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Job outlook for finance leaders in the United States
Finance leader job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected finance leader job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 123,100 new jobs for finance leaders are projected over the next decade.
Finance leader salaries have increased 10% for finance leaders in the last 5 years.
There are over 109,174 finance leaders currently employed in the United States.
There are 93,582 active finance leader job openings in the US.
The average finance leader salary is $117,284.
Are finance leader jobs in demand?
Finance Leader job and salary trends over time
Finance Leader jobs over time
Finance Leader job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 109,174 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 104,070 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 106,899 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 97,953 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 91,790 | 0.03% |
Average finance leader salary over time
Finance Leader salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $117,284 | $56.39 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $113,534 | $54.58 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $111,874 | $53.79 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $109,330 | $52.56 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $106,419 | $51.16 | +3.2% |
Finance Leader jobs by state
Most common states for finance leaders
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 552 | 80% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,602 | 38% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 243 | 32% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 206 | 28% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,013 | 27% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 355 | 27% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 255 | 24% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 934 | 23% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 440 | 23% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 197 | 23% |
| 11 | Delaware | 961,939 | 215 | 22% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,699 | 21% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 108 | 19% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 193 | 18% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 941 | 17% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 926 | 17% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 538 | 17% |
| 18 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,326 | 16% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 544 | 15% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 303 | 15% |
Most common cities for finance leaders
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Chicago | 5 | 17% | $102,502 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 3 | 11% | $110,014 |
| 3 | Dover | 3 | 8% | $115,325 |
| 4 | Bethesda | 3 | 5% | $111,622 |
| 5 | Hartford | 5 | 4% | $118,934 |
| 6 | Davenport | 3 | 3% | $96,543 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 9 | 2% | $104,716 |
| 8 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $114,720 |
| 9 | Boston | 8 | 1% | $120,982 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $108,803 |
| 11 | Tampa | 5 | 1% | $105,517 |
| 12 | Minneapolis | 4 | 1% | $102,568 |
| 13 | Urban Honolulu | 4 | 1% | $68,733 |
| 14 | Birmingham | 3 | 1% | $107,940 |
| 15 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $102,383 |
| 16 | Chicago | 11 | 0% | $101,932 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $110,731 |
| 18 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $133,239 |
| 19 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $101,120 |
| 20 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $125,886 |
Finance Leader job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of finance leader experts
Manhattan College
Lynn University
University of Akron
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
American University
Albion College
Lawrence Technological University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Arkansas
The University of Scranton
Case Western Reserve University
DePaul University
California State University San Marcos
Loyola University Maryland
Keith Kerr Prof.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Keith Kerr Prof.: Grant writing is perhaps the most important skill for sociology majors to acquire. Not all sociology programs offer such skills (luckily my department at Quinnipiac does), but all sociology programs offer courses in research methodology. These skills are all skills that are needed to successfully write grants.
More so, with the research skills and practice in grant writing, one is in a position to approach potential employers as a hire that will more than pay for itself in the grant money that the potential employee can bring into the organization.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Likes:
- Intellectual Stimulation: Many finance analysts enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial puzzles and deriving insights from data. The role often requires staying updated with the latest economic trends and financial theories, providing continuous learning opportunities.
- Impact on Decision-making: Analysts often take pride in the fact that their work directly influences strategic business decisions. This can be highly rewarding, especially when their recommendations lead to successful outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: The field offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Analysts can ascend to roles in senior management, specialize in particular sectors such as fintech or healthcare, or move into investment roles.
Dislikes:
- High Pressure: The role can be highly stressful, with tight deadlines and significant implications tied to their analyses and recommendations. Financial markets are dynamic, and the pressure to provide accurate, timely insights can be intense.
- Monotony in Initial Stages: New entrants might find the work initially repetitive as they learn the ropes of data collection and basic analysis techniques. The intellectual rewards and more engaging tasks often come with increased responsibility.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the employer and the state of the market, long hours can be common, especially during financial reporting periods or significant market changes, which can impact work-life balance.
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Understanding finance and how it impacts the operations of where you work, can help you have great insight into new opportunities or see the writing on the wall in tough times. -Don't be afraid to learn new technologies, especially ones that collect data. Enhance your tech-based skills as that will increase your value to the organization where you work and the business community at large. -Learn Spanish. While globalization may have you think about learning an Asian language, the Spanish speaking market is the faster growing in the US and has been since 2010.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Under promise and over deliver. -Know your value, self-assess your skills, your knowledge and your role. Understand when and when not a company can give increases. -Build an internal support system. Make sure you have people who will go to bat for you when you want to move up internally. -After succeeding don't be afraid to ask for an increase. -And remember, stay humble. The minute you think you know everything; you haven't learned anything.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: Focusing on developing skills in communication, networking, social skills, analytical skills, financial knowledge, and obtaining professional certifications can help maximize salary potential in the finance industry. Developing these skills and following the advice provided can lead to opportunities for higher salaries.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Z. Jay Wang: Big data analytical and quantitative skills have become increasingly important in the past decade. Moreover, AI will be a part of how you work. Understand and practice how this tool can help you solve simple tasks, and do research and assessment of data efficiently and strategically.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Z. Jay Wang: As you onboard into your first roles in finance, a great work ethic and strong technical skills are obviously important for your long-term success. Moreover, your human skills will be as important as your technical skill. Ensure you practice and develop your communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills. In terms of technical skills attention to detail, use of data analytics tools, and visualization will be very valuable. Another often overlooked skill is written communication. Many students fail to realize the importance of effective communications.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Dr. Wayne Durr: Maximizing your salary potential starts with understanding your value. What skills and
capabilities can you articulate to a prospective employer? The ability to articulate these skills
and what you bring to that company can be challenging. Think of your resume like an artist
thinks of their portfolio. What projects or analysis have you worked on? You cannot articulate
the value you will bring to that prospective company without the ability to articulate your skills
and capabilities. Do your research to determine what other employers pay people with the
same abilities. Ask employers what the salary range is and use that as your baseline. As you
get close to graduating, your classmates talk about the job offers they receive and most likely
share the salaries they are being offered. Listen and use this as a baseline. All this gives you
an idea of your value. Your first job isn't always the place where you'll be able to maximize your
earning potential. Think of your first job as where you will get the work experience to maximize
your future earning potential. Look at this as the place where you will sharpen your skills and
develop new ones. This first job will be where you fill out your resume and either have an
opportunity to maximize your earning potential there or elsewhere in the future.
Additionally, think about passive income and the "side gig". If you don't feel like you're
maximizing your earning potential at that first job, think about how you can make money on the
side. I believe we now live in a society where truly maximizing your earning potential comes
from more than your current employer. The ability to earn money from a side gig is more
prevalent than ever before. I think every student should take an entrepreneur class. Think
about your skills, which one could make you some side money. Don't dismiss jobs you did
growing up, like delivery service, landscaping, etc. There are so many apps and websites that
people and companies are looking for anything from an hour to a couple of days worth of work.
Take that first six months on the job to get settled in, and then start thinking about that side gig.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Wayne Durr: In the next 3-5 years, I anticipate the continuous evolvement of Finance and soft skills.
Financial technology is rapidly changing, and current CEOs, CFOs, and other leadership levels
assume that new college graduates are all tech-savvy. This doesn't mean a minor in computer
science, this means the current leadership isn't going back to school to learn new technological
advances in the world of Finance, and, frankly, may still be afraid of new technology. New
graduates have spent the majority of their lives embracing new technology and are more
advanced than they realize. Continue to explore the new technologies being created in the
world of Finance, even if your current role doesn't use it. One day, there may be a meeting
where leadership asks, "Has anyone ever heard of this technology?" Be that person that can
say "yes." It doesn't mean you're an expert, but being familiar with that technology will go a long
way.
Soft skills, like time management, working independently, and problem-solving, will become
even more important. We have a job market that has been doing well but can change quickly.
Employers will be looking to do more with less. Those employees who can work independently
on multiple tasks without constant oversight will be more valuable in the future. The ability to
problem-solve without the need for guidance will also be valuable and secure your future in that
organization. The industry loves maximizing the work they can get from salaried employees, so
time management is very important to the business world and to ensure the worklife balance.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Noah Alatza: As you begin your career, there are two areas that are critical to your success. First, it is essential that you commit to continuous learning. Strive to become knowledgeable on a wide variety of issues and developments in the financial sector, and set yourself apart by becoming an expert in a few key areas of interest. Secondly, actively build your professional network. Always take the opportunity to make new connections, and commit dedicated time each week to building and maintaining those relationships.
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Noah Alatza: Prior to graduation, gain as much relevant experience as possible through internships. Having multiple internships where you've proven yourself to be successful and hardworking is essential to getting the best offers for full-time roles. In the early years of your career, take note of the qualifications of your next promotion and proactively take steps to ensure that you achieve those qualifications. Finally, make sure to do your research on salary levels for similar positions and don't be afraid to ask for an increase when your work performance and data support that request.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®
Professor of Economics and ManagementAlbion College
Economics
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: Do not underestimate the importance of your GPA. Work hard in every class to get a 4.0. An increasing number of employers are requesting students with at least a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA. Also, set yourself apart. Add some skill that distinguishes you from the huge number of other finance graduates.
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: Offer the employer something that helps their company. What can you do for them? I had one successful, recent graduate who has a successful investment banking career who said "learn Excel like you life depended on it". Take something to the table.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: I encourage all my finance students to double major or minor in data analytics, computer science, or math. The top jobs are increasingly quantitative.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business and Information TechnologyLawrence Technological University
Architecture And Related Services
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Maximizing Salary Potential: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Important Skills for the Next 3-5 Years: Digital fluency in accounting software and data analytics, strategic financial planning capabilities, in-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues, and expertise in sustainability accounting will become increasingly important.
Fang Lin
Assistant Professor of FinancePacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
Fang Lin: Proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
What Finance Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
What will help Finance Leaders increase their earning potential?
Fang Lin: I believe that data analysis is becoming increasingly crucial for finance professionals. Therefore, proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
John Clark Ph.D., CFA, CFP
Chair, Dept. of FinanceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Finance Leader?
John Clark Ph.D., CFA, CFP: Show you have experience. Doing an internship is a great way to increase your starting salary. I always advocate for doing applied research, this is research that you can show has implications for society - science for the sake of science is not good science! Obtaining an MS degree is also a good way to increase your salary, especially if your MS degree is relevant to your future job.
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Finance Leaders possess?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Given an accounting manager assumes a leadership position at the firm, the ability to lead effectively, communicate well, and organize and manage projects would be the most important soft skills necessary.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance Leaders?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Knowledge of US GAAP and applicable regulatory standards. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications as well as specialized accounting software as needed.
What skills will help Finance Leaders earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Dr. Douglas Boyle
Chair & Professor, Director, Doctorate in Business Administration Program , Director, Nonprofit Leadership ProgramThe University of Scranton
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Finance Leaders possess?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: Our research shows that achieving a high level of emotional intelligence is viewed as most important by senior accounting professionals. Emotional intelligence is made up of self-awareness that includes emotional awareness and self-confidence. Self-management includes self-control, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability, and innovation. Social awareness includes empathy and organizational awareness. Relationship management includes influence, conflict management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. While it is important to work on all these skills, the three that are deemed most critical for accounting professionals are trustworthiness, conscientiousness, teamwork, and communication.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance Leaders?
Thomas King: The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.
What skills will help Finance Leaders earn the most?
Thomas King: The ability to lead others to bring about intended change.
What's a good job out of college for Finance Leaders?
Delvin Grant: To answer this question, I am assuming a COVID-19 environment. We know most jobs can be carried out in a face-to-face mode, but if this is not possible in a COVID environment, then it is difficult to consider those jobs as good jobs. Therefore, a good job is one that can be easily carried out in a COVID environment so MIS, IT, Computer Science, and similar professions that fit a remote working mode are excellent jobs.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Finance Leader job market given the pandemic?
Jolynn Zhou Ph.D.: Under the current climate, many accounting jobs are becoming remote. This trend is particularly noticeable among the larger accounting firms, while smaller firms, due to lack of resources and simpler structures, are more likely to work in a traditional office environment. Going forward, some of these changes will stay. Post pandemic, remote working will not be as prevalent as now, but will become somewhat common and acceptable.
Recruiting is almost 100 percent remote now. This has both pros and cons to the students. With the remote setting, a potential job candidate may get opportunities and face time they would not have gotten in a traditional job fair. But the cons are obvious as well. Students would have to be more proactive and make a more concerted effort to get out of their comfort zone.
What's a good job out of college for Finance Leaders?
Jolynn Zhou Ph.D.: The answer to this question really is highly subjective. Different students may give you different answers. Typically younger, fresh-out-of-college students prefer public accounting because they get to learn a lot in a relatively short period of time and it is good for career advancement. Students with families may prefer private accounting because of the work-life balance and the predictable work hours. Government jobs can be attractive too because of the benefits. Ultimately it is up to the student to determine what type of job is best for themselves.
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Department ChairLoyola University Maryland
Accounting Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Finance Leader job market given the pandemic?
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.: Given that working from home is becoming a more acceptable thing, I think you'll find geographically broader competition for what were previously local jobs. "Oh, you live in Denver? Well, we have a need for your skill set in Tampa. Do you mind working full-time from home?"
The pandemic will also likely accelerate pre-existing pushes toward automation and outsourcing. This may mean fewer jobs, but jobs that require higher-level thinking. Analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills will be more valued.
A less exciting trend that I've observed is higher turnover. One downside to the work-from-home scenario is a much lower affinity for the workplace, and a diminished sense of employer-employee connection You're also losing the soft skills that come with daily interaction, something that can't be properly replicated over a computer screen.
What technical skills for a Finance Leader stand out to employers?
Dr. JP Krahel Ph.D.: First, Excel. It's the most basic, essential tool for the accounting professional. If you can come in on Day 1 knowing essential keyboard shortcuts, proper formula and reference use, and how to format a spreadsheet properly, you'll have an immediate advantage over your peers.
Second, believe it or not, is writing. People think that accounting is all about numbers, but really, it's less about the math (which Excel does for you) and more about being able to explain the deeper meaning behind the results. Can you explain complex depreciation methods to an audit client? Give bad news to a tax client in an understandable way? These are big deals.
Third is data analytics. Given the immense volume of data now available to firms, someone who can extract, clean, and present that data using modern software tools will have an edge. It's really another form of communication, and one that early-career accounting professionals would do well to familiarize themselves with before entering the workforce.