careers for MBA finance

Rewarding Careers for Graduates with an MBA in Finance

  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Financial Manager
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Investment Banker
  • Financial Controller

As the world of global finance grows, more and more students are seeking an MBA in finance. From Wall Street brokering to accounting, the opportunities available to finance-specialized MBA graduates are far-ranging and highly lucrative. Here are five lucrative careers for MBA in finance graduates.

Senior Financial Analyst

The role of the senior financial analyst is a multifaceted one. In addition to large amounts of account analysis, it is also the job of the analyst to:

  • calculate risks to profit margins and the company’s financial health to the best of their ability
  • make recommendations for money management and risk minimization
  • chart and present financial mapping that will assist in the completion of long-term projects.

Because the job of the senior financial analyst is so critical to the success of large corporations, the salary and benefits included are often fairly generous. The median salary for this position is around $78,000 per year. It’s usually accompanied by:

  • health benefits
  • company investment options
  • vacation and sick time
  • other company perks

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the monetary activities of different company departments – or even the company as a whole. They:

  • review finance reports
  • analyze profit margins
  • make financial forecasts based on compiled data
  • make suggestions to improve a company’s profits

They also engage in market analysis to make informed suggestions on where a company can expand with minimal risk and increased profit. Financial managers average more than $117,000 a year. This salary is often accompanied by an ample benefits package.

Chief Financial Officer

The chief financial officer of any company has an incredibly important job. -Subsequently the job pays exceptionally well. The CFO reports directly to the chief executive officer of the company. The CFO advises the CEO on any and all matters relating to:

  • budgetary control
  • profit management
  • expansion

In addition, the CFO:

  • provides analyses of cost versus benefit
  • sees to obtaining new funding for the company’s growth
  • oversees all financial professionals in the company

The average salary for a chief financial officer is $313,000 per year, plus benefits.

Investment Banker

Investment bankers advise their clients, whether individuals or companies, on the best options for investing their money. They do this on the basis of:

  • market analysis
  • observation
  • the client’s needs and goals

They assist clients with:

  • business and company mergers
  • company and asset acquisition
  • unique or emerging investment options
  • providing underwriting for stock and assets when companies go public

Investment bankers typically work for:

  • banks
  • major financial corporations
  • brokerage houses

Degree holders with an MBA in finance can expect to earn in excess of $150,000 per year.

Financial Controller

A more technical position than some of the others described, financial controllers principally handle the back-end numbers of any financial operative. They are responsible for:

  • accounting operations
  • regular financial reports
  • the implementation and maintenance of records-keeping software or systems
  • assistance in minimizing financial risk

Financial controllers earn around $79,000 per year, plus benefits and company perks.

Conclusion

According to Forbes, getting an MBA is almost always a worthwhile investment. In addition to significant increases, earning an MBA – especially one that’s specialized – opens doors to a wide range of professional careers. No matter your focus in a Master’s of Business Administration in finance, each career path offers a wide array of opportunities to exercise different skills – and a high level of financial success.

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