Are you seeking a career in business? International finance can be an appealing route with a number of professional benefits and advancement options. In addition, according to the Harvard Business Review, international traveling and experience can lead to a more meaningful professional career. International finance has a host of opportunities for growth despite the challenges of:
- frequent travel
- language
- cultural barriers
Here are five examples of careers in international finance and some of the benefits provided.
Related Resource: 20 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs
Financial Accountant
Financial accountants are vital to all businesses, since they keep track of business activities and transactions. Companies are required by law to keep a record of their accounts and abide by certain accounting principles. American companies operate by a set of rules known as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Other international corporations operate under a different set of accounting rules known as International Accounting Standards. Accountants are important and necessary for any business. Familiarity and certification with both domestic and international rules can broaden opportunities around the globe.
Management Consultant
The consulting industry has grown dramatically in recent years. Firms of all sizes have opened operations not just in the US but around the globe. Consultants generally are hired by firms to form teams and work on projects that last from several weeks to months. Companies hire consultants to:
- streamline operations
- create better management strategies
- generally improve business efficiency and effectiveness
Travel is a major aspect of consulting, and large firms frequently take on international clients.
Investment Banker
Investment banking can be a lucrative and prestigious career choice in the business world. But it also demands much from those who work in the industry. Investment bankers enable securities, stock, and bond transactions, often for large, multi-national corporations. They also work to provide financial advisement and information for large companies and high net-worth individual investors. Though long hours, traveling, and a large number of meetings are involved in this field, it also provides:
- prestige
- compensation
- challenge
Venture Capitalist/Private Equity
Venture capitalists work to invest in start-up companies that are experiencing high levels of growth and expansion. Small start-ups seeking funding will approach venture capital firms with proposals and business plans. Venture capitalists must appraise the company. If they feel comfortable and confident in the company’s future, they will invest money and resources. There is some risk involved for investors, since many start-ups do not realize their potential. But those who are successful can provide solid returns on the initial investment. Start-ups are located throughout the globe, so large firms must be willing to research, meet, and invest with companies all over the world.
Financial Analyst- Corporate Finance
Financial analysts are tasked with the important job of collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting data regarding:
- possible investment opportunities
- competitors
- internal operations
This role is important to management operations. It informs and offers suggestions about appropriate courses of action in a company. Both domestic and international companies require financial analysts to provide data, and so traveling may be required when working for a large international corporation.
International finance continues to provide a number of career paths in the business world. As companies of all sizes continue to expand around the globe, the need for skilled and capable employees rises. Careers in international finance can present challenges, but they can also provide opportunities for immense professional growth and advancement.
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