Graduates who earn an MBA in finance are well-positioned for a rewarding career. The BLS projects 15% job growth for financial managers between 2019 and 2029, which is nearly four times faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations. In addition to providing numerous job opportunities, an MBA in finance qualifies professionals for some of the most lucrative positions in the business sector.
Degree seekers can also increase their employability by specializing in a subdiscipline. Choosing a specialization such as corporate finance, portfolio management, risk management, or financial management can help learners focus their training and increase their chances of finding meaningful employment in those fields.
Finance Director: Finance directors direct finance departments and teams in developing and implementing financial strategies. Finance directors must have advanced skills in accounting and financial analysis, projection, and reporting, as well as a master’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. These leaders, as managers, hire and evaluate finance personnel. According to PayScale data from December 2021, finance directors earn an average annual salary of $114,220.
Accountant, Certified Public: Accountants and auditors create, organize, prepare, and review tax documents and other financial records, ensuring accuracy and adherence to tax laws. These professionals may work for businesses, governments, organizations, or private clients, and they may specialize in auditing, financial planning, or valuation. CPAs may assist their employers in streamlining financial processes such as bookkeeping. According to PayScale, CPAs earned $69,780 in December 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% increase in job opportunities for accountants and auditors between 2020 and 2030.
Controller of Finance: These individuals are in charge of financial departments such as accounting, auditing, and budgeting. Financial controllers are frequently responsible for creating financial analyses, projections, and plans. This position also entails regulatory compliance paperwork and financial reporting responsibilities. Financial controllers must be skilled in communication, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis. Most financial controllers have related master’s degrees and are certified as CPAs, financial accountants, or financial managers. As of December 2021, financial controllers earned an average annual salary of $86,280.
Manager of Finance: Financial managers are responsible for ensuring their organizations’ financial health by developing financial goals, strategies, and plans to protect and improve their companies’ financial success. To analyze data and market trends, direct investments, and supervise financial staff, these professionals must have analytical and leadership skills. Credit or cash managers, treasurers, risk managers, and financial controllers are all examples of financial managers. As of 2020, financial managers earned a median annual salary of $134,180, according to the BLS. The BLS also predicts a 17% increase in this profession between 2020 and 2030.
Analyst of Finance: Financial analysts provide financial investment advice to public companies and private clients. Based on risk and market trends, financial analysts evaluate existing investments such as stocks and bonds, and recommend new investments. These experts may also assess financial statements and management teams. Financial analysts must have analytical, quantitative, and communication skills in order to analyze and report on investments and other financial information to clients. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for financial analysts in 2020 was $83,660. The BLS predicts a 6% increase in financial analyst positions between 2020 and 2030.
