Careers in Finance – a Guide

Global Employability


As long as businesses exist, there will be a need to manage their finances. And as long as there is a need, there will be a demand for skills that the service needs. Finance is one such skill or qualification that, even in a post-COVID world, will always be in demand.

True that the pandemic has been devastating for a large part of the world’s population, but this is also the time when those who are thinking of a career change can add to their skills. So why a career in finance?

Table of contents:

  • Why a career in finance?
  • What are the top career options for a Finance Graduate?
  • How should one kick start a career in Finance?
  • Top 10 Universities for MBA Programs in Finance
  • Additional Certifications

Why a career in finance?


As stated earlier, Finance is critical to an organization’s survival and can be a great career option, as it spans several industries. Globalization and increasing reliance on technology, data usage, and market research have opened up newer avenues in the areas of finance, where currently, there is a dearth of skilled professionals. According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,  the business and finance occupations are expected to show a growth of 7 percent for the period 2018-2028, the rate being faster than the Median of all other occupations, leading to additional 5.91,800 newer jobs.

The statistics show that in spite of the economic downturn, finance is one corporate sector that is continually evolving.

What are the top career options for a Finance Graduate?

What are some careers in finance? These graduates develop the ability to read and interpret spreadsheets and financial statements. The top jobs in Finance according to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, are as shown below:

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Financial analysts conduct research on stocks, bonds etc., construct financial models and conduct deep quantitative analysis. They can build on their financial training to delve deep into financial statements and financial data, and present analysis which helps companies take on major investment decisions like expansions, mergers, etc.

Job and Skills Outlook 

  • Median annual salary – around $85,660
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance
  • Recommended additional certifications like CFA

Glassdoor UK rates financial analyst jobs as one of the highest-paying entry-level jobs with a median annual base salary of £28,717 in 2019. According to Glassdoor India, the average base pay for a financial analyst position is ₹ 5,00,000 per year.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Financial Advisors normally advise companies regarding their financial conditions, including consulting on taxation, investments, insurance, etc. Personal financial advisors advise clients relating to their personal investment decisions like buying or selling bonds, stocks, etc.

Jobs and Skills Outlook

  • Median annual salary – $ 87,850
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance
  • Recommended certifications like CFA, CFP

Glassdoor UK lists the salary of Financial Advisors with an average base pay of £40,337 per year. As per Glassdoor India, the Financial Advisor’s average base salary is at ₹3,67,000 per year.

FINANCIAL MANAGERS

Financial Managers are instrumental in the creation of financial reports, taking investment decisions, and long-term financial plans for a company. They work across different industries like banks, investment firms, etc.

Jobs and Skills Outlook

  • Median annual salary – $ 129,890
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance
  • Experience of 5+ years in a finance role like financial analyst, accountant etc.

Glassdoor UK shows the annual median salary for Finance Managers at £51,165 indicating the great demand for such jobs. Glassdoor India’s salary average base for Finance Managers is at ₹13,42,000 per year, indicating that this job profile has great demand in India.

CREDIT ANALYST

Credit analysts are responsible for evaluating the financial prudency and credit rating of the loan applications and the risks attached to offering finance. With the boom in Fintech and advances in technology, there is a lot of scope for credit analysts as a viable career in finance.

Jobs and Skills Outlook

  • Median annual salary – $ 73,650
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance

According to Glassdoor UK, credit analysts are seen to earn an average base pay of £45,292 over a year. Glassdoor India puts the average median salary for credit analysts at ₹7,78,000 per year, the demand for this profile is increasing due to the booming fintech sector in India

INVESTMENT BANKER

Investment Bankers have a diverse role-play ranging from consulting clients on various financial decisions like managing financial assets, trading securities, etc., to raising money for business operations. Their roles may include that of portfolio managers, financiers, etc.

Jobs and Skills Outlook

  • Median annual salary – $ 64,120
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance
  • Recommended CFA certifications

Glassdoor UK gives great weightage to investment banking positions showing the average base pay at a high of £77,000 per year. The position holds great value in India also, as according to Glassdoor India, the median annual salary for an investment banker is at ₹8,18,,000.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Chief Financial Officer is the top executive position in Finance where they devise strategies and laws, and lead a company in meeting its financial goals and overall development. Their responsibilities include identifying growth trends to bringing innovation to the table for churning out success stories for the organization.

Jobs and Skills Outlook

  • Median annual salary – $ 184.460
  • Entry-level Education – Bachelor’s degree in Finance
  • Experience of 5+ years in key senior finance roles as finance manager etc.
  • Recommended CPA, and MBA certifications

Glassdoor UK shows the median annual salary for CFO’s £1,29,710. CFOs earn a very high salary in India as according to Glassdoor India, the average base pay for the position is at  ₹44,92,000 per year.

How should one kick start a career in Finance?

Choose the right program for you 

A bachelor’s degree in finance is the minimum requirement that is expected out of a finance graduate. However, to move up the corporate ladder, getting additional degrees like MBA is sure to land lucrative job opportunities in the finance arena as sectors like Wall Street. The university where you choose to do your MBA has a lot of bearing on future job opportunities, so go to reputed universities and start a career in finance.

Check out MBA abroad at a low cost.

Top 10 Universities for MBA Programs in Finance

According to QS Global MBA Ranking 2020, the top 10 global MBA programs are as listed below


Wharton University, Philadelphia, U.S.A

QS Global Rank – 1
Start Month/ Duration
21 months international
Students 33%
Avg.
GMAT 732Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$135,000
Fee (USD)
> $120kEmployed (Post 3 months)
95%
Start Month
MayAccreditations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBAAccreditations
AACSB

Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford, U.S.A


QS Global Rank – 1
Start Month/ Duration
September/ 24 months international
Students 33%
Avg.
GMAT 732Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$145,559
Fee (USD)
$110k – $120kEmployed (Post 3 months)
88%
Average Work Experience
5Accreditations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBAAccreditations
AACSB

INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France

QS Global Rank – 3
Start Month/ Duration
Jan, Aug/ 10 months international
Students 96%
Avg. GMAT
710Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$110,400
Fee (USD)
$90k – $100kEmployed (Post 3 months)
82%
Average Work Experience
4Accreditations
AACSB,  EQUIS, AMBA
Scholarship
Available

MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, USA

QS Global Rank – 3
Start Month/ Duration
September/ 24 months International
Students 38%
Avg. GMAT
728
Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$126.436
Fee (USD)
> $120k
Employed (Post 3 months)
95%
Average Work Experience
5Accreditations
AACSB,  EQUIS, AMBAAccreditations
AACSB

Harvard School of Business, Boston, USA

QS Global Rank – 5
Start Month/ Duration
September/ 24 months international
Students 37%
Avg. GMAT
730 Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$137,293
Fee (USD)
> $120kEmployed (Post 3 months)
89%
Average Work Experience
4Accreditations
AACSB

London Business School, London, U.K

QS Global Rank – 5
Start Month/ Duration
August / 21 months international
Students 90%
Avg. GMAT
701Average Salary (Post 3 months)
$106,837
Fee (USD)
$110k – $120kEmployed (Post 3 months)
93%
Average Work Experience
5Accreditations
AACSB, EQUIS, AMBAScholarship
Available

Additional Certifications


The economic recession has made employers scout for candidates who have strong business analytical skills supported by strong finance fundamentals. So, one should opt for additional certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Risk Management (FRM) to make a mark in the corporate sector.

Today to become a finance professional, apart from the basic knowledge in finance and its related subjects, there is also a need to have additional skills, like:

  • A keen insight for innovation
  • Great management skills
  • Business acumen
  • Marketing know-how

Finance has been evolving and is continually embracing newer developments like data science to get the numbers analyzed faster and in a more efficient manner.

A post-Covid world fueled by the economic recession and industry burnout would necessitate the need for efficient finance professionals, to come up with innovative fiscal measures to get the organizations and economy back on track at a much faster pace. With the world going into an emergency mode, due to the Covid crisis, there is a need for greater support and measures required from the finance sector to help boost the economy. Banks and financial institutions would have a major role to play in mitigating the aftereffects of the Covid pandemic even long after it is gone.

This means finance professionals would have to work out ways and means to set the ball rolling and provide adequate support to rebuild the economy. The professionals would have to upskill themselves in digital services to meet the ongoing challenges as work from home is here to stay till the Covid situation stabilizes.

Find out also reasons to study abroad.

Also Read:

Date added
15.07.2022

Filed under:

Global Employability

Subscribe!

No spam, just your favourite topics.

Choose Insight topics that you are interested in to subscribe for your personalized newsletter.

A world
of possibilities awaits.
Join the movement.
Find your perfect university,
in one of 40 countries all over the world
Prepare for the future,
whether at university, business or in employment
Secure your future,
through STEM courses
Connect with leading international companies
and unlock the potential of your team
Fill in the form, so we can contact
you and start our journey together.