How To Find Entry Level Finance Jobs PDF Print E-mail
Written by April Reynolds   
Monday, 05 April 2010 18:08
No matter what the economy is doing, there will always be a need for entry level finance jobs. There is only so much that can be replaced by software and computers. If you like numbers and you have an analytical mind, you can be certain that you'll be able to land a decent entry level position when the time comes.
by AprilReynolds


No matter what the economy is doing, there will always be a need for entry level finance jobs. There is only so much that can be replaced by software and computers. If you like numbers and you have an analytical mind, you can be certain that you'll be able to land a decent entry level position when the time comes.

Every industry has the need for finance and accounting personnel at many levels and many salary ranges. Small mom and pop corner stores to national auto finance companies all need someone to track income and expenses and help figure out what the net profit is on a regular basis. After all, that is the entire purpose of the finance department: managing money and knowing how profitable you are.

Smaller companies usually have another person helping with various accounting tasks since it's often not a full time job in itself. For instance, Mario's Italian Restaurant down the street might have one person doing the books and acting as the evening hostess. A receptionist at another company might help with tracking supply expenses and making daily bank deposits at lunch time. Perhaps the sales department secretary at the same firm might need to manage expense reports and commission checks.

Not all entry level positions can position you for later growth. Some are very niche focused, meaning you will be trained in exactly how to do your job. There will be a specific list of job requirements, and a specific job description. The good thing is you won't have to think much; the bad thing is that you won't have to think much. In other words, you won't have any responsibility other than doing what you're told. For more responsibility, you'll need more education. This can be something as quick as a certificate program in something like medical billing and coding, or a lengthy college program like an MBA.

Most entry level jobs will teach you a specific skill and help you build on those which you might already have. They are also a good route to other jobs you might be more interested in later on. It's common for let's say human resource reps who were responsible for general HR duties including everything from recruiting to benefits management to decide later on that they are only interested in benefits and premiums and managing salary expenses. Secretaries who were responsible for either expense reports or supply acquisition might discover that's more enjoyable than making travel arrangements and taking meeting notes.

Entry level positions are available in every market, so if you have a particular interest or passion for something in particular, explore what might be available. If you like hobbies and crafts, see what's available at some of the national hobby stores at the corporate level. If hospitals intrigue you but being a doctor doesn't, call your local hospitals to see what accounting positions might be available. Or, take anything in order to get your foot in the door and transfer later on.

Keep in mind how important it is that you're actually good with numbers, if finance is your goal. You don't need a 4.0 in trig, but you do need to understand the concepts of basic math and perhaps some algebra. If you can balance a checkbook, you're ahead of the game.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.