Finding a finance job without a degree may sound challenging, but it’s actually a lot more possible than many people realize. The financial services sector employs millions of workers across banking, insurance, and investment services, and many entry-level roles are open to candidates that only have a high school diploma or GED.
This guide will cover the best finance jobs you can get in 2025 without having a higher education degree, which includes salary data, job outlook, and skills required. While a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting can unlock these higher-level positions, many finance employers now focus on skills and certifications instead of just education.
What Are Finance Jobs?
A finance job is any job that involves managing money, assets, and/or financial information. These jobs include anything from customer-facing positions in banks to analytical roles in investment firms and insurance companies. Even without a college degree, you can still qualify for several entry-level finance roles that will provide great on-the-job training and pathways to higher-paying roles.
Examples of finance jobs that don’t require a degree include bank tellers, insurance agents, bookkeepers, claims adjusters, and accounting clerks. Other positions, like financial planners and tax preparers, may not require a formal degree but do involve an amount of state licensing or certification requirements.
What Do Finance Jobs Pay?
Finance jobs pay more than many other fields, even considering the entry level finance roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for business and financial occupations is currently $80,920, compared to the overall median wage of $62,192 across all occupations (specifically for wage and salaried workers).9-10 This means that even workers that are starting out in finance will often earn above-average salaries compared to other fields and professions.
Your exact pay will depend on the role you are in, your experience, and whether you pursue further professional certifications or state licenses. For example, insurance agents and loan officers may only need a high school diploma and licensing, while higher-level jobs like auditors or accountants will often prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Exploring multiple career paths within finance can help you find the best fit for your specific goals and earning potential.
What Skills Do You Need to Land a Finance Job Without a Degree?
Breaking into finance without a degree means that you need to show employers that you have the right mix of technical knowledge and transferable skills. The following abilities are especially valuable in these scenarios:
Accounting Skills
Accounting is the foundation of most finance roles. Strengthening your accounting skills by managing personal budgets, taking online Excel and QuickBooks courses, or completing bookkeeping certificates can help you stand out.
Financial Management Skills
Finance professionals need to understand how to manage money, assets, and risk. Online courses in financial management, investment basics, and personal finance can prepare you for roles like insurance agent, loan officer, or financial clerk.
Mathematical Skills
Comfort with numbers is essential for success in these roles. Strong arithmetic skills, along with the ability to use financial formulas and tools, will help you perform tasks such as balancing accounts or evaluating loans. Employers value candidates who can apply this type of mathematical thinking to solve real-world financial problems.
Communication and Customer Service Skills
Many entry-level finance jobs, such as bank tellers and insurance representatives, involve daily interaction with clients. Clear communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities are critical to your success in these roles.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Finance Job?
You don’t always need a degree to start a career in finance. Many entry-level positions, such as a bank teller, bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or insurance sales agent, are open to candidates that only have a high school diploma or GED. With experience and additional training, these roles can lead to higher-paying opportunities down the line.
That being said, some finance jobs do require licensing or certification. For example, insurance agents must pass state licensing exams, and mortgage loan officers need to complete the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) requirements. Tax preparers can earn the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) credential, while bookkeeping and payroll professionals often pursue certifications like the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation.
On the other hand, advanced certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) generally require you to have obtained a bachelor’s degree. If your goal is to eventually move into higher-level positions, you may need to plan for further education down the line.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
College can be a valuable path for some, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. The high cost of tuition, student loan debt, and the time commitment it takes to complete a traditional four-year degree make it difficult to pursue for many people.
The good news is that finance careers today offer more flexible entry points for people than in the past. Many employers are moving toward a “skills-first” approach, focusing on certifications, on-the-job training, and relevant experience rather than requiring a bachelor’s degree. This shift has opened doors to jobs in insurance, banking, and bookkeeping for candidates who want to start earning money right away.
Alternative education paths such as online bootcamps, professional certificates, and community college courses also make it easier to build these types of skills without the financial burden of a four-year degree. For career changers and first-time job seekers, these options provide accessible alternative ways to break into the finance industry.
Can a Financial Bootcamp Help Me Get a Finance Job?
Yes, a financial or fintech bootcamp can be a great way to build the skills that are needed for entry-level finance jobs without committing to a four-year degree. These programs typically last a few weeks to several months and focus on practical training in areas like accounting, financial modeling, Excel, and financial software such as QuickBooks.
Some bootcamps also specialize in fintech (financial technology), teaching programming languages like Python and SQL, as well as tools for data analytics and financial forecasting. These skills are increasingly in demand as the finance industry, along with most other industries, becomes more technology-driven.
When choosing a bootcamp, it’s important to look for programs that cover both financial fundamentals and the specific tools employers use daily. Reputable options include online finance certificates from Coursera, edX, and specialized fintech bootcamps that partner with universities. Completing one of these programs can help you demonstrate that you have job-ready skills even if you don’t have a formal degree.
How to Get a Finance Job with a GED
Breaking into finance with only a GED is definitely possible if you approach the process step by step. Here’s a roadmap to follow:
Research Your Options
Start by learning which finance jobs are open to candidates without a degree. Roles like bank tellers, insurance agents, and bookkeeping clerks will often only require a high school diploma or GED. Explore entry-level job postings and review state licensing requirements for positions such as loan officers or insurance sales.
Set Goals
Define your short- and long-term career objectives. For example, your one-year goal might be getting hired as a teller, while your five-year goal could be advancing into a loan officer or financial advisor role. Breaking your career plan into achievable steps will help keep you motivated.
Develop Skills
Invest in building in-demand skills such as accounting, financial software, and customer service. Free and low-cost online courses, community college classes, and bootcamps can all help you strengthen your resume.
Apply for Positions
With your research complete and skills in hand, now is the time to begin applying for entry-level finance jobs. Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Prepare for interviews by practicing common finance and customer service questions that can boost your confidence during the real thing.
Track Your Progress
If you don’t land a finance role right away, take a break to evaluate what’s missing. Do you need a certification, more practice with financial software, or additional interview preparation? Adjusting your plan and continuing to apply will increase your chances of success.
High-Paying Finance Jobs Without a College Degree
Below are some examples of finance-related roles that you can pursue without a bachelor’s degree. We got the salary and outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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| Job | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
| Financial Planner* | $102,1401 | +10%1 |
| Accountant* | $81,6802 | +5%2 |
| Financial Auditor* | $81,6802 | +5%2 |
| Claims Appraiser | $76,7903 | -5%3 |
| Claims Adjuster | $76,7903 | -5%3 |
| Loan Officer* | $74,1804 | +2%4 |
| Tax Examiner* | $59,7405 | -2%5 |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $60,3706 | +4%6 |
| Bookkeeping/Accounting Clerk | $49,2107 | -6%7 |
| Bank Teller | $39,3408 | -13%8 |
*Note: Many of these starred roles require bachelor’s degrees, but some firms may offer junior-level positions or apprenticeships to candidates that have experience, certifications, or alternative training.
Best Finance Jobs That Don’t Require an Accounting Degree: A Closer Look
You should consider a job in the finance field if you’re interested in managing money, helping others to achieve their financial goals, or supporting business operations. Here’s a closer look at common finance jobs that don’t require a degree:
Financial Planner
Financial planners help individuals and families manage their savings, investments, and retirement strategies. While most financial planners hold a degree, it’s not always required to enter the field. Some companies, such as Fidelity and Charles Schwab, sometimes will hire candidates with only a high school diploma or GED if they complete licensing requirements like the Series 7 or Series 65 exams.
Accountant
Accountants handle balance sheets, financial statements, and tax preparation. While a degree is common in these roles, junior accounting roles or bookkeeping clerk positions may only require a high school diploma, certification, or strong software skills. Entry-level opportunities at small firms or businesses can serve as a pathway to higher-level accounting jobs.
Financial Auditor
Auditors will review financial records for accuracy and compliance, often investigating discrepancies or signs of fraud. Although most auditors have bachelor’s degrees, some firms hire candidates with bookkeeping or accounting experience into junior audit roles. Specialized certifications like Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) can improve prospects.
Claim Appraiser
Claims appraisers work for insurance companies to assess the value of insured items, either before coverage or after damage. Most states require a high school diploma or GED, plus licensing exams that vary by state. Communication and risk-assessment skills are critical for this role.
Claim Adjuster
Claims adjusters determine how much an insurance company should pay for a claim. Like appraisers, they usually only need a high school diploma or GED, though training and certifications may be required by employers. The job requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Mortgage Loan Officer
Loan officers evaluate loan applications and guide clients through the lending process. Mortgage loan officers focus specifically on real estate, and while a degree is not required, you must complete federal and state licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Tax Examiner
Tax examiners review tax returns for accuracy and compliance with tax laws. While many tax professionals hold some sort of degree, some employers will hire candidates with bookkeeping or financial services experience. Knowledge of tax law and IRS filing systems is essential.
Insurance Agent
Insurance agents sell policies, explain coverage options, and help clients plan for the future. Life, health, and property/casualty insurance are common specialties. A college degree isn’t required, but all states mandate licensing exams and continuing education.
Accounting Clerk / Bookkeeper
Accounting clerks, sometimes called bookkeepers, maintain payroll, invoices, and financial records. These roles typically require only a high school diploma or GED, and they’re often the easiest entry point into accounting-related work. Certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) can expand opportunities.
Bank Teller
Bank tellers assist customers with deposits, withdrawals, and account services. This is one of the most accessible entry-level finance jobs, requiring only a high school diploma or GED. Tellers gain customer service and money-handling experience, which can lead to advancement into loan officer or financial advisor roles.
Companies That Offer Entry-Level Finance Jobs
Several major employers hire candidates without a four-year degree for entry-level finance positions. These roles often include bank tellers, customer service representatives, bookkeeping roles, or insurance sales jobs that provide training and advancement opportunities.
Truist Bank
Formed from the merger of SunTrust Bank and BB&T, Truist continues to expand across the US. Entry-level roles include bank tellers, loan officers, and customer service specialists.
Bank of America
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bank of America hires thousands of employees nationwide. Common non-degree roles include client service representatives, relationship bankers, and financial center associates.
Mutual of Omaha
This Fortune 500 insurance company offers remote and in-person roles in insurance sales, claims processing, and customer service. Many positions require only a high school diploma, plus completion of state insurance licensing.
Dominion Energy
As a major energy provider on the East Coast, Dominion employs finance professionals in accounting, tax, and billing. Several roles, such as bookkeeping or payroll, are open to candidates without degrees.
Verizon
Beyond telecom operations, Verizon has finance-related positions in billing, payroll, and collections. Many of these jobs require strong software and communication skills rather than a bachelor’s degree.
Where to Find Finance Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
If you’re ready to start applying to these jobs, there are many resources that can connect you with entry-level finance roles that only require a high school diploma or GED.
Job Sites
Platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter list thousands of finance openings, many of which are entry-level or require only licensing instead of a degree. Freelance marketplaces like Upwork also offer short-term bookkeeping and tax preparation opportunities that can help you build experience.
Accounting and Finance Communities
Online communities such as the Reddit forum r/FinancialCareers and finance-focused Discord servers provide networking opportunities, job postings, and advice from industry professionals. These spaces can be valuable for learning what employers look for in non-degree candidates.
Community Colleges
Local community colleges often host job fairs and career services for students and alumni. Many also provide certificate programs in bookkeeping, payroll, or tax preparation that can boost your employability without requiring a full degree.
Consider a Finance Degree Later in Your Career
Starting your finance career without a degree doesn’t mean you’ll never pursue one in the future. Many professionals choose to enter the field through entry-level jobs and later return to school once they’ve built experience and financial stability.
Colleges increasingly recognize work experience and offer credit for prior learning and professional certifications. Since the pandemic, more universities have also expanded online and part-time degree options, which makes it easier to balance school with a full-time job.
If you decide to advance into higher-level finance roles such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics may be necessary. Considering a degree later gives you time to confirm your career path and often allows you to complete your education with employer tuition assistance programs.
References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/claims-adjusters-appraisers-examiners-and-investigators.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/loan-officers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/tax-examiners-and-collectors-and-revenue-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf
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