Top Financial Services Jobs for Transitioning Teachers

Updated: 03/24/25

From tax prep to financial analysis to advising clients on retirement, these roles allow you to use your problem-solving, planning, and people skills in a whole new way. If you’re organized, good with numbers, and love helping others plan for the future, this list is for you.

_{Note: Salary ranges are general estimates based on commonly available salary information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, and Glassdoor. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on location, experience level, industry, and company size.}

• Financial Advisor

  Salary Range: $50K - $150K per year
  

  What it is:
  Financial Advisors help individuals and businesses plan for their financial future. That includes retirement planning, budgeting, insurance, investing, and debt reduction.

  Why you're a fit:
  You’ve guided students and families through long-term planning, taught real-world math, and broken down complex topics in plain English—exactly what financial advisors do every day.

  How to land it:
  Look for companies like Fidelity, Edward Jones, or Thrivent that offer training programs. You’ll often need to pass licensing exams (like the Series 7 or Series 65), but many firms will sponsor you. Highlight your communication, coaching, and planning skills on your resume.

>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn

• Accountant

  Salary Range: $50K - $80K per year (*higher if you get your CPA qualification)
  

  What it is:
  Accountants keep financial records accurate and compliant. They prepare statements, track income and expenses, support audits, and assist with budgeting and taxes.

  Why you're a fit:
  You’ve already tracked student data, managed classroom or school budgets, and reported on progress with precision. That same attention to detail and structure applies directly to accounting.

  How to land it:
  Most accountant roles require a degree in accounting or finance. But entry-level roles like Accounting Clerk or Staff Accountant are sometimes open to candidates with strong math and organizational backgrounds. You can also work toward a CPA if you're ready to go all in.

>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn

• Bookkeeper

  Salary Range: $35K - $55K per year
  

  What it is:
  Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day tracking of financial transactions—like recording payments, reconciling accounts, and managing invoices or payroll.

  Why you're a fit:
  If you’ve ever tracked grades, ordered supplies, or managed classroom funds, you’re already used to keeping careful records and spotting errors before they cause problems.

  How to land it:
  Consider taking an online course or certification in bookkeeping software like QuickBooks. You can find part-time or freelance roles with small businesses or nonprofits that need reliable help without the overhead of a full-time accountant.

>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn

• Financial Analyst

  Salary Range: $60K - $100K per year
  

  What it is:
  Financial Analysts evaluate data to help businesses make smart decisions. That includes reviewing budgets, forecasting future trends, analyzing market data, and helping leadership plan strategically.

  Why you're a fit:
  You’ve analyzed student data, identified patterns, forecasted outcomes, and made recommendations based on results. That’s financial analysis in a different context.

  How to land it:
  While a finance or business degree helps, many analysts get in through entry-level roles like Data Analyst or Finance Associate. Take a short course in Excel or financial modeling, and highlight your analytical mindset and reporting skills.

>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn

• Tax Consultant

  Salary Range: $50K - $90K per year
  

  What it is:
  Tax Consultants help individuals or businesses reduce their tax liabilities, prepare returns, and stay compliant with changing tax laws.

  Why you're a fit:
  You're detail-oriented, great with numbers, and skilled at explaining complicated ideas clearly. You’ve also probably worked through more red tape than most IRS agents.

  How to land it:
  Start by taking a tax preparation course (offered by companies like H&R Block or online platforms). You can build experience during tax season and later pursue certifications like the Enrolled Agent (EA) if you want to level up.

>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn

Here are some additional finance-related roles to consider:

Budget Analyst

Salary Range: $60K–$90K

What it is:
Budget Analysts help organizations plan their finances, monitor spending, and make informed financial decisions. They evaluate funding requests, track budgets over time, and ensure compliance with internal policies and financial regulations.

Why you're a fit:
You’ve already allocated resources for classroom needs, planned around tight school budgets, and made the most out of limited funding. You’re used to reporting on progress and explaining budget choices to stakeholders.

How to land it:
Search for entry-level roles like Budget Analyst I or Junior Financial Analyst. A background in education plus strong Excel or data skills is often enough to break in, especially in government or nonprofit sectors. A certificate in financial analysis or budgeting can give you an edge.

Grants Manager

Salary Range: $55K–$85K

What it is:
Grants Managers oversee the financial side of grant funding—from researching opportunities and writing applications to managing budgets and reporting outcomes. They often work at nonprofits, schools, universities, or research organizations.

Why you're a fit:
If you’ve ever applied for a classroom grant or managed a school initiative funded by a grant, you already understand this space. You’re organized, deadline-driven, and a clear communicator—exactly what’s needed to keep grants compliant and impactful.

How to land it:
Start by volunteering to help write or manage small grants, or look for jobs like Grant Coordinator or Program Administrator. Highlight your written communication, budgeting, and project tracking experience.

Compliance Specialist

Salary Range: $55K–$90K

What it is:
Compliance Specialists ensure that companies follow laws, regulations, and internal policies. This includes reviewing contracts, monitoring internal procedures, reporting risks, and training teams on compliance standards.

Why you're a fit:
You’ve enforced school policies, ensured students met academic benchmarks, and adapted to state and federal mandates. You know how to follow procedures while communicating clearly with diverse stakeholders.

How to land it:
Look for entry-level compliance roles in finance, education, healthcare, or tech. You can also take a short course in compliance or risk management to boost your resume. Strong attention to detail and documentation skills are key.

Enjoyed this list but not sure where you fit in all of this? Take the FREE ElevatED Educator Career Quiz to discover which roles are right for you.

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