Best Career Options to Choose After Graduating in Finance

Graduating with a finance degree unlocks a lot of doors, especially in Australia where the financial services sector is stable and evolving. Whether you want a role that maximises salary, one with good work‑life balance, or something niche and cutting edge — there’s something for you.

According to Seek, finance job ads have grown by +3.9%, with ‘high competition per ad’ indicating strong interest from candidates. Roles like Credit (+54.3%), Settlements (+26.7%), and Corporate Finance & Investment Banking (+20.7%) are seeing the highest growth in demand, showing where the market is heating up in 2025.

We’ve gathered all the information to start exploring some roles once you have your degree in Finance. Continue reading to discover the career that aligns with your interests and skills.

1.  Financial Analyst

What do they do?

• Analyse company finances
• Build financial models for budgeting
• Evaluating investment opportunities
• Mergers & acquisitions work

Pros and cons of the job

Being in the role of financial analyst offers high potential for growth as it’s a good stepping stone into senior finance roles and many of the skills are transferable into other roles on this list. However, the role may involve long hours depending on the firm.

Salaries for a graduate in financial analysts

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $65,000 – $80,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $100,000 – $140,000 per year

2. Accounting

What do they do?

• Book-keeping
• Preparing financial statements
• Auditing
• Advising on tax

Pros and cons of the job

Entering accounting can offer good job security as it is in strong demand. The role offers more creativity and strategic work and as you gain experience you might move into advisory or finance management roles. Many advise continuing education to maintain licensure within the role.

Salaries for a graduate in accounting

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $50,000 – $65,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $70,000 – $139,000 per year

3. Financial planning

What do they do?

• Helping individuals or businesses plan for financial goals
• Offer insurance guidance and advice
• Retirement, investment, insurance and estate planning

Pros and cons of the job

Financial planning can be a rewarding career as you help clients directly and the field is regularly changing. This role requires good interpersonal skills, building a client network and sometimes further certification.

Salaries for a graduate in financial planning

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $70,000 – $90,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $100,000 – $145,000 per year

4. Investment Banking

What do they do?

• Capital raising
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Initial Public Offerings
• Financial advisory

Pros and cons of the job

A career in investment banking has a high earning potential and offers the opportunity for powerful networking and fast skill development. But with that comes high pressure and steep competition in the role. Many see this career as a stepping stone into other careers.

Salaries for a graduate in investment banking

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $90,000 – $116,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $116,000 – $178,000 per year

5. Risk management

What do they do?

• Assessing financial, market and operational risk
• Ensuring the organisation meets regulatory requirements.
• Policy development
• Crisis management

Pros and cons of the job

Risk management offers a role with a good mix of technical and strategic thinking. It also offers the potential to work in many different industries as it is increasing in importance. This role requires a clear head and quick thinking when faced with crises such as market crashes or cyberattacks.

Salaries for a graduate in risk management

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $120,000 – $195,000 per year

6. Treasury

What do they do?

• Record keeping and budgeting
• Risk management
• Debt and investment management
• Compliance assessment

Pros and cons of the job

A treasurer is an important role in large firms as it requires managing risks, interest rates and requires strong quantitative skill sets. The role offers lots of opportunities for skills development and networking, and is great for people who can handle lots of responsibilities.

Salaries for a graduate in treasury

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $80,000 – $115,000 per year
• Mid – Senior: $198,000 – $311,000 per year

7. Financial Technology (Fintech)

What do they do?

• Data analytics
• Delivering insights or products
• Working with investment platforms
• Lending or crowdfunding

Pros and cons of the job

This growing field combines skills in finance with tech. Having a high demand for coding and data analyst skills. If you enjoy tech and innovation, this could be a path with fast growth. However, because of the growing field there are often rapidly evolving environments.

Salaries for a graduate in financial technology

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
• Mid – Senior : $90,000 – $180,000 per year

8. Retail/Commercial Banking

What do they do?

• Credit analytics
• Branch management
• Commercial lending

Pros and cons of the job

This career offers more stability and predictable hours than investment banking, and is a good opportunity to learn about many types of finance operations. These roles offer great impact on broader economy and businesses, however some branches are limited in their upward mobility.

Salaries for a graduate Retail/Commercial Banking

According to Seek, these are the median salary numbers for the last 12 months.

• Entry-level: $47,000 – $70,000 per year
• Mid-level: $72,000 – $204,000 per year

 

What to consider when choosing your career

It’s not just about what the market wants — choosing a career path is personal and there’s many things to think about what each career can offer to you.

1. Strengths and preferences

Think about your skill set, and how it relates to the career that you are interested in. Many of these jobs require good analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and negotiation. It’s also good to consider if you are comfortable with large workloads and long hours.

2. Work-life balance vs. compensation

Investment banking and roles in big firms often pay well but demand long hours. Some roles in fintech, risk, or corporate finance may offer more balance.

3. Specialisation vs broad exposure

You might start broad (e.g., a graduate program with rotations) then specialise, or pick a niche early (e.g., financial planning, compliance). There are pros and cons to both.

4. Certifications / further study

Certain roles benefit from CPA (Certified Practicing Accountant), or CFA, or other finance certifications/licensing in financial advice. Also, sometimes a Master’s degree helps, especially if aiming for competitive roles.

5. Industry & company culture

Big banks, corporations, small firms, fintech’s all have quite different cultures. Find what aligns with your values (innovation, stability, work environment, growth opportunity).

6. Geography

Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne) have more finance opportunity. If you are based elsewhere, certain roles may be less available or require remote work/travel.

 

If you are graduating in finance, you have many strong options: from investment banking, corporate finance, risk & compliance, to fintech & financial advice. The best path depends on what you enjoy, what skills you want to build, and how you balance pay vs lifestyle. Do your research, try internships, and do not be afraid to pivot once you’ve got some experience — often what feels right early on shifts as you grow.