Finkel was educated at Monash University, receiving a doctorate in Electrical Engineering in 1981.

In 2006 Finkel was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE).

In 2008 he was inducted as an honorary member of the Monash Golden Key Society to recognize his achievements.

In 2009 Finkel was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer of Better Place Australia.

In 2012 he co-founded Stile Education, a science education company based in Melbourne, Australia.

In 2013 he was appointed President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

Since 2011, Finkel also serves as the Patron of In2science and since 2013, as the Patron of the Australian Science Media Centre.

Since assuming his role as President of ATSE in 2013, Alan Finkel has advocated for the consideration of nuclear power in Australia in newspapers, at speaking engagements and in digital media broadcasts.

Following his appointment as Australia's Chief Scientist in 2015, Finkel suggested nuclear power should be considered as an option for potential inclusion in Australia's future low carbon energy mix.