Finance and accounting are always popular choices with graduates as they offer job security, represent aspirational fields and naturally include some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK – even at entry level.
Graduate finance jobs generally require specialist knowledge, come with pressurised deadlines and are always in demand, meaning the average graduate salary is typically much higher to compensate.
To help with this, we thought we’d put together a list of the best-paying graduate finance jobs in the UK, ideal if you’re looking for an entry-level role or even a part-qualified finance job.
Why Choose a Graduate Finance Job?
For many people, the main reason to enter the finance sector – and thus work a graduate finance job – is the compensation. The average salary of a finance graduate in the UK is £32,343, just 13% lower than the UK’s average salary of £37,430.
Likewise, if we measure the average finance graduate salary versus the average salary of a UK worker between the age of 22 and 28, the finance graduate is earning 30% more.
Remember that financial services are also a vital part of running a business, whether you’re developing a long-term financial strategy or optimising day-to-day operations.
This means that finance jobs are always in demand and – despite the amount of competition for top roles – there’s plenty of opportunity for career progression. This is why it’s so common for graduates with a finance, accounting or banking degree to join a graduate or intern programme, establish themselves rapidly and kickstart their finance career progression.
Finally, joining a graduate scheme or working up from an entry-level role is a great way to build soft skills that you’ll use throughout your career including communication, organisation and project management skills.
Similarly, during your time as a finance graduate, you’ll generally think about specialising in a field such as investment, risk management, finance analysis or hedge fund management.
What are the best-paying graduate finance jobs?
Below you’ll find the best-paying graduate finance jobs in 2025, using a mix of salary data found online alongside our own 2025 Salary Guide.
As always, these salary ranges are based on our own research and can differ wildly based on location, the business you’re working for or how much experience you have in the field.
Graduate Financial Analyst
Salary: £23,000 – £35,000
Financial analysis is a popular field for finance professionals that want to work in data science, statistics and economics. Typically, a graduate financial analyst will provide recommendations for a business based on economic trends and company fundamentals. This career path is ideal for those that want to work in a data-led environment with a high pay ceiling and plenty of room for progression. In many cases, a financial analyst may work as part of a larger team or even move into consultancy as they become more experienced.
Investment Portfolio Assistant
Salary: £27,000 – £55,000
An investment portfolio assistant will typically work alongside a more experienced investment consultant and provide ongoing support. As part of the role they solve client requests, prepare audits, provide research support around investment advice and assist with reporting on investment performance. Generally, this role requires cultivating client relationships and makes use of both technical skills as well as ‘soft skills’ such as good communication, problem-solving and client relations.
Graduate Investment Analyst
Salary: £21,000 – £40,000
Much like a financial analyst, an investment analyst will measure the performance of a specific investment – including portfolio and fund investments – and provide recommendations. Depending on the role, the investment analyst may work for a specific client or their employer but the goal is generally the same – maximise performance and ensure that long-term investment objectives are being met.
Graduate Associate (Private Equity)
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000
Private equity remains one of the most desirable sectors within the finance industry and thus includes some of the highest paying graduate jobs available. Private equity firms focus on companies that do not publicly trade and invest in these businesses, working to increase their value. ‘Graduate’ roles in private equity generally require some experience in investment banking beforehand which make them more difficult to attain but the benefits are often a much higher salary and bonus structure. While some firms do utilise traditional graduate schemes, these are generally incredibly competitive.
Finance Graduate (Investment Banking)
Salary: £30,000 – £50,000
Working in investment banking is often a goal for finance graduates and can open up plenty of career opportunities in other fields such as private equity. When you start a career in investment banking, you’ll typically be working for a financial institution and in the majority of cases – particularly if you’re joining a prestigious graduate scheme – you’ll be working as an analyst before you start moving up the ranks. Investment banking is a high-pressure working environment but offers significant monetary compensation – the average entry-level pay for an investment banker is £42,000.
Trainee Fund Accountant
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000
Working in fund accounting is a popular choice for graduates as it offers high entry–level salaries and the opportunity to learn more about the operation of funds including drawing funds, managing cash flow and reporting. As a trainee or graduate fund accountant, you’ll generally be assisting a more senior accounting professional while you learn more about corporate accounts, governance and company structures. Many accountants take on a position such as this while they’re earning their professional qualifications.
