Career Path Guides

Step-by-step roadmaps for every industry — from your first job to the top of your field.

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Finance Career Path
From graduate analyst to CFO — your roadmap through the finance industry.
1
Graduate Analyst
0-2 years
£ 35,000 - 55,000/yr
Excel Financial Modelling CFA Level 1 Bloomberg
Join a graduate scheme at a bank, asset manager or accounting firm. Build Excel and financial modelling skills and start your CFA or ACA qualification.
2
Analyst / Junior Associate
2-4 years
£ 48,000 - 78,000/yr
CFA Level 2 Valuations M&A Client Reporting
Own financial models, client reports and due diligence. Specialise early in investment banking, asset management, FP&A or corporate finance.
3
Senior Analyst / Associate
4-7 years
£ 72,000 - 115,000/yr
CFA Charterholder Deal Execution Portfolio Management P&L
Lead deals, manage client relationships and mentor junior analysts. Bonuses begin to substantially exceed base salary in front-office roles.
4
Vice President / Director
7-12 years
£ 100,000 - 180,000/yr
Business Development Team Leadership Risk Strategy
Manage teams, originate transactions, and own P&L responsibility. Personal brand and client relationships are critical at this level.
5
Managing Director / Partner
12-20 years
£ 180,000 - 500,000+/yr
Revenue Generation Franchise Building Carried Interest Equity
Lead entire business lines or investment strategies. Compensation is dominated by bonuses, carried interest, or profit share.
6
CFO / CIO
18+ years
£ 200,000 - 1,000,000+/yr
Board Level Capital Markets Investor Relations M&A
Own the entire financial function — capital structure, investor relations, financial reporting and strategic planning.
Advice for Finance Career Path
Practical guidance to accelerate your career

🚀 Get started

  • Target top graduate schemes early
  • Start CFA or ACA qualification
  • Build Excel and financial modelling skills
  • Network at university finance societies
  • Get Bloomberg Terminal certified

📈 Move up faster

  • Complete CFA Charterholder status
  • Build a strong deal track record
  • Develop client relationships early
  • Consider an MBA from a target school
  • Move between divisions for breadth

🌟 Top skills

  • Financial modelling in Excel
  • Valuation: DCF, LBO, comparables
  • CFA or ACA qualification
  • Risk management and regulation
  • Bloomberg Terminal and FactSet

🏢 Top employers

  • Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Barclays
  • BlackRock, Vanguard, Fidelity
  • PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY
  • Bank of England, FCA
  • PE: KKR, Blackstone, Advent

Ready to take the next step?

Browse Finance jobs on TalentBridge and find your next role today.

Browse Finance jobs → View salary guide