High-Paying Careers With a Master’s in Finance

As you consider advancing your career in finance, you're likely weighing different graduate degree options. While an MBA might seem like the obvious choice, a specialized master's in finance degree could actually provide more targeted benefits for your future in the financial sector.

Here's why a Master of Science in Finance might be your ideal path forward:

Specialized Financial Expertise

If you're passionate about finance, you'll appreciate how a master's in finance degree differs from a broad-scope MBA. This focused program develops your expertise in financial analysis, risk management and complex financial data interpretation—precisely the skills that leading financial institutions seek in their top performers.

Accelerated Career Growth

Want to advance your career without putting it on hold? William & Mary's Online MS in Finance (MSF) can be completed in as few as sixteen months. You'll gain practical skills and advanced credentials more quickly than in traditional two-year MBA programs, allowing you to apply new knowledge to your current role while preparing for future opportunities.

Distinctive Market Position

In today's evolving financial services industry, standing out matters. A graduate finance degree helps you distinguish yourself in the competitive finance sector, demonstrating focused expertise in financial modeling, analysis and strategic financial decisions.

As you consider the many benefits of earning your Online MSF, explore these eleven career possibilities that can motivate you throughout your studies.

Median annual salary: $93,118¹

As a finance officer, you'll oversee your organization's financial operations and strategic financial decisions. This role combines financial analysis with leadership responsibilities, requiring corporate finance and risk management expertise. Finance officers analyze financial reports, manage financial transactions and develop financial planning strategies to ensure their organization's financial health. Your master's in finance coursework in financial modeling and complex financial data interpretation directly applies to the core responsibilities of monitoring budgets, evaluating financial performance and identifying revenue growth opportunities.

Median annual salary: $95,782²

Forensic accountants blend financial analysis expertise with investigative skills to examine financial records that may serve as legal evidence. Your master's degree in finance provides essential knowledge in financial statements and risk assessment that proves valuable when investigating insurance claims, business disputes and potential fraud cases. Financial institutions, government agencies and private firms seek forensic accountants with advanced degrees who can analyze complex financial data and present findings clearly in legal proceedings.³

Median annual salary: $78,301⁴

Financial analysts shape strategic financial decisions through comprehensive market analysis and investment evaluation. A graduate finance degree equips you with the advanced analytical capabilities essential for this dynamic role in the financial services industry. Junior analysts typically focus on gathering financial data and maintaining financial reports, while senior analysts develop investment strategies, engage with company leadership and guide investment portfolios. Many professionals in this field combine their master's degree credentials with professional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Median annual salary: $103,553⁵

Portfolio managers create and execute investment strategies that align with client objectives in the investment management sector. Your expertise in risk assessment and financial markets becomes essential as you build and maintain investment portfolios for financial institutions and private clients. The role demands a sophisticated understanding of asset management and financial analysis—core competencies developed through master's in finance coursework. Portfolio managers often advance from financial analyst positions, making this career path particularly attractive for those seeking progressive growth in the finance sector.⁶

Median annual salary: $173,629⁷

Wealth managers guide high-net-worth individuals through complex financial markets and investment decisions. This role extends beyond basic financial planning to encompass comprehensive services, including portfolio management, estate planning and retirement planning. Your master's in finance provides the advanced knowledge needed to evaluate diverse investment opportunities and create personalized wealth-building strategies. The career outlook as a personal financial advisor is good, with 17 percent growth for this role projected through 2033.⁸ Most wealth managers work within financial institutions or investment firms, though some move into independent practice after gaining experience.

Median annual salary: $100,705⁹

Investment banking analysts are financial professionals who drive critical decisions for corporate clients through detailed market research and strategic analysis. As an investment banking analyst, you'll evaluate market trends, assess financial performance metrics and structure complex financial transactions. The role demands the sophisticated understanding of corporate finance and financial markets that a master's in finance provides. A typical career path in investment banking begins with analysts focusing on financial models and client presentations, then progressing to associate positions where responsibilities expand to managing transactions across various industries and regions.¹⁰

Median annual salary: $122,935¹¹

Finance and insurance managers combine financial expertise with customer service to guide vehicle purchases and protect buyer investments. These finance professionals typically work closely with lending institutions and sales teams. Financial analysis and risk management coursework in your graduate finance degree supports key responsibilities like evaluating financing options, processing applications and ensuring regulatory compliance. A common career path in automotive finance involves developing sales and financial operations expertise before advancing to management positions.¹²

Median annual salary: $128,379¹³

Actuaries are finance professionals who analyze risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics and financial theory. The advanced analytical skills and risk assessment expertise gained through a master's in finance degree align perfectly with this specialized role. Actuaries calculate insurance premiums by evaluating risk factors across various scenarios, from natural disasters to market volatility. A typical career progression in actuarial science includes opportunities to advance from entry-level positions to senior roles in risk management and strategic financial planning.¹⁴ These professionals work within insurance companies, financial institutions and consulting firms, applying sophisticated analytical skills to protect organizational financial health.

Median annual salary: $136,936¹⁵

Corporate controllers are senior financial professionals who lead accounting operations, guide organizational financial decisions and oversee their company's financial health. These financial professionals often report to the chief financial officer in larger organizations or the chief executive officer in smaller ones. A typical path to this leadership position builds on the expertise gained through a graduate finance degree with progressive experience in accounting and finance roles encompassing financial reporting, budget management and tax compliance.¹⁶

Median annual salary: $141,509¹⁷

Becoming vice president of finance is a significant milestone in many finance careers. These senior financial professionals combine strategic leadership skills with deep financial expertise to oversee all financial operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and guiding organizational strategy. You might reach this career milestone after becoming a financial analyst or controller and advancing through director-level positions.¹⁸ The role typically reports directly to the president, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, helping shape strategic decisions about the organization's future.

Median annual salary: $156,137¹⁹

The chief financial officer role is the pinnacle of finance industry leadership, combining strategic vision with comprehensive financial oversight. As an organization's top financial position, CFOs guide financial planning while analyzing strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. You might progress to this role after gaining extensive experience in positions such as controller or vice president of finance, developing expertise that extends well beyond traditional accounting.²⁰ These senior financial professionals lead finance and accounting teams while serving as strategic advisors to the chief executive officer and other C-suite executives.

William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business is ranked #1 in Learning and #9 in Networking by Bloomburg.²¹

The Online Master of Science in Finance program offers comprehensive career resources to help you reach your professional goals. Designed for working professionals and delivered entirely online, the curriculum develops expertise in principled value creation, financial analysis and global financial strategy. Ready to advance your career? Review the application requirements or schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to get started.