In the fast-paced finance world, the excitement of high-paying roles is attractive to many ambitious professionals. The financial sector is an everchanging landscape, with numerous jobs on offer which not only pay competitively but facilitate professional and personal growth. If you’re looking to start your career in finance, or you are simply figuring out which jobs pay the best in your sector, here’s a guide to 5 of the highest paying roles in the field. This data is sourced from the Robert Walters 2024 Salary Survey, which includes salary and market insights for permanent, contract and interim positions across the USA in New York, California and Austin across a variety of disciplines.
Why are these roles best?
When it comes to making a career move in the financial sector, you need to think beyond just the monetary value. Why do these roles stand out most to you? What interests you most in a job? Whether it's analyzing market trends, financial planning to keep an organization long-term, or an interest in the fast-paced world of investments, having a clear understanding of your personal interests before anything else is crucial.
5 of the highest paid positions in finance
1. Chief Financial Officer
Salary range 2024: $250k - 450k
With significant responsibility, it’s no surprise that CFO roles come with some of the best compensation packages. CFOs oversee all the financial operations of an organization, including accounting and financial reporting. They manage all aspects of financial matters and decision making. The number of years of management experience you will need depends on the size of the company and the extent of the duties involved. Many Chief Financial Officers have an MBA, a Masters, or another type of advanced degree.
2. Director, Investment Operations
Salary range 2024: $150k - 195k
Essentially a bridge between your organization and investors, Directors of Investment Operations maintain and develop positive public images for the organization from a financial perspective. Professionals in this role must understand and communicate the firm's strategy, business model, financial performance and value creation process effectively for shareholders and external stakeholders.
3. Group Financial Controller
Salary range 2024: $155k - 200k
The Group Financial Controller ensures strong accounting and reporting throughout the group, including overseeing and monitoring an effective control environment and providing strategic information and advice to the management team. Group Financial Controller roles can be extremely interesting and offer great career development potential, progressing into finance directors, CFOs, COOs.
4. Vice President of Finance & Operations
Salary range 2024: $200 – 250k
This role merges financial expertise with operational leadership, overseeing strategic financial planning, budgeting, and enhancing operational efficiencies within organizations. The VP of Finance & Operations plays a pivotal role in shaping both financial strategies and streamlining day-to-day operations to drive overall success and will require exceptional leadership and team management skills, allowing for a culture of collaboration and accountability.
5. Head of Tax
Salary range 2024: $230k - 345k
Another top paying role, the Head of Tax orchestrates strategic financial maneuvers to ensure adherence to tax regulations and optimizing fiscal outcomes. This executive position is characterized by its high level of responsibility, requiring an strong understanding of intricate tax laws, regulations, and a keen ability to guide the organization through a dynamic landscape.
How to stand out and pursue a top paying role in finance
1. Express genuine interest in interviews
Expressing your genuine interest in a role is they key to standing out. Discuss with the hiring manager exactly how your passion for finance aligns with any of the specific complexities of the position. For example, citing the opportunity to leverage your analytical skills and why this would be beneficial to you, or mentioning your desire to work in a more fast-paced, high-stakes environment can highlight more of a personal interest.
2. Identify what makes you different
Employers want to know why they should choose you over anybody else they are interviewing. Highlight your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications that make you a strong contender for these high-paying roles. Whether it's your track record of successful investments, your ability to navigate complex financial models, or your knack for strategic planning, emphasize how your strengths align with the demands of the job.
3. Think about more than just the monetary value
The attraction of high-paying finance jobs is undoubtedly enticing, but remember, it's not just about the financial rewards. Aside from the salary, think about what about this job attracts you most. Finding a role that aligns with your interests, values, and career aspirations is paramount for long-term satisfaction and success. As you navigate the landscape of lucrative finance positions, keep your eyes on the roles that not only promise financial gratification but also resonate with your professional ambitions.
4. Understand your worth
Before interviewing for any role, it’s important to recognize your personal worth when it comes to salaries. Our Salary guide is your definitive guide to what’s happening in your industry, and where it’s heading next. We arm you with the facts and analysis to take bold decisions, fine tune the next steps in your career search and outsmart your competition when it comes to talent attraction and retention. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your finance career, or preparing for your end-of-year appraisal, the Salary Survey will arm you with everything you need to know to get what you deserve.
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