Finance does not have to be all about money—and it appears that consumers increasingly do not want it to be. According to a Deloitte survey, individuals of the younger Gen Z group are more inclined than prior generations to desire to work for a company that shares their beliefs. Finance has developed alongside social objectives and technological advancements. So, what does a financial career look like in the twenty-first century?

Here are several finance career pathways and job titles that are expected to be around for a long time, even while new technologies and evolving values bring about change. Unless otherwise specified, all wages are average base salary in the United States based on Glassdoor data from September 2022.

1. Fintech business analyst

Financial technology (or fintech) companies have seen tremendous growth as a result of new technologies and consumer demand for transparent goods. Fintech refers to technology that automates and digitizes financial services and spans a wide range of products. Fintech firms can offer consumer-facing services such as digital banking or business loans, or they can collaborate with existing financial institutions to update their technologies.

Fintech firms frequently want business analysts that are well-versed in the financial sector. If you want to work in fintech, having some business operations or data analysis skills can help you stand out.

Business analyst: $75,964

2. Impact investing analyst

Impact investing, as well as the closely linked socially responsible investing (SRI), are developing means for investors to invest in companies or projects that correspond with their values. Investors in these industries may screen portfolios for companies that their clients perceive to be socially detrimental, or actively seek out companies that are attempting to address a social issue.

Analysts can work for companies that focus on responsible investment or for the impact investing branch of typical financial institutions such as banks or mutual funds. According to a survey conducted by the Global Impact Investing Forum, assets under management in impact investing nearly doubled from 52 billion USD in 2016 to 98 billion USD in 2020.

Investment analyst: $80,014

3. Financial analyst

Financial analysts analyze data to assist investors in making sound judgments. Financial analysts can uncover new business or investment prospects for major investment organizations such as banks or for businesses. As a financial analyst, you will analyze big-picture phenomena such as market patterns and competition behavior, and you will develop models to predict sales or the outcomes of corporate choices.

Financial analysts perform critical roles in a variety of industries, including media, biotechnology, and information technology. As a result, it is a varied career path that can take you into new and expanding sectors. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of financial analysts is predicted to expand at a faster-than-average rate of 9% between 2021 and 2031.

Financial analyst: $95,570 (BLS)

4. Commercial banker

In recent years, the commercial banking industry has seen significant changes, adopting digital technologies to improve its services while evolving to accommodate new fintech competitors. Commercial bankers, on the other hand, continue to play an important role in communities. Commercial bankers take an active role in the economic health of their communities as gatekeepers to financial goods such as company loans and mortgages.

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You will work directly with consumers as a banking relationship manager, loan officer, or development officer to assess their financial status and provide them appropriate financial products. If you’re curious about how money affects the lives of people around you, commercial banking is still a relevant and significant part of the finance world.

• Relationship manager: $64,514
• Loan officer: $101,146
• Development officer: $74,177

5. Grants analyst

Grants analysts assist NGOs with budgeting, maintaining compliance, and finding trends to help influence decision-making. You’ll require a specific understanding of nonprofit accounting processes because organizations are different legal entities than businesses.

The charitable industry is expanding. According to the Urban Center’s 2020 study, the number of registered organizations in the United States increased by 5% between 2006 and 2016, but total assets and revenue increased by 30% during the same period.

Grants analyst: $65,977

6. Financial advisor

A financial planner or advisor advises clients on how to attain their short- and long-term financial objectives. An advisor may advise a client on how to organize their investments or create a plan to help a customer’s children pay for college. Later in their careers, advisors with established clientele or reputations may be able to determine their own schedules.

Personal financial consulting may be a satisfying career, with plenty of face-to-face interaction and the ability to help people through an often-confusing market. According to the BLS, employment for personal financial advisors in the United States is predicted to expand by 15% (much faster than average) between 2021 and 2031.

Financial advisor: $94,170 (BLS)

7. Accountants and auditors

Accountants and auditors guarantee that an organization’s finances are correct and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. An accountant may also prepare financial statements or file tax returns. Accountants and auditors might work in-house for a company or for an accounting firm that provides services to clients on a contract basis.

Accountants are needed in almost every area, including health care, government, and entertainment. Accounting should remain a steady career choice despite variables such as the economy or technological development upending particular areas. According to the BLS, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to expand by 4% from 2019 to 2029.

• Auditor: $54,582
• Accountant: $55,423

A finance degree will prepare you for a profession in money management by providing you with an understanding of accounting, statistics, and economics. Finance is an essential component of almost any public or private sector business, making the field adaptable and consistently in demand across a wide range of industries.

Finance studies can lead to lucrative financial positions, but that isn’t the only attraction. Banks can give critical loans to small business owners, financial planners can help young families prepare for education, and wise investing helps people to retire without concern. Finance can be a strong engine for innovation, wealth, and social gain in the proper hands.