Associate of Arts in Finance
Associate of Science in Finance
Associate of Applied Science in Finance
Associate of Applied Business in Finance
Associate Degree | Focus |
---|---|
Associate of Arts in Finance | Liberal arts and humanities combined with finance |
Associate of Science in Finance | Technical aspects of finance |
Associate of Applied Science in Finance | Career-focused practical skills and knowledge |
Associate of Applied Business in Finance | Combines finance and business courses |
Core Concepts
What Can You Do with an Associate Finance Degree?
1. Budget Analysts
- Required Education: Budget analysts typically need an associate or bachelor’s to enter the occupation.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 3% (As fast as average)
- Median Annual Salary: $82,260
As a budget analyst, you play an essential role in helping organizations efficiently manage their finances. Your responsibilities may include analyzing financial data and creating budgets while monitoring spending patterns to provide recommendations on cost-cutting measures.
2. Account Managers
- Required Education: Financial managers typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree and some experience in the field or industry.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 16% (Much faster than average)
- Median Annual Salary: $139,790
As an account manager, your role is to work closely with clients to meet their financial needs. You will handle transactions, manage client accounts, and offer financial advice – building strong relationships to promote client loyalty.
3. Bookkeepers
- Required Education: Typically need some postsecondary education to enter the occupation.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): -6% (Decline)
- Median Annual Salary: $45,860
Bookkeepers play an essential role in maintaining accurate financial records for organizations. Your responsibilities will include recording financial transactions, balancing accounts, and preparing statements while adhering to all regulatory standards.
4. Retail Store Managers
- Required Education: Sales managers typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree, depending on the size of the store and its location.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 4% (As fast as average)
- Median Annual Salary: $130,600
With an associate degree in finance, you can pursue a career as a retail store manager. In this role, you will oversee the financial operations of a retail store including budgeting, inventory management, sales analysis, and staff supervision. You will ensure profitability and strive to provide exceptional customer service.
5. Mortgage Loan Processors
- Required Education: Loan officers typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 3% (As fast as average)
- Median Annual Salary: $65,740
As a mortgage loan processor, you play an integral part in the lending process. As part of this role, you will review loan applications, verify financial information provided in loan applications, and coordinate between borrowers, lenders, and any parties involved to ensure compliance with lending regulations.
6. Insurance Sales Agents
- Required Education: Insurance sales agents typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation, though an associate degree can give you an edge.
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 8% (Faster than average)
- Median Annual Salary: $57,860
An associate degree in finance can also lead to a career as an insurance sales agent. In this role, you will work with clients to understand their insurance needs, recommend suitable coverage options, negotiate policy terms, and provide exceptional customer service.
These are just a few examples of the exciting career paths you can pursue with an associate degree in finance. The knowledge and skills gained from this degree program will equip you with the foundation needed to thrive in the dynamic finance industry.
FAQs
What is an associate degree in finance?
An associate degree in finance is a two-year undergraduate program designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and abilities in finance such as budgeting, investment management, risk mitigation, and financial analysis.
Why should I earn an associate in finance?
Earning an associate in finance can provide several advantages. It provides entry-level employees with an understanding of fundamental financial principles for entry-level jobs; can be more cost effective than four-year degrees; allows flexibility with online classes; and opens doors for careers in banking, financial management, and accounting industries – just to name a few!