Jobs for an Associate in Finance Graduate
- Real Estate Broker
- Loan Officer
- Information Clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Financial Clerk
There are many excellent entry-level positions for someone with an Associate in Finance. Finance is a growing field with many employment opportunities. As the economy continues to grow, so will the need for professionals working in the finance industry. While some financial positions require a bachelor’s degree or higher, there are many entry-level positions for Associate in Finance graduates in:
- banks
- investment companies
- lending institutes and similar industries
Many of these positions provide candidates with work experience that can benefit the individual who chooses to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
1. Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers are professionals who help clients buy, sell and rent real estate or properties. They often:
- solicit customers
- advise customers on prices and market conditions
- generate property listings for clients
- mediate negotiations
- take prospective clients to view properties
- present offers to customers
Real estate agents and brokers also prepare purchase agreements, contracts and similar documents for clients to sign. Real estate brokers are required to be licensed and must complete classes and pass an exam to obtain licensure. According to an August 2018 PayScale report, real estate brokers earn an average annual wage of $51,855.
2. Loan Officer
Loan officers are the professionals who evaluate a customer’s creditworthiness and make recommendations about a loan. Some loan officers have bachelor’s degrees. But many are hired with an associate degree and receive on-the-job training, learning the way the bank operates. Their duties include:
- meeting with loan applicants
- collecting and verifying personal information
- reviewing loan documents
- explaining the loan process to customers
- approving loan applications
According to an August 2018 PayScale report, loan officers earn an average yearly salary of $45,399.
3. Information Clerk
Information clerks are trained workers who:
- create claims and orders for customers
- create bills
- maintain records for the transactions
Many employers want their information clerks to have an associate degree, although, some are hired with a high school diploma and receive training. Having the associate degree puts them in a better position for future promotions and pay increases. Information clerks work in various industries, but most find employment in banks and financial institutions. They’re often referred to as correspondence clerks or order clerks. Information clerks earned an average wage of $33,000 as of August 2018.
4. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers, often categorized as bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are knowledgeable about such software programs as:
- spreadsheets
- bookkeeping
- accounting
Bookkeepers are in charge of entering a company’s financial transactions and creating their financial records. They also:
- analyze the financial reports for accuracy or any discrepancies
- ensure the income and costs balance
- create various types of financial reports
If an error is found, it is the bookkeeper’s responsibility to find the cause and fix the error. As of August 2018, bookkeepers earned an average yearly salary of $40,914.
5. Financial Clerk
Although some financial clerks may be hired with just a high school diploma, most employers prefer their financial clerks have an associate degree. Financial clerks may work in:
- banks
- investment companies
- other companies that deal with finances
They:
- handle monetary transactions
- calculate charges
- create accurate billing if there are errors
- maintain financial records
Financial clerks may often specialize in a specific area of business, such as:
- billing and posting
- insurance claims
- payroll
Financial clerks earn an average annual wage of $33,350.
Conclusion
Occupations for business and financial operations careers are predicted to increase to 10 percent through 2026, according to a report by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growing economy and globalization should result in about 773,800 new financial jobs by 2026. This should result in many lucrative entry-level jobs for an Associates in Finance graduate.
Related Resources:
