Corporate Finance Careers
- Corporate Accountant
- Stock Broker
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Investment Banker
People who are looking for a great career in corporate finance may wonder what options are available to them. In addition to traditional accounting positions, finance degree holders also qualify for a large variety of other satisfying careers. Some of these positions, along with brief descriptions of each, are discussed below.
1. Corporate Accountant
Perhaps the most popular job in corporate finance involves corporate accounting. Corporate accountants are responsible for maintaining all of the financial records of organizations. They ensure compliance with accounting standards and their employers’ unique policies. Sometimes referred to as management accountants, these professionals at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Their daily tasks typically involve such things as:
- preparing and maintaining financial statements
- maintaining general ledgers
- preparing budgets
- allocating spending
- performing internal audits when necessary
2. Stock Broker
Another great career option for graduates of finance programs is a stock broker. When people choose to purchase stocks, they often need a professional to handle the transaction. Stock brokers have expert knowledge in the markets. Their main job is to provide clients with advice as to the best times to purchase and sell stocks. They are also responsible for finding the best possible prices for clients who wish to buy stocks. A master’s degree in finance or business administration can help aspiring stock brokers secure the best positions available in this field.
3. Financial Analyst
A position as a financial analyst is another terrific job choice for finance graduates. Financial analysts are often employed by corporations to help with investment decisions. These professionals may work independently or for a variety of consulting firms. Through the use of statistics software and company financial statements, financial analysts predict a company’s earning potential in relation to possible investments. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions are currently in high demand and are expected to grow at a rate of about 11 percent until the year 2026.
4. Budget Analyst
Another great career available to finance grads is budget analyst. Their primary responsibility is to help corporations determine the best ways to allocate corporate finances. They accomplish this by:
- developing company budgets
- analyzing current spending
- recommending changes to budgets where necessary
- looking for effective ways to reduce costs and increase revenue
In some cases, they may also be required to train top executive personnel in procedures involving budgetary and financial matters.
5. Investment Banker
There are often many times when corporations may need additional funds for a variety of purposes. This is where investment bankers can help. Investment bankers match corporations that are looking for funds with various investors who trade those funds for stocks and bonds. Persons who would like to enter one of these finance careers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. A graduate degree can help to increase graduates’ chances of securing employment. Most investment bankers launch their careers in entry-level positions and work their way up to top-level positions through experience and/or completion of internships.
Corporate finance is a highly lucrative field that offers many terrific job possibilities. Corporate finance graduates looking for the best career to meet their skills and interests should evaluate options in these five career paths.
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