The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is one of the most sought after academic credentials for corporate leaders interested in healthy growth, and graduates discover that there are several types of jobs available with an MBA in Finance. The analytical and problem solving skills cultivated within typical Finance MBA degree programs are in high demand across all industries. Additionally, graduates who excel at practical application of these skills and techniques to real world business issues are often rewarded with above average salaries and more opportunities to advance their careers. Here are some examples of the types of job options available to someone with a Finance MBA degree.
Financial Research Analyst
Financial research analysts support portfolio managers and financial advisors by feeding them the financial information that they need to select the right investment products for their business and consumer clients. These analysts can perform evaluations on entire markets, select industries or specific companies as needed. Trends identified through research and analysis activities help financial research analysts to forecast both financial opportunities and threats. These highly competitive positions are usually filled by graduates of select schools known to produce high caliber finance professionals.
Credit Risk Management Analyst
While some Finance MBA positions do not require exposure to the financial services industry, the position of credit risk management analyst directly supports that industry. Employers who hire credit risk management analysts are known to look for recent Finance MBA graduates who chose a heavy course load of financial data analysis classes while in graduate school. Credit risk management analysts often work for banks, and they use the organization’s standards to test the accuracy of the bank’s credit risk models and the financial risk hedges that are in place, according to the Bank for International Settlements.
Comptroller
Finance MBA graduates are usually prepared to take on both analytical as well as managerial issues throughout their careers. In fact, the core MBA classes that are typically included within Finance MBA programs emphasize the management aspects of many mid to senior level financial positions in addition to financial problem solving and analysis. These are the main skills used within the comptroller position that is found within most companies. The comptroller ensures the accuracy of a company’s financial statements. They also plan and oversee a company’s internal audits which are subsets of its financial and business process risk management functions.
Chief Financial Officer
While a newly minted Finance MBA is not likely to snag this position without several years of experience and a verifiable track record of success, a graduate with those qualifications who earns a Finance MBA is likely on the path to become a chief executive officer (CFO). A CFO oversees management of the financial and accounting divisions within a company. They are ultimately responsible for the company’s financial health. The CFO conducts financial planning efforts and identifies the company’s strategic financial direction. They also monitor the progress of financial initiatives and other operations. These business professionals report to a company’s chief executive officer or board of directors.
Related Resource: Financial Analyst
Conclusion
While prestigious positions like investment banker still capture the hearts of many pursuing advanced degrees in finance, the breadth of options available to these graduates can extend even beyond the financial services sector. While the most popular finance careers are found within banks and brokerage firms, many types of jobs available with an MBA in Finance support the fiscal needs of companies operating in other growing industries.
