What Will You Do in a Career in Corporate Finance?

career in corporate finance professionals viewing profit charts in conference room

Corporate financial analysts are to business what a navigator is to a large ship: They chart a company's financial course based on goals prescribed by management and use a variety of tools and techniques to keep the company on track. With this kind of major monetary responsibility, it is not surprising that a career in corporate finance requires exacting precision; even small errors can cost a company a fortune. Some of the responsibilities of a financial analyst's job include the following:

Are able to accurately and efficiently analyze vast amounts of data
Prepare both internal financial reports for management and external reports for companies that are publicly owned
Sift through incoming streams of financial data and use it, along with market data, to set expectations for future performance

Corporate finance positions generally pay very well and are quite stable, with predictable demands set around calendar reporting times: weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually. To begin your journey on the road to becoming a corporate financial analyst, find finance bachelor's, MBA or master's degree programs.

Paths in a Career in Corporate Finance

Entry Level

Types of Roles:
Financial analyst, associate support analyst, business analyst

Getting There:

Bachelor's degree in finance or economics
Strong communication and analytical skills
Technology skills and experience (specifically in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft SQL Server)

Description:

Document financial transactions
Prepare financial reports
Perform trend analysis
Recognize problems in data
Create pricing strategies

Mid Level

Types of Roles:
Cash manager, senior financial analyst, strategic planner

Getting There:

All entry-level requirements
Demonstrated high-quality performance and attention to detail
An MBA or master's degree with a focus in finance or economics

Description:

Create/monitor company budgets
Explain financial data to company managers
Write company financial policies
Hire and supervise junior analysts
Monitor company cash flow
Build financial forecasts

Senior Level

Types of Roles:
Director of finance, controller, CFO, treasurer, CEO

Getting There:

All mid-level requirements
Track record of excellence and leadership in the field
Solid management skills
Knowledge of the industry and U.S .accounting principles

Description:

Create financial plans
Direct investments
Ensure company compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
Lead teams of people