Introduction:
Can You Break Into Finance Without a Degree?
Let’s face it—Nigeria’s economy is in turmoil. Inflation is skyrocketing, the naira is unpredictable, and job opportunities seem like gold dust. But even amid the chaos, one industry remains fiercely attractive: finance. Why? Because money never sleeps.
The big question is: Can you land a finance job in Nigeria without a university degree? Surprisingly, yes. The traditional route of earning a B.Sc. or MBA isn’t the only way in anymore. With the rise of fintech startups, microfinance institutions, and skill-based hiring, there’s now more than one door into the finance world—even if you didn’t go through the academic gate.
This guide unpacks real, proven strategies to help you build a finance career in Nigeria without a degree—even during the harshest economic storms.
Why Finance Jobs Are Still Booming in Nigeria Despite the Crisis
Here’s the good news: While other industries are shrinking or laying off workers, the Nigerian finance sector is still hiring. And not just banks—fintechs, cooperative societies, loan apps, and investment platforms are all part of this wave.
Why finance is thriving:
- Digital transformation: Mobile banking, POS agents, and savings platforms like PiggyVest and Kuda are growing fast.
- SME lending boom: Microfinance banks and finance companies are giving loans like never before.
- Fintech disruption: Startups are willing to train smart people—degree or not.
- High turnover: Front-line sales, credit officers, and customer service agents often change jobs, creating constant demand.
The Harsh Truth: Why Not Having a Degree Is a Roadblock—But Not a Dead End
Yes, it’s harder. Most traditional employers still want a degree—even if it’s not in finance. But the tides are changing. Employers now want:
- Skill over certificates
- Street smarts over GPAs
- Results over résumés
What does this mean for you? If you’re sharp, disciplined, and hungry to learn, you have a shot.
Focus on These Finance Roles That Don’t Require a Degree
Some finance roles still require certifications, but many don’t. Here’s a breakdown of finance-related jobs where you can start without a degree:
| Job Title | Do You Need a Degree? | What You’ll Need Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Officer | No | Sales skills, numeracy, target mindset |
| Loan Recovery Agent | No | Negotiation skills, persistence |
| Customer Service Rep | No | People skills, basic computer knowledge |
| POS Aggregator/Agent Manager | No | Street savvy, marketing ability |
| Financial Product Sales | No | Persuasion, basic finance understanding |
| Bookkeeping Assistant | No | Excel skills, attention to detail |
| Finance Intern (Fintech) | Often not | Proof of passion + skills |
| Risk Analyst (entry-level in startups) | Not always | Excel + SQL + certifications |
As you can see, many roles in Nigerian finance don’t need a degree—but they do require skills.
Essential Skills You MUST Have to Break Into Finance Without a Degree
Forget long lectures and dusty textbooks. Here’s what you need to focus on instead:
a. Digital Literacy
- Microsoft Excel (you can’t escape it)
- Google Sheets
- CRM platforms like Zoho or Salesforce (if in sales)
b. Communication & Sales
- Pitching financial products
- Negotiating repayments
- Writing professional emails
c. Basic Accounting & Financial Analysis
- Understand income, expenses, and interest
- Learn to analyze creditworthiness
d. Risk Management Basics
- Fraud detection red flags
- How to assess financial risks in lending
TIP: Websites like Coursera and YouTube have free crash courses on all of these.
Certifications That Can Replace Your Degree in the Eyes of Recruiters
Even if you don’t have a B.Sc., some short certifications can boost your chances dramatically.
Top certifications to pursue:
- Google Data Analytics Certificate (great for fintech roles)
- ACCA Foundation Level (great for accounting assistants)
- Microfinance Certification from CIBN
- Digital Marketing Certificate (if you’re going into sales)
- Customer Relationship Management Courses
Many employers will take you seriously with any of these on your CV.
Where to Get Free or Affordable Finance Education in Nigeria
Let’s bust the myth: Learning finance is expensive. Nope!
Free and budget-friendly platforms:
- Alison.com – Free finance and accounting courses
- Udemy Nigeria deals – Look out for ₦3,900 promo courses
- LinkedIn Learning – Free with LinkedIn Premium trial
- Jobberman Soft Skills – Recognized by many Nigerian companies
- SkillNG and Tech4Dev – Offers youth finance upskilling bootcamps
If you don’t take advantage of these, someone else will.
How to Build a Finance CV Without a Degree
You can’t fake a degree—but you can build a killer CV with what you have.
Tips to build a powerful no-degree finance CV:
- Highlight your sales or people experience
- Add any microfinance, retail, or fieldwork exposure
- Include short courses + certifications
- Quantify achievements: “Recovered ₦1.2M in defaulted loans within 3 months”
Your CV should scream: “I’m ready to work, learn, and deliver.”
Create a Digital Presence That Attracts Finance Recruiters
Whether you’re aiming for a startup or a traditional finance firm, your online reputation matters.
Key steps:
- Set up a polished LinkedIn profile
- Include keywords like “Credit Officer,” “Financial Sales,” “Customer Onboarding”
- Join Nigerian finance job groups on Facebook
- Use platforms like Jobberman, MyJobMag, and LinkedIn Jobs
- Share finance tips or analysis on social media
Many people have been recruited just through their LinkedIn posts or insightful comments.
Fintech: Your Golden Ticket into Finance Without a Degree
Fintechs are your best bet. They care less about what school you went to—and more about what you can do.
Top Nigerian Fintechs That Often Hire Without a Degree:
- Carbon
- FairMoney
- Branch
- Moniepoint
- Renmoney
- Okash
They need field agents, customer service reps, credit recovery staff, data entry assistants—and they train you on the job!
What Recruiters Look for in Non-Graduates
You may not have a degree, but you can still stand out.
What they want:
- Hunger to learn
- Street experience (especially for field roles)
- Ability to hit targets
- Willingness to grow with the company
- Smart communication (oral and written)
Pro Tip: In interviews, show passion for finance—talk about how you study trends, attend online webinars, or even save/invest.
Start from the Bottom—But Climb Fast
Don’t aim for “Head of Risk” right away. You may need to begin as a loan marketer, collections officer, or POS rep—and that’s okay.
How to climb quickly:
- Hit your targets and document your achievements
- Ask for more responsibilities
- Volunteer to train new hires
- Suggest process improvements
Within 6–12 months, you can be promoted or poached by a competitor—especially in fintech and microfinance.
The Power of Internships and Apprenticeships
Internships aren’t just for students. Many Nigerian finance firms now run internship-style onboarding programs.
How to get one:
- Ask during application: “I don’t have a degree, but I’m ready to intern for 3 months. Can I prove myself?”
- Leverage NYSC-style models even if you didn’t go to school
- Offer to shadow a loan officer or CRM staff in small MFBs
Most employers respect initiative + humility.
How Canada and the USA View Degree-Free Finance Talent (Bonus Insight)
If you’re planning to relocate or work remotely with foreign firms, the good news is that Canada and the US are increasingly skill-first.
In-demand finance roles abroad that don’t always require degrees:
- Remote bookkeepers
- Customer support for financial software
- Junior compliance officers
- Digital loan processing agents
Platforms like Upwork and FlexJobs offer these gigs—and experience in Nigeria counts!
Common Mistakes That Sabotage Your Career Entry (And How to Avoid Them)
Breaking into Nigeria’s finance industry without a degree is already challenging—but unfortunately, many promising candidates shoot themselves in the foot before they even get through the door. Whether it’s due to desperation, lack of information, or overconfidence, these common mistakes can sabotage your chances of landing that breakthrough role.
Let’s unpack the most frequent career entry mistakes—and how you can sidestep them like a pro.
1. Applying for Roles You’re Not Qualified For (Yet)
The Mistake:
Many people blast their CVs to every “Finance Analyst,” “Risk Manager,” or “Head of Credit” role they find, even without any relevant skills or experience.
Why It’s a Problem:
Recruiters instantly discard these applications. It signals that you didn’t read the job description—or worse, you’re not serious about your career.
The Fix:
- Focus on entry-level roles like:
- Credit Officer
- Collections Agent
- Financial Product Sales Rep
- Read each job description carefully.
- Apply only to roles you can perform and grow into.
2. Submitting a Generic or Poorly Written CV
The Mistake:
Using the same bland CV for every job—or worse, copying someone else’s template without tailoring it.
Why It’s a Problem:
Recruiters scan hundreds of CVs. A generic one won’t stand out. And if it’s riddled with errors, it goes straight into the trash.
The Fix:
- Customize your CV for each job.
- Use keywords from the job description (e.g., “loan recovery,” “target-driven,” “client onboarding”).
- Highlight your soft skills and results (e.g., “Achieved 112% of monthly loan disbursement target in Q1”).
- Keep the format clean and professional—no colors, emojis, or hard-to-read fonts.
3. Hiding the Fact That You Don’t Have a Degree
The Mistake:
Some people “creatively adjust” their CVs to imply that they attended university or even claim a degree they don’t have.
Why It’s a Problem:
It’s unethical and easily verifiable. Many Nigerian employers request academic verification, especially in finance.
The Fix:
- Be honest. Say it upfront: “I don’t have a university degree, but I have 3 years of experience in credit sales and recently completed a microfinance certification.”
- Highlight your strengths, not your shortcomings.
Being transparent builds trust. You’d be surprised how many hiring managers admire honesty and grit.
4. Ignoring Entry-Level & Internship Opportunities
The Mistake:
A lot of degree-free job seekers want to jump straight into roles with ₦150k+ monthly salaries or “official” job titles. So they skip internships, training schemes, and junior positions.
Why It’s a Problem:
You miss out on the golden opportunities that build experience and open doors.
The Fix:
- Apply for internships—even if unpaid at first.
- Consider training programs or contract-based roles in fintech or microfinance.
- These “low titles” often lead to real roles in less than 6 months if you perform well.
Your first job isn’t your final job. Think long-term.
5. Not Leveraging Your Existing Experience
The Mistake:
You think your past job in customer service, retail sales, or freelancing isn’t “finance-related,” so you ignore it on your CV.
Why It’s a Problem:
Recruiters are looking for transferable skills—and you’re not showing them.
The Fix:
Reframe your experience. For example:
- Old CV says: “Supermarket Cashier”
- Improved CV says: “Managed daily cash transactions and reconciled ₦200,000 in sales with 99.8% accuracy.”
Every job has finance-adjacent duties—find and frame them.
6. Lack of Digital Presence
The Mistake:
You don’t have a LinkedIn profile—or if you do, it’s incomplete, has no photo, and looks like a ghost town.
Why It’s a Problem:
Most recruiters now check LinkedIn before even scheduling interviews. A dead or non-existent profile = missed opportunity.
The Fix:
- Create a professional LinkedIn profile.
- Add a photo, bio, skills, and a few short posts about what you’re learning.
- Connect with recruiters, HR professionals, and people already working in finance.
Your LinkedIn is your digital handshake. Make it count.
7. Not Preparing for Interviews or Assessments
The Mistake:
You get called for an interview but show up with zero research or preparation—hoping to just “wing it.”
Why It’s a Problem:
You’re competing with dozens of others. Lack of preparation shows and makes you forgettable—or worse, unhireable.
The Fix:
- Google the company and its products.
- Rehearse your answers to common finance questions (e.g., “How do you handle defaulting clients?”)
- Practice simple math and Excel tasks (these often come up in entry assessments).
- Dress professionally—even if the role is field-based.
Prepared candidates make confident impressions. Period.
8. Poor Communication or Email Etiquette
The Mistake:
Your application email has no subject line, no introduction, or looks like it was typed in a rush.
Why It’s a Problem:
Your email is often the first impression. If it’s unprofessional, the recruiter assumes the same about your work ethic.
The Fix:
- Use a clear subject: “Application for Entry-Level Credit Officer – Ikeja”
- Keep your email polite and brief:
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m writing to apply for the Credit Officer role at [Company]. Though I don’t have a degree, I have 2 years of experience in loan sales and have completed a CIBN microfinance course. I’ve attached my CV for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Check your spelling. Double-check your attachments.
9. Not Following Up
The Mistake:
After submitting your CV or attending an interview, you disappear—waiting, hoping, and refreshing your email 10 times a day.
Why It’s a Problem:
Recruiters get busy. Following up politely shows interest and professionalism.
The Fix:
- Send a follow-up email 3–5 days after applying or interviewing:
“Just checking in to reiterate my interest in the [Job Title] role. Please let me know if further information is needed.”
This small gesture can push your name to the top of the shortlist.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
The Mistake:
After 5 or 6 rejections, you decide: “This industry is not for me.”
Why It’s a Problem:
Breaking into finance without a degree is like chiseling stone—it takes time, grit, and consistency.
The Fix:
- Track your applications using a spreadsheet.
- Learn from rejections: Ask for feedback where possible.
- Keep upgrading your skills while applying.
Every “no” is one step closer to “yes.” Stay sharp, stay ready.
Pro Tip: Turn Every Mistake into a Lesson
The Nigerian finance industry doesn’t expect you to be perfect. But it does expect resilience, awareness, and effort.
Here’s the truth: The average successful job applicant has failed at least 10 times before landing their role. The difference? They kept going. They learned from mistakes. They improved their next move.
So don’t just apply. Apply smart.
Don’t just interview. Prepare like your future depends on it.
Because—honestly—it does.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Degree—You Need a Strategy
In a tough economy like Nigeria’s, hustle + strategy = opportunity. Getting a job in finance without a degree is no longer a fantasy—it’s happening every day.
Your next step? Start today. Pick one skill to learn, one certification to pursue, or one fintech company to apply to. Don’t wait for the perfect time. The time is now.
Because guess what? Finance doesn’t care where you started. It cares where you’re going.
FAQs: Breaking into Finance Without a Degree
1. Can I get into finance without a university degree in Nigeria?
Yes, many roles like credit officers, recovery agents, and fintech field reps don’t require a degree—just skills and drive.
2. Which certifications help me get finance jobs faster?
Google Data Analytics, ACCA Foundation, and microfinance courses from CIBN are highly respected.
3. Are fintech jobs better for non-graduates?
Absolutely. Fintech companies often focus on skills and train you on the job. They’re more open to hiring non-graduates.
4. Can I work for foreign companies without a degree?
Yes, especially in remote finance support roles like bookkeeping and data entry. Platforms like Upwork are great for this.
5. Where can I learn finance skills for free?
Try Alison.com, YouTube, SkillNG, or Jobberman. They offer top-notch courses—even certificates—at no cost.
