Let me give this a try:
(1) I will finish my work BY the end of the day.
--BY here means not later than or before a specified time.
--therefore, the sentence would mean that you will finish work anytime, BEFORE the end of the day.
(2) I will finish my work AT the end of the day.
--AT here means the exact time.
--therefore, the sentence would mean that you will finish work AT the end of the day, no more, no less.