Top 7 remote finance jobs and how to land one

It’s easy to understand why many people want to break into the finance sector, with a high median salary and a ton of opportunities to build a successful career.

But traditional office-bound finance roles typically bring long commutes, stuffy suits, and uncomfortable subway rides.

So, you might be wondering, “Can I get a remote finance job?”

The good news is that the answer is a resounding yes — there are lots of remote finance jobs available.

In this article, we’ll describe seven of the most popular remote finance jobs before diving into a quick guide on how to get prepared to land one of these opportunities.

What is a remote finance job?

Finance jobs are a group of positions related to money, including:

• Financial planning
• Investments and trading
• Financial advice
• Tax and bookkeeping
• Insurance
• Lending

A remote finance job is very much the same, except for the location where you perform the role’s various duties.

So, instead of coming to an office every day to complete your work, you’ll do it remotely.

Most remote workers (80%) choose to work from home, but many prefer to get out of the house and work from a cafe, library, or coworking space.

The great news for those looking for a remote job in finance is that many of the roles in this industry can be performed by remote employees, as the majority of financial work is completed on a computer.

Let’s take a look at the seven best finance jobs for those wanting to get into remote work.

Top 7 remote finance jobs

Here’s a breakdown of the top seven remote finance jobs:

1. Independent financial planner

Independent financial planners are self-employed finance professionals who assist individuals, families, and businesses in making plans to reach their financial goals.

This can involve creating a plan for increasing income, reducing expenses, or saving toward retirement.

It’s also possible to work for a corporate finance organization as a financial planner.

Financial planners earn a median salary of close to $90,000 a year and require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.

Check our job board for current openings for independent financial planners.

2. Financial analyst

Financial analysts review financial data, identify trends and opportunities, and provide advice to others to make investment or business decisions.

It’s one of the most coveted roles in the financial sector and is a position that often opens up a number of career opportunities.

Financial analysts will need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a strong ability to identify and analyze trends, and a good understanding of statistics.

Browse for financial analyst roles here.

3. Certified public accountant (CPA)

CPAs are accounting professionals who are licensed under the Board of Accountancy in their state.

To become a CPA, you’ll need to:

• Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

• Complete 150 hours of education

• Gain two or more years of public accounting experience

• Pass the Uniform CPA Exam

CPAs may work in public accounting (for a firm) or in corporate accounting (in-house at a company). They prepare financial statements, provide tax advice, and audit financial information.

It’s a fast-growing career with significant opportunity for further career development and an average salary of $73,560 per year.

Take a look at our job board for vacant CPA positions.

4. Day trader

Day traders work in the securities industries, actively buying and selling stocks throughout the day.

This is different from traditional investing, which involves holding stock for longer periods (months or even years). Day traders don’t hold stock overnight — they are looking for short-term opportunities.

To become a day trader for a firm, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, and sometimes a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) is required for more senior positions.

You’ll also need a strong understanding of economics and financial markets.

The median day trader earns close to $65,000 per year, though it’s possible to earn much more through commissions.

Browse for open day trader jobs here.

5. Financial auditor

Auditors inspect and review accounting records, financial statements, reporting systems, and other financial data to ensure companies are compliant with state and federal law.

People in this financial role may work as internal auditors, where they work at a single company, or as external auditors, where they are contracted to come into a business and inspect that company’s records.

Many financial auditors come from an accounting background, so hiring managers often look to hire Certified Public Accountants. A Bachelor’s degree in a financial field may suffice, though.

Check out our job board to find an open position as a financial auditor.

6. Risk manager

Risk managers monitor a company’s risk profile and recommend actions for leadership to take to reduce that risk.

They manage risk across four broad categories:

1. Market risk, such as changing costs of materials, legal changes, and interest and currency rate changes.

2. Credit risks, including current defaults and vendor relationships.

3. Operational risk, such as fraud likelihood, data protection issues, and employee safety protocols.

4. Reputation risk, including things like brand perception.

Risk managers (categorized as a form of financial manager by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) often earn a six-figure salary.

It’s also an exciting long-term career path as the projected growth rate is much faster than average.

Browse for risk manager jobs here.

7. Insurance agent

An insurance agent is a specific type of sales agent that works in the financial field.

As an insurance agent, you’ll be responsible for assessing customer needs, recommending insurance policies (life, health, medical, property), and explaining the benefits of each policy.

Insurance agents may sell to individuals or families, or they may work in the commercial field, selling insurance products to businesses. These products are either to protect the business against risk or for the company to offer as part of their employment packages.

Most companies don’t require any advanced education for this role, so it’s suitable for entry-level high-school graduates.

Check out our job board for insurance agent openings.

How to get a remote finance job

Does a remote position in financial services feel like a good fit for you?

Here are five steps to follow to get started in the finance industry.

1. Determine which roles you’re qualified for

Many finance jobs require you to have a specific education level or previous experience in financial roles.

The first step is to determine which positions you’d be suitable for based on this, and either:

• Look for jobs you’re already qualified for

• Consider completing further study

2. Polish your resume

Job seekers looking for a remote opportunity would do well to get their resumes prepared early.

Make sure your resume is up to date with:

• Your most relevant experience

• Current contact details

• Any skills and qualifications you have that relate to the finance industry

For more tips on putting together a killer resume, check out our guide: What does a good resume include in 2021?

3. Make sure you’re remote-ready

Some companies hiring for a remote role in finance will include contributions toward remote work equipment as part of their salary package.

However, this isn’t a standard offering as yet, so it pays to make sure you’ve got everything you need to do the job.

A fast and reliable internet connection and a quality laptop are a minimum, but a few extras that will make the job easier include:

• External monitor(s)

• An ergonomic chair

• A sturdy desk

• Wireless keyboard and mouse

• A good webcam

• Any specific software you need to perform your duties

Learn more about getting set up for the work-from-home life here.

4. Put together a list of jobs (and apply for them!)

Now it’s time to start hunting for job opportunities.

Job boards like Jobcase will be endlessly helpful here.

Start by putting together a list of applicable jobs, and then systematically send applications, starting with the positions you’re most interested in and suitable for.

5. Get ready for a remote interview

If you’re applying for a remote role, it’s likely that the employer will want to conduct the interview using video conferencing software.

Virtual interviews are a little different from in-person interviews. Communication can be a little more difficult as you can rely less on body language and other physical cues.

Check out our article on remote interviews for more tips: 9 tips to ace your virtual interview.

Is a remote finance job right for you?

The finance industry can be a lucrative field to get into.

Not only do financial professionals earn well, but there are also senior positions to aspire to and many opportunities to climb the ladder if that’s one of your goals.

And as you can see, many career options in this field can be performed remotely.

Ready to dive into a remote finance job? Check out our job board for finance roles and filter for remote-only positions.