Degrees in accounting and finance offer great opportunities for career advancement after graduation. You can pursue careers that are directly related to your finance degree or choose paths that are not directly linked, depending on your interests and goals.
In this blog, we will highlight some of the most popular finance job titles available to university graduates, including typical job descriptions. There are numerous graduate finance paths to align with your unique skills and personality traits. Explore our current finance jobs for more options.
What finance jobs can you get with a finance degree?
The UK is home to several universities renowned for their exceptional financial programs, and it also boasts a strong reputation as a global leader in financial services. Consequently, a career in finance is a popular option, offering opportunities to broaden your horizons and pursue an exciting career in various industries. Let’s explore some of the finance jobs you can pursue with a finance degree.
Graduate Finance Analyst
Finance Analysts utilise various accounting and reporting systems, along with Microsoft Excel, to manipulate large datasets and produce insightful reports for multiple departments within an organisation. It is essential to have the ability to analyse substantial amounts of financial data and create professional reports that effectively display your findings and recommendations. Additionally, you will be responsible for communicating with relevant stakeholders to help them make informed business decisions.
In 2025, the average starting salary for an entry-level Finance Analyst ranges from £24,400 in the Midlands to approximately £29,200 in London. Typically, candidates pursue qualifications such as CIMA or ACCA.
Graduate Assistant Accountant
Graduate Assistant Accountants have the option to work either in an accountancy practice, where they prepare accounts for a portfolio of clients, or within an in-house finance team. Typical responsibilities include supporting the preparation of financial and management accounts, completing VAT returns, managing transactional finance (including purchase and sales ledgers), conducting balance sheet reconciliations and assisting with budgeting and forecasting.
The average salary for an Assistant Accountant currently ranges from £25,000 to £34,500, depending on the location of the role. Typical career progression opportunities include advancing to positions such as Management Accountant or Financial Accountant in industry, or becoming an Accounts Senior or Manager in practice. Relevant professional qualifications for Assistant Accountant roles include CIMA, ACCA and ACA.
Graduate Tax Advisor
Tax Advisors are responsible for offering practical recommendations to clients on various tax matters. Their duties include identifying opportunities within client portfolios, managing correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs on behalf of clients and supervising and mentoring junior staff who handle corporation tax accounts.
The estimated average salary for a tax advisor role is approximately £41,000, depending on the location.
Graduate in Audit / Assurance
Choosing a career in audit and assurance means working for a professional services accountancy firm. You’ll be pursuing a professional qualification, such as ICAEW or ACCA. In this role, you will audit the accounts of companies that meet the audit threshold. A keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of both UK and international reporting standards are essential for success in this field.
Common career paths in auditing include advancing to positions such as Audit Manager or Senior Manager, or transitioning into an industry role after completing your qualifications. In the UK, the average salary for an Audit Manager is £55,000, whereas Audit Associates typically earn around £34,000.
Management Consultant
As a management consultant, your primary roles and responsibilities will include managing and delivering significant projects that lead to profitable outcomes. You will analyse the client’s projects and present recommendations for future actions. Additionally, you will develop a strategic plan that aligns closely with their existing business plan, aiming to create cost-effective opportunities both in the short and long term.
The average salary for a management consultant in England is £52,185, although this can vary based on location. Other factors that influence salary include the length of projects, the types of clients, and the number of projects worked on throughout the year.
Financial Qualifications
For graduates in accounting and finance, potential employers often prefer candidates with additional qualifications. A wide range of qualifications is available at various skill levels, durations and costs. For jobs specifically related to your finance degree, typical qualifications include CIMA, ACCA, ACA (ICAEW), or CTA.
However, there are also finance courses available from various providers for roles that may not be directly aligned with your finance degree. These can be tailored to the specific graduate position you aspire to.
If you want to learn more about the types of finance qualifications, we have prepared a helpful guide titled “What qualifications do you need to be an Accountant?”.
When applying for positions with your finance degree, it’s essential to seek roles that align with your skills and interests, while also offering opportunities for advancement. Additionally, confirm whether the organisation provides training for the higher-level qualifications early in your application process, as this can greatly benefit your future financial career.
If you would like to discuss your options in more detail, please reach out to our Finance recruitment team.
What Finance jobs are in demand?
If you are just starting your career in the financial sector or looking to leverage your experience in a different role, understanding the various types of finance jobs available and which are currently in demand can help you focus on the right industry and position for you. Here we will explore some of the most sought-after finance jobs in the UK and examine the reasons behind their popularity.
Financial Analysis
Financial analysis plays a crucial role in the industry by providing companies with skilled professionals who gather and monitor financial data to identify trends and recommend improvements. This role is both challenging and engaging, requiring individuals to have a strong understanding of economics as well as awareness of broader global trends.
Audit, Risk and Compliance
With the rise of data analysis comes a greater demand for scrutiny and accountability. Auditing, risk management and compliance play crucial roles in protecting businesses and providing forensic insight while identifying potential threats. The push to modernise finance has also increased the risk of cybercrime and data breaches, making risk management and compliance a rapidly growing field worth exploring.
To truly stand out in this industry, it’s essential to have a strong understanding of data, information security and general IT infrastructure.
Payroll
Payroll is an area with numerous opportunities, as it is an essential part of every business. Even if you don’t wish to work in the finance sector, you can apply your skills in any industry.
With the ongoing changes in legislation and the adoption of modern business practices, payroll and human resources have become increasingly important. Firms of all sizes are looking to implement new systems or update their existing frameworks. As a result, there is a high demand for diligent employees who understand the payroll process. Job roles vary widely, ranging from temporary to permanent positions and from junior to senior levels.
Work with Distinct
At Distinct, we recognise your ambition and strive to connect you with a position where you can excel. Our finance team has a unique understanding of what employers are looking for. Contact us today for expert advice on how to find your dream finance job.
This is an updated version (2025) of our original blog, published in 2018 and updated in 2023. Average salary data is sourced from Indeed.
