills, while others who prefer business and management may pursue positions like budget analyst or financial manager.
Students can expand their job prospects by considering professional licensure in their area of expertise. After completing a bachelor's degree in finance online, students may go on to complete a graduate degree in finance or explore advanced credentials in a similar field, such as business or accounting.
An online finance degree curriculum provides students with the knowledge employers seek. Students can expect to hone analytical, math, and computer skills while strengthening their communication, decision-making, and management abilities. Whichever field a student pursues, the best online finance programs can help develop the following core areas.
Finance professionals need a strong foundation in financial management. Online finance degrees may include a broad course that covers multiple field concepts or incorporates separate courses in corporate finance, investment and portfolio analysis, and international finance management.
Crucial to a career in finance, students can expect to study acute methods of financial and managerial accounting. Courses in this discipline emphasize the importance of precision and accuracy in the process of bookkeeping and decision-making for professionals.
Students must learn how to navigate the latest data systems to prepare for the workforce after graduation. Coursework in business information systems helps to familiarize students with programs, apps, and services unique to accounting, auditing, and portfolio and investment management
While some employers hire those with an associate degree in finance, the majority of jobs in the field require a bachelor's degree. As the minimum education requirement, a bachelor's degree expands on concepts merely touched upon in an associate degree, preparing graduates for opportunities not otherwise available to them with fewer credentials.
Graduates of an online finance degree at the bachelor level enjoy the broadest array of career possibilities. Hiring managers tend to look for candidates with a mastery of math, analytical, and technical skills, along with soft skills that include problem-solving, communication, and detail orientation. Students aspiring to make use of a unique combination of business and finance skills may pursue management jobs, while those looking to blend sales and financial management may prefer a career in the insurance industry. A testament to the diversity of an online finance degree, the following list includes some leading industries for finance professionals, according to the BLS.
Annual Median Salary: $69,350
Accountants and auditors provide a professional assessment of a client's financial records, primarily for tax purposes. Many public accountants earn the CPA credential to meet Securities and Exchange Commission standards for accuracy and ethics. While most employers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs, some prefer a master's degree in business or finance and/or CPA licensure.
Annual Median Salary: $75,240
Budget analysts regularly assess client budgets to streamline operations and maximize funds. These professionals typically monitor spending, reconcile expenditures and income, and prepare reports on a client's financial health. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in finance and specialized skills, including economics and statistics.
Annual Median Salary: $84,300
Financial analysts specialize in guiding clients toward lucrative financial decision-making, specifically involving stocks, bonds, and other investments. While all financial analysts should show mastery over economics and analytics, many choose to further hone their skills as a funds manager or risk analyst. Employers require a bachelor's degree to enter the field.
Annual Median Salary: $125,080
A common career choice for students completing an online finance degree, financial managers earn one of the highest salaries in the field. These professionals may perform a wide range of duties for an organization or corporation, preparing budgets, monitoring financial statements, and analyzing market trends. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and five years of experience as an accountant, financial analyst, or securities sales agent.
Annual Median Salary: $64,660
Loan officers focus on assessing and approving loans for individuals and companies. Through a process known as underwriting, loan officers collect and evaluate information about a candidate's income and finances to determine both whether they should receive a loan and whether they can pay back the loan according to repayment terms. Employers prefer loan officers with a bachelor's degree, and many undergo training for their specific position.
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