Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in Finance in India in 2025!

Finance jobs in India are one of the most sought-after professions owing to their lucrative and reputed nature. In recent years, there has been an upsurge in the popularity of finance degrees, with many professionals aiming for the highest paying jobs in finance.

Developing a mastery in finance opens doors to a rewarding career, especially in a booming economy like India. The finance sector in India is amongst the fastest growing sectors and hence greatly impacts the economy. How?

Thus, a person working in finance can benefit from a handsome finance job salary with the right skills, experience, and exposure. 

India’s economic progress depends vastly on the development and rise of the finance sector, which has been growing at a rapid pace. As such, job opportunities in the finance sector experience a massive rise in this 4 trillion dollar economy.

Did you know? According to Statista, the Finance market in India is projected to grow by 14.02% (2022-2027) resulting in a market volume of US$19.55m in 2027.

This paves the way for a massive job market and an essential need for skilled finance professionals. India being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, has experienced notable financial and economic growth over the past few years. Increased digitization, rise in domestic startups, and evolving trends result in higher demand for finance jobs in India.

The following figure provides an estimated range of salaries for Indian finance professionals, showcasing some of the highest paying finance jobs in India across various roles and industries.

Source : Ambition box

Also read: 22 Most Asked Finance Interview Questions & Answers [For Freshers & Experienced]

What are the highest paying jobs in Finance in  India?

As the economy expands and new financial services emerge, the scope in finance has grown significantly, leading to a surge in demand for skilled professionals.

From investment banking to risk management, various roles provide not only high earning potential but also prestige and influence. With the advent of digitization and the booming of industries like data analytics and fintech, finance job salaries in India have seen significant growth. 

In this section, we’ll explore the top 15 highest paying jobs in finance in India and what makes them attractive career choices for ambitious professionals:

#15 Loan Advisor

What they do ?

A loan officer is primarily responsible for assisting customers throughout the loan application process. They are responsible for evaluating and determining client eligibility for a loan, risk assessment, and approval or denial of loans. 

How to become a Loan Advisor

A person with a background in economics, finance, or a related field is suitable to become a loan officer. A loan officer should be well versed with the applicant’s needs with skills in sales, and customer satisfaction and accordingly provide them with the best matches per their financial conditions. 

Average Salary of a Loan Advisor in India is 2.7 LPA. 

#14 Personal Finance Advisor

What do they do?

A personal finance advisor develops an understanding of the client’s financial goals and provides appropriate advice to meet their financial goals. 

A personal finance advisor would ideally provide service for areas like budget management, investments, and expenditures with the end goal of smart money management. 

How can you become a Personal Finance Advisor:

An educational or professional background in the business and finance domain would make one eligible to become a personal financial advisor. A certified personal finance advisor is more likely to be hired by clients to meet their financial needs.

Average Salary of a Personal Finance Advisor in India is 3 LPA.

#13 Financial Software Developer

What do they do?

The finance sector is seeing a sharp rise in the amalgamation of technology in its purview. This has led to an increase in the relevance of software developers in the industry. 

A financial software developer is in charge of developing and designing software for the finance industry and caters to the needs of the business. 

An example of a prominent creation of financial software development in India is the UPI system which has opened new avenues of financial inclusion and accessibility in India through technological integration.

How to become a Financial Software Developer: 

You are eligible to venture into this field if you have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in computer science or IT. Moreover, being skills in appropriate technical languages and

Average Salary of a Financial Software Developer in India - 4.9 LPA.

#12 Financial Analyst 

What do they do?

As a financial analyst, you are entrusted with researching, studying, and presenting analyzed information to determine investment and financial strategy. This is a multifaceted role that requires you to be adept at skills such as analytical reasoning, effective communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving in addition to the appropriate hard skills. 

How can you become a Financial Analyst: 

An educational background in finance, banking, statistics, or accounting is generally desired from financial analysts along with experience with businesses, banks, or insurance companies. 

Average Salary of a Financial Analyst in India - 6.1 LPA.

If you want to become a financial analyst, start today by taking a free certificate in financial analysis and build the foundation for a successful career in finance!

#11 Forex Trader

What they do ?

A forex trader plays a critical role in international finance. Your general role as a forex trader would involve applying relevant trading strategies, conducting market analysis, and keeping track of global events that may affect global economics. 

How to become a Forex Trader:

Although it is favorable to have a background in business studies, economics, or finance, it is not necessary to have this educational background to become a Forex trader. However, the road to this profession requires sheer determination and a deep understanding of the key concepts, laws, and strategies entailed in foreign exchange. 

Average Salary of a Forex Trader - 9.2 LPA.

If you're interested in the future of digital finance, consider expanding your knowledge with Cryptocurrency Courses. 

#10 Actuarial Specialist 

What do they do? 

An actuarial specialist primarily works in the domain of risk assessment using statistics and mathematical calculations. As an actuary, you will be involved in analyzing data figures to calculate risk and thereby perform risk assessment. If you love math and numbers, this would be a great profession for you. Actuaries work mainly in the insurance and risk assessment industries. 

How can you become an Actuarial Specialist:

To pursue a career in actuary, you would be required to study mathematics and commerce at the higher secondary and undergraduate levels. Following this you would be required to clear a series of tests conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India. 

Average Salary of an Actuarial Specialist in India is 9.7 LPA.

#9 Risk Manager

What do they do?

All organizations face the danger of encountering risks. Here comes the job of a risk manager who assesses and evaluates potential risks an organization may face. 

After a comprehensive assessment, they curate risk management plans to encounter these risks. If you aspire to be a risk manager, you need to be adept at strategic analytical thinking, adaptation, and flexibility as well as have a strong financial acumen. 

How can you become a Risk Manager: 

Since this is a higher position, you need to gain the right experience in the finance, business, and management industries to reach this position. 

The common path to obtain this profession requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in finance and then entering the industry to gain exposure. 

You can fast-track your journey with a certificate in financial risk management but simultaneous work experience should be gained to develop the right skills. 

Average Salary of a Risk Manager in India is 12.3 LPA

#8 Portfolio Manager 

What do they do? 

A Portfolio Manager, as the name suggests is responsible for the management of product portfolio and client portfolios . The main purpose of this role is to assist the client to invest in the best way possible with minimal risks. 

A client entrusts a portfolio manager with choosing the best investment strategy for maximum returns. 

How can you become a Portfolio Manager:

You are eligible to become a Portfolio Manager if you combine the multiple requirements of the right educational degree, certifications, work experience, and key skills. 

Gaining exposure in the industry early on with entry roles will prove beneficial to you. Meanwhile, completing portfolio management certifications like CFA, CIMA, FRM, and portfolio management from SEBI will accelerate the process. 

Average Salary of a Portfolio Manager in India is 12.6 LPA.

#7  Management Analyst

What do they do?

Role and Responsibilities: As a Management Analyst, your job role involves working on improving the efficiency of an organization. They typically have expertise in specific business niches and provide financial services to firms or clients, depending upon their employment. 

Their responsibilities range from problem identification and data analysis to measuring improvement and developing effective solutions. 

How can you become a Management Analyst: 

To become a management analyst too, you must follow the route of most management positions in the finance industry. The process is to gain a bachelor’s degree and professional certifications, enter the work industry, and gain experience. 

Meanwhile, you must focus on upskilling, networking, and skill development to establish expertise in this niche, such that you can offer your services based on your skills to potential clients. 

Average Salary of a Management Analyst in India is 13.4 LPA. 

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#6 Private Equity Associate

What do they do? 

Role and Responsibilities: Private equity associates are responsible for performing functions of market research, deal sourcing, financial analysis, and management of portfolios. Private equity associates work in private equity firms as well as investment firms. 

Having strong financial acumen, they play a crucial role in determining the investment pathway of financial institutions. 

How can you become a Private Equity Associate: 

To enter the competitive industry, it is important to lay a strong foundation of the right educational background, and advanced certifications and most importantly, acquire relevant work experience in the industry. 

Doing so would enable you to rise to this senior position after establishing yourself as an experienced and learned professional. 

Average Salary of a Private Equity Associate is 13.6 LPA

#5 Investment Banker

What do they do? 

Role and Responsibilities: An Investment Banker provides financial advice to industries as well as governments. One of the most esteemed professions in the finance industry that not only pays well but also holds high repute. 

Investment banking has roles ranging from the position of an analyst and go up to the position of Vice President. They are involved in duties like financial analysis, conducting market research, locking in deals, and maintaining client relationships.

How can you become an Investment Banker:

The minimum qualification to obtain this position is to have an MBA along with certain years of relevant work experience in the industry. This coupled with the right combination of soft and people skills will leverage your position in the industry.

Average Salary of an Investment Banker is 15.3 LPA. 

Also read: Corporate Finance Explained: Definition, Principles, Example

#4 Senior Accountant 

What do they do?

Role and Responsibilities: A senior accountant is an individual with experience and expertise in accounting. In this job, you oversee the preparation of financial reports, and tax filings, handle the management and security of financial transactions, and lead the accounting team beneath you. 

How can you become a Senior Accountant: 

Becoming a senior accountant is a long journey and requires a long list of checkmarks. If your goal is to become a senior accountant, your journey should ideally start with an undergraduate degree, preferably in finance or accounting. 

Following this, you need to work on obtaining professional certifications like the CFA or CMA along with acquiring work experience. Obtaining work experience is crucial to establishing a successful career in this field.

Lastly, skill development and networking are two crucial components to becoming a senior accountant. These steps will surely help you lay the foundations for a solid career path.

Average salary of a Senior Accountant in India is 18.3 LPA.

Read More : 20+ Essential Skills Required for Accounting and Finance for Career Growth in 2025

#3 Hedge Fund Manager

What they do?

Hedge Fund Managers are individuals who manage hedge funds and are hired by institutions to directly oversee their investments, track market trends as well as raise fund capital. 

How can you become a Hedge Fund Manager:

Reaching the position of a hedge fund manager can be a long and complex path, but it offers great compensation. After your bachelor’s and master’s, you can enter the workforce with entry-level positions such as an analyst, and then work your way up the ladder. This needs to be done with sheer determination and perseverance. Meanwhile, you would be required to gain certifications and constantly work on upskilling according to industry trends.

Average Salary of a Hedge Fund Manager in India 19.9 LPA. 

#2 Chief Compliance Officer 

What do they do?

As a member of the senior management, a Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for critical tasks necessary for the functioning of an organization. The CCO must ensure that the conduct norms are strictly followed and must report errors and violations. Moreover, day-to-day reviews to track errors and unusual activity must be performed. 

How can you become a Chief Compliance Officer:

 If your end goal is to become a Chief Compliance Officer, you have to ensure that your experience aligns with the position. You need to have considerable management and leadership experience, preferably in a consistent industry, such that you acquire a mastery in managerial roles. 

This shall serve as the stepping stone to target senior management positions. You can also consider pursuing a master’s degree and appearing for the Chief Compliance Officer exam to be certified for this position. 

Average Salary of a Chief Compliance Officer in India is 31.5 LPA.

#1 Chief Financial Officer 

What do they do?

The Chief Financial Officer is a hotshot position that is involved in versatile roles and functions. The purview of responsibilities of a CFO include management of capital, financial planning and devising financial strategy, taking charge of mergers and acquisitions, and maintaining investor relationships to name a few. 

The CFO oversees even further tasks and is accountable for the organization’s fiscal direction. 

How can you become a Chief Financial Officer: 

The position of a Chief Financial Officer requires a consistent and long procedure. You need a minimum of 8-10 years of experience in a management role. This makes the total experience required to come to 15 years. 

Moreover, you must ensure that you have extensive and well-balanced experience in various subjects like accounting, finance, business, and management, such that you acquire an all-round understanding of various niches. 

Average Salary of a Chief Financial Officer in India is 36.7 LPA.

What are the steps to start a finance career in India?  

STEP 1: Earn a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree 

Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in the commerce domain is a common starting point for a career in finance. Doing so would introduce you to key and foundational concepts in finance and familiarize you with terminologies and important topics. 

Engaging in projects and practical work at a higher scale will expose you to the practical workings of the domain.

STEP 2: Pursue Internships Alongside Academics 

The sooner you enter the professional sphere, the more leverage you gain in building your career profile. 

Initially, you may get unpaid internships, but with the right effort and patience, you will soon be able to get your hands on paid gigs, given you develop your skills and deliver the work. Early exposure to internships will benefit you in the long run.

STEP 3: Invest in Certification and Skill Development 

Without upgrading and upskilling, hardly any industry will survive to this day. Developing your skills via certification and additional courses will help you better your profile. Getting certified officially will give you an added advantage as a bonus skill learned.

STEP 4: Start Networking 

In any management or finance career, the importance of networking is very high. Networking will allow you to make connections with people not only with similar experiences as you but also as already established professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship. 

STEP 5: Seek Entry-Level Positions & Enter the Industry 

Upon completing your education, you can apply for entry-level positions. Entering the industry will expose you to an array of opportunities to learn, grow, and upskill. 

STEP 6: Stay consistent in networking and figure out your niche 

Even while working, it is important to build connections in the industry, as it is important to keep on learning and developing your skills. As you work, you may gain interest in a specific niche and can work towards building expertise there. 

You may also aim for an all-round experience and work in different domains for a more holistic learning and professional experience.

Start your Finance career with upGrad’s free certification courses — Enroll Now. 

Industries hiring Finance professionals in India

India’s booming economy is a goldmine for finance professionals! From tech giants to banks, the demand for finance expertise has skyrocketed across diverse sectors, offering some of the highest paying jobs in finance.

Here’s where finance talent is in high demand, offering some of the highest paying finance jobs in India.

1. Consulting

Consulting jobs are among the most popular in the finance sector. Most companies hire financial consultants to assess, advise, and navigate the financial betterment of their organization.

Consulting firms recruit for various roles, including financial consulting, management consulting, financial advisory, corporate finance, and risk analysis. This sector comprises some of the highest paying jobs in finance, especially in senior management positions.

2. Banking and Finance

You cannot mention finance jobs without mentioning the Banking and Finance sector. Finance professionals play a pivotal role in this sector with roles in analysis, investment banking, relationship management, accounts management, and executive roles. 

According to Statista, India's banks had assets of almost 2.9 trillion USD in FY 2023. Thus, you can estimate the massive growth potential of this sector in India, with ample opportunities for the highest paying jobs in finance.

3.Insurance

In terms of gross written premiums, the Indian insurance market is expected to grow to a size of US$216.70 billion by 2024. These numbers are predicted to grow in the coming years as people become more and more aware of insurance in general. 

So, If you are skilled in risk analysis and financial planning, the insurance industry offers lucrative career prospects, including some of the highest paying jobs in finance.

4. Healthcare

The Indian government aims to increase 2.5% of GDP in public healthcare by the year 2025. With a population of 1.4 billion, the healthcare industry is expected to see constant growth in valuation. 

Thus, finance professionals in the healthcare sector can contribute to the economic growth of the country and meanwhile amass attractive returns in the form of compensation.

Some common finance roles in healthcare are fraud investigation, auditing, financial management, and health insurance advising.

5. Public Sector

The vast public sector has major scope and possibilities for finance professionals in India. Esteemed organizations like RBI, the Ministry of Finance, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) hiring experienced professionals. 

The public sector also offers competitive salaries along with additional allowances, making it an attractive career choice. Many of these roles are counted among the highest paying jobs in finance in the government sector.

6. Accounting

In 2023, India held a 6.9% market share in the global accounting industry, according to GlobalData. With major firms such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, the accounting sector in India witnessed greater growth each year, owing to its growing financial growth. 

7. Fintech

With rapid advances in technology, the role of technology in financial services has increased multifold.  Simultaneously, the need for finance professionals has also increased in technological firms. With revolutionary creations such as UPI, fintech is seeing a sharp rise in India. 

8. Ed-tech

The ed-tech industry hires finance professionals to implement successful business and financial strategies. Ed-tech companies are on the rise in India due to a massive education industry.

For instance, upGrad announced a 96% growth in revenue for the fiscal year ending in March 2023, from ₹608 crores to ₹1,194 crores. The increasing financial operations in ed-tech further highlight the demand for experts in the highest paying jobs in finance.

Also read: Top 12 Crucial Finance Skills That Employers Value in 2024

Future Scope of Finance Jobs in India in 2025 

India’s financial industry has witnessed massive growth in recent years, with major advancements and asset valuations in equity mutual funds, insurance, and digital transactions. As a result, the future of highest paying jobs in finance in India in 2025 and beyond is set to boom.

Furthermore, with a surge in demand for finance professionals, finance job salaries are predicted to witness hikes. 

We can predict the following future trends as demand for skilled finance professionals increases:

•  The advancement of fintech shall grow multifold with increasing digitization and technological advancements.
• With the rise in technology, there will be an inevitable need for sturdier cybersecurity measures and programs, paving the way for fintech professionals to surge.
• The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning will continue to evolve with efficient automation, thereby resulting in smooth operations.
• Digital banking shall see a rise in engagement as this sector offers increased efficiency and simplified user experience.

Also read: Top 8 Career Options in Finance: What To Do After Finance Degree

Unconventional finance careers in India 

With expertise in finance, you can work for international government agencies and organizations like USAID and WWF. These organizations recruit finance professionals for various institutional and humanitarian missions, offering some of the highest paying jobs in finance while making a global impact.

What better than putting your experience to use for the betterment of humankind? These roles often have strict eligibility requirements, which you should always cross-check from the official website to make sure you are a good match. 

Following are some organizations that hire professionals with financial acumen:

1. USAID 

The U.S. Agency for International Development hires for roles in financial management, accounting, and budgeting. This job is well-suited for experienced professionals looking to work in the development sector. 

2. UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme Office in India hired for roles in fund management, CSR management, and financial analysis as well as project associates to oversee financial operations.

3. WWF

The World Wide Fund Office in India seeks finance professionals for positions in project management, financial accounting, fundraising management as well as regulatory compliance. 

4. UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme seeks finance professionals for roles like program management officers, senior consultants, and administrative officers.

5. UNHCR

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees India office hires finance professionals for both in-house and field roles. These roles are mainly of finance officer, finance associate, and grant manager.

6. Embassies and Consulates

Finance professionals can work in various embassies and consulates of various countries in India. Embassies usually hire across roles in financial assistance, corporate finance, senior accounting, as well as senior consultancy.

Conclusion

Thus, the finance sector offers attractive opportunities and salaries in India. Being among the top 5 economies in the world, the Indian financial market offers a wide range of roles and domains to enter and excel in. 

Potential employees and aspirants can benefit from a good knowledge of the highest paying jobs in finance to make informed decisions in accordance with their interests and expertise.

As we reach the end of this article, you may now realize that as India reaches new benchmarks as a 3.95 trillion dollar economy, the need for skilled finance professionals is starkly evident.

Upskilling is the way to go, especially in the finance domain.

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Reference Links:
https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/app/finance/india
https://www.stockgro.club/blogs/trending/upgrad-company/
Source for Average Salary:https://www.ambitionbox.com/