Entry Level Finance Jobs: All you Need to Know in 2024

The Finance field can be a really competitive one, especially looking at the entry level finance jobs. It’s a well-known high-paying industry where the top earners receive bonuses and salaries of six or seven figures. When compared to other professions, even individuals at the bottom of the pay scale can anticipate starting at a respectable salary.

Although you may not secure your dream entry-level finance role right away, you can actively seek advancement opportunities, switch positions, and discover your specialty within the vast finance field.

Common entry-level positions in finance include financial adviser, auditor, tax associate, and analyst roles. To break into the industry, a minimum undergraduate degree is required, with majors emphasizing economics or mathematics being highly preferred

Entry Level Finance Job positions (Entry Level)

The following finance jobs are open to entry-level candidates if you are just starting out in the field:

ACCOUNT OFFICER

Duties & Responsibilities

• Records of the organization’s outgoing and incoming payments. 
• Maintain a balanced business budget.
• Present all financial results to management, which includes writing reports and going to in-person meetings for evaluation.
• Provide internal auditors with regulatory reports.
• carry out additional tasks as delegated by the finance manager.

Qualification

• Minimum of BSc in Accounting
• Certified member of ICAN/ACCA
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Skills

• Planning strategically
• The capacity to work autonomously and with great attention to detail
• Capacity to effectively lead and manage a team; leadership and management abilities
• Strong recordkeeping abilities Proficiency with Oracle Financials or any other financial software; familiarity with Microsoft Excel.

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Duties & Responsibilities

Accounting firms and departments employ junior accountants in entry-level positions.Junior accountants perform various duties and responsibilities that may vary by organization, including:

• creating financial reports
• paying monthly wages
• keeping track of accounts payable and receivable
• updating financial statements
• making journal entries.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Additional qualifications (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) are a big advantage

Skills

• Mathematical and analytical skills
• Extreme detail-orientedness.
• Outstanding ability at mathematics.

ACCOUNTING INTERN

Duties & Responsibilities

• State Finance and Admin Manager’s Role
• Assisting in payment processes and preparing weekly/monthly reports.
• Preparing payment sheets for activity/operations expenses payment.
• Developing and preparing annual budget and cost assumption template computation.
• Receiving and reviewing payment requests/invoices and supporting documentation.
• Preparing bill vouchers and payment vouchers, classifying into GL accounts codes.
• Verifying physical inventory periodically.
• Tracking status of deliverables accomplishments.
• Printing, binding, scanning, and photocopying documents and training materials.
• Filing and registering procurement documents.
• Weekly inventory checks for staff allocated assets.
• Other official duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualification

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, accounting, math, or a related field
• Background in finance and accounting, economics, business administrationor related field, with NYSC exemption certificate

Skills

• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and organizing abilities
• Computer abilities, including mastery of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Possessing strong communication abilities both in writing and speaking
• English proficiency

JUNIOR FINANCE MANAGER 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitating sustainable network development.
• Adapting assessment tools for understanding partner organization’s financial management systems.
• Developing a financial management handbook or toolkit.
• Training partner organizations on best operating practices.
• Ensuring compliance with US GAAP accounting standards.
• Providing financial management for the project, including budget tracking, financial reporting, and cash management.
• Assisting Finance Manager in other duties as needed.

Qualification

• Degree in finance or accounting
• One ro two years minimuim experience in a similar role.

Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of financial and accounting procedures.
• Knowledge in forecasting and data analysis.
• Skilled with financial applications and Microsoft Office.
• Outstanding communication and organizing abilities.
• The capacity to solve problems and pay attention to details.
• Preferably, you have CPA certification.

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Financial analysts conduct thorough research to provide their organizations or clients with informed investment insights, enabling well-informed decision-making.

1. Financial analysis encompasses various job titles and career paths, falling into three primary categories:
2. Buy-Side Analysts: Advise employers on investment decisions, such as stock purchases, property acquisitions, and marketing allocations.
3. Sell-Side Analysts: Evaluate securities, write research reports, and track portfolio performance to inform buy/sell decisions.
4. Investment Banking and Equity Analysts: Assess deal feasibility, conduct financial modeling, and forecast outcomes for IPOs, M&As, and other transactions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Examining financial trends that are unique to the industry.
• Analyzing financial statements to assess investment opportunities.
• Building financial models to facilitate profitable ventures.
• Endorsing investments for individuals and collections.
• Evaluating bond, investment, and stock performance.
• Converting accounting information into reports.
• Speaking with executives in the C-suite.
• keeping up with new developments in technology and market trends.

Qualification

• A bachelor’s degree preferably a major in economics, finance, or statistics
• The CFA Institute awards certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

 Skills

• Analytical/mathematics expertise.
• Industry/sector expertise.
• Awareness of the regulatory environment.
• Awareness of global events.
• Persuasive communication skills.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Personal financial advisors assess individuals’ financial needs and provide tailored guidance on investment decisions, tax strategies, and insurance options.

 Duties & Responsibilities

• Meeting clients to discuss financial goals.
• Explaining financial services to potential clients.
• Educating clients on investment options and risks.
• Recommending or selecting investments.
• Assisting clients in planning for specific circumstances.
• Monitoring clients’ accounts for financial performance improvement or life changes.
• Researching investment opportunities.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFP, CFA, ChFC)
• Licenses (e.g., Series 7, Series 66)

Skills

• The ability to analyze and solve problems
• Interpersonal and communication skills 3. Knowledge of financial planning and investments
• Organization and time management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Technical abilities (such as spreadsheets and financial software).

INVESTMENT BANKING ANALYST

 Duties & Responsibilities

• Analysis and modeling of finances
• Information collection and market analysis
• Support for presentations and pitch book production
• Deal execution (equity/debt offerings, M&A, and IPOs)
• Management of client relationships
• Analysis and tracking of industry trends
• Analysis of financial statements (balance sheets, income statements)
• Analysis of mergers and acquisitions

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Relevant internships or work experience (1-2 years)
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CAIA)
• MBA or advanced degree (optional, but preferred for senior roles)
• Licenses (e.g., Series 7, Series 79)

Skills

• Financial modeling using financial software, such as Excel
• Interpretation and analysis of data
• Presentation and communication
• Organization and time management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Knowledge of the industry (such as economics and finance).

TAX ASSOCIATE

Duties & Responsibilities

• Create and examine corporate and individual tax returns
• Perform tax analysis and study
• Find ways to help clients save money on taxes
• Help with tax planning and advice
• Interact with customers and maintain connections
• Keep abreast of modifications to tax laws and regulations.
• Examine financial documents and statements
• Assist with tax exams and audits

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or eligibility
• 1-3 years of experience in tax preparation or accounting

Skills

• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal tax laws
• Principles of accounting (GAAP, financial statements)
• Problem-solving and analysis 3. Interpersonal and communication
• Organization and time management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of tax software, such as QuickBooks and TurboTax
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Best sites to find Entry Level Finance Jobs

• Linkedin
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Jobberman
• Jobble NG
• Upwork
• My JobMag
• Talent.com
• GetaJobNG
• Flex Jobs
• CareerOM

How to Land Your First Entry Level Finance Jobs

 Refining Resume and Cover Letter

• Tailor resume for specific job applications by highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and skills.
• Quantify achievements using numbers and metrics to highlight impact.
• Use strong action verbs like “analyzed,” “modeled,” “recommended,” and “presented” to showcase skills.
• Take great care when proofreading to prevent typos and grammatical mistakes.
• Seek help with a resume for further refinement.

Target the Right Opportunities:

• Research Companies:

• • Identify target companies
  • Study their corporate finance activities
  • Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate specific interest

• Job Search Optimization:
  • Register on different job platforms like linkedin, Indeed, upwork etc.
  • Upload your resume
  • Set up job alerts for Entry-level positions, Specific areas (e.g., M&A, FP&A, investment banking)

• Network and Connect:

• • LinkedIn: Connect with alumni and professionals in corporate finance
  • Attend industry events and conferences
  • Leverage university alumni networks and career services

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

• Technical Skills: Proficient in financial modeling software like Excel.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and draw insightful Conclusions.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated through resume, cover letter, and clear idea articulation in interviews.
• Soft Skills: Emphasized teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Prepare for Interviews

To increase your chances of landing your dream job, follow these essential steps:

• Research Frequently Asked Interview Questions. Learn the typical interview questions and prepare well-thought-out answers.
• Learn About the Business: Study the company’s:
  • Mission, values, and culture
  • Financial performance and market position
  • Recent news and developments
• Prepare Insightful Questions: Develop questions to ask the interviewer, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and organization.
• Practice Your Responses: Rehearse answering interview questions with:
  • Family and friends
  • Career services department at your university
  • Online resources and mock interviews

Effective Preparation = Confidence + Success. By researching the company, practicing your responses, and preparing thoughtful questions.

Persistence and Follow-Up

• Although the job search can be competitive, it’s important to keep your spirits up in the face of early rejections. Continue applying, improving your strategy, and picking up tips from every interview.
• After every interview, it’s important to send out follow-up emails to reiterate interest and emphasize important topics covered.

• Making connections with finance persons on LinkedIn is beneficial, and learning about the corporate finance team and company culture from a senior analyst at a company can be insightful.
• Bringing up meaningful topics in the interview demonstrates your sincere interest in the position.