Finance Career and Degree Guide

• Overview
• Job Description
• Salaries
• Degrees
• Common Questions

What Will You Do in a Career in Corporate Finance?

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.

School	Program	More Info
Georgetown University	MS in Finance (Online)	Request Information
Johns Hopkins University	Flexible MBA – Financial Business (Online)	Request Information

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