From salary to contract type: everything you need to know as an entry-level finance professional

Are you close to graduating and ready to start your career in finance? Exciting! The transition from student to young professional undoubtedly brings many questions. How much can you earn? What are the best starter positions? And how do you kick-start your career? Jef Timmerman, senior consultant at recruitment specialist Robert Walters, answers the most important questions.

How much do you earn as a starter in finance?

As a starter, you must be curious about your first salary. Below is an overview of the most common entry-level positions in Finance, including the gross salary range for professionals with 0 to 3 years' experience. As a recent graduate with no experience, you will usually start at the lower end of this range.

• Junior accountant: € 2.200 - 2.800
• Auditor: € 2.400 - 3.700
• Treasury analyst: € 2.600 - 3.500
• Business/financial controller: € 2.500 - 3.800
• KYC/AML officer: € 2.800 - 3.800
• Insurance claims handler: € 2.500 - 3.100
• Insurance underwriter: € 2.500 - 3.000
• Compliance officer: € 2.800 - 3.500
   

Jef: "Keep in mind that these amounts reflect the gross monthly salary. Extra-legal benefits such as meal vouchers, hospitalisation insurance, bonuses or a company car are not yet included. The benefits package varies from company to company and is often a significant addition to the gross salary - especially as a starter. After all, in this respect you are on exactly the same level as senior colleagues."

Why temporary jobs can be a smart move

Many young professionals focus immediately on finding a job with a permanent contract. But did you know that temporary jobs early in your career can give you a head start? A temporary position can be an excellent way to:

• quickly gain work experience in different companies or sectors - which is very positive for your CV.
• build a network in the short term that will benefit you in the long term.
• discover different roles so that you know better what really suits you.
• stay flexible and move faster to a permanent contract when you are ready.
   

More and more companies are looking for flexible, motivated starters who can make a quick impact through temporary projects.

"Recent figures from Jobs Data show that the number of temporary vacancies in accounting, finance and insurance in Belgium rose by 13% in the first quarter of this year compared to the fourth quarter of last year. An evolution that career starters in particular can certainly take advantage of to take their first steps into the corporate world."

5 career tips for entry-level finance professionals

1. Discover where your passion lies: choose a direction that suits you and focus on steps that will bring you closer to your short-term and long-term goals.

2. Keep investing in yourself: learning does not stop after your studies. Skills such as Excel, Power BI or basic knowledge of tax law will give you a head start.

3. Network from day one: LinkedIn is your digital business card. Be active, show interest and build a network that opens doors.

4. Look beyond salary: when choosing a job, pay attention not only to salary, but also to company culture, working atmosphere, growth opportunities and benefits such as flexible hours and training.

5. Actively ask for feedback: those who want to grow fast must be willing to learn. Be curious, ask for advice and show that you want to grow. This will make you stand out as an ambitious professional.
    

"Choose your first job consciously but also see it as a springboard for further growth. Of course, you don't start out as a finance manager right away, but with a smart choice and an open mindset, you lay the foundation for your career. Dare to seize opportunities, even if they are temporary or outside your comfort zone - that is the way forward," concludes Jef.

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