Career Prospects for PGDM/MBA with Finance Specialization

While MBA is the most sought after course for students aspiring for a corporate career, Finance
and Marketing are the two most popular specializations that students normally opt for. While a
specialization in Finance means getting a very high-paying job in banks and financial
institutions, roles for marketing students are diverse and challenging. Though some students feel
that marketing has a stable market, many feel that Finance students climb the corporate ladder
faster. The overall exposure and Knowledge on Financial Planning ,Budgeting ,Production
costing, Foreign exchange conversion calculations , Taxation structure ,various cost accounting
applications like Break even techniques ,standard costing tools , marginal costing decision
making analysis gives an edge for Finance specialization

over the other streams while

considering a choice for the post of CEO or CFO .Engineering graduates with a Post-Graduation
in Finance program is sought after by the Manufacturing sector for higher level positions.
Focus of study with Finance Specialization
Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, Market Turnover analysis, Economics,
Investments, Securities, Costing, corporate Governance, Taxation, etc
Skill to be sharpened
Good with numbers, attention to details, good communication skill, reasoning ability, problem
solving skills, make and implement decisions
Program Description
Finance MBA programs usually take two years to complete and require a student to possess any
bachelor's degree. Finance with an MBA major that may be further classified into corporate
finance, investment management, financial and banking institutions and international finance.
The subjects taught in MBA with Finance Specialization

ambits an overall exposure to

Corporate Accounting , Investment banking, Equity instruments, Debt markets, Mergers and
Acquisitions and Restructuring etc.

Career Options For Finance Specialization

The most important role in any business is to plan strategies to raise capital from different
sources for effective funding of projects, to assess risks and returns involved in projects, market
economics, work in banks and financial institutions, accountancy firms. Students with a MBA in
Finance degree can work as a finance manager, budget analyst and finance head. It is the
responsibility of finance manager to make sure that organization act on the basis of preset
budget. Career options with an MBA in Finance include investment banker, Chief Executive
officer, chief financial officer, financial manager and financial analyst. Finance department of
any organization is always more powerful as no decision can be taken without consulting the
Finance Manager. They are the professionals who are planning to generate funds required for a
project and allocate funds in a judicial and prudent manner to achieve the ultimate goal of an
organization. They create value for the individuals money in equity and responsible for the
wealth of various stake holders including global investors.
Funds managers

for Mutual Funds and Institutions are mostly selected from finance

specialization and they need to interact with the investors and Promotors. They have to decide on
Investing the Funds in an appropriate portfolio with minimum risk and maximum return. They
need to have thorough knowledge about each industry, Government policies competitors from
India and abroad, Export potentials ,FIIS and FDI guidelines and International Challenges and
market movements around the globe.
Financial Analyst
The person who does financial analysis for external or internal clients is called financial analyst.
Financial analysts help people decide how to invest their money. There are various other terms
such as securities analyst, research analyst, equity analyst or investment analyst which are used
for financial analyst. A finance analyst performs duties such as writing reports as a part of
brokerage which may contain fundamental analysis principles. Though slightly different,
financial analysts' job is like one of financial planners. The essential part is that financial analysts
possess higher level of expertise over finance management and financial analysis. Offering

investment suggestions to clients, evaluation of the economic outlook of different sectors and
industries for organizations are some other duties bestowed on financial analysts.
Financial analysis as a career option can be an excellent decision for those who are good at
accounts and have inclination for finance side of any organization. Owing to attractive growth
prospects, financial analysis is a popular career choice where professional uses mathematical
skills, logical skills, reasoning and deep understanding of finance to reach onto some conclusion.
Investment Banker
As an investment banker, executives focus on advising clients about managing bonds and
executing investment strategies, Mergers and Acquisitions of other companies to create synergy
for strategic expansion. Initial public offers (IPO), Listing of New issues along with buying and
selling company stock to the public. Investment bankers are Finance specialist professionals or
MBA with finance major shall be considered for this top echelon position in corporate
administration. These are some of the highly paid positions in corporate Administration.
Chief Financial Officer
As a chief financial officer, the executives are placed in charge of financial reporting. CFO is
professionals are responsible for directing the financial policies and goals of the organization.
Other duties include looking after the investment of the firm's funds and putting in place
strategies to raise capital.
Financial Manager
There are several career titles for this role, including controller, finance officer, treasurer and
cash manager, according to the BLS. The duties vary a little, but you mainly prepare and review
reports and financial statements, implement strategies, supervise other employees and oversee
investments. You need to be knowledgeable about the industry in which you work since you will
help with financial decision-making. For example, a healthcare financial manager must be
familiar with healthcare financial issues.
IFRS consultants
Since International Financial Reporting Standards are newly introduced in India from 2016
Finance professionals with IFRS knowledge are in demand and there is a wide scope for
recruitment for those with certification in IFRS.

Insurance Sector
Many foreign Insurance companies have ventured into Indian insurance market due to our
population and demand in this sector. The main skills required are the guidelines of IRDA
regulatory frame work , premium calculations, mathematical models for

claims

and the

investment option apart from life of risk protection. People look forward to insurance as a tax
benefit alternative than merely expecting the risk coverage. Multinational companies are even
recruiting retired finance professionals as consultants and advisors.
Non Banking Finance companies
There are enormous opportunities for Finance professionals in the huge Non banking finance
companies, transport finance area, Health and pharma industries where is global expansion . It is
mandatory for all the Nonbanking finance companies to adhere to the RBI guidelines , corporate
Governance compliances which is considered as vital in the new companies Act introduced in
2013.Finance professionals have lot of opportunities in these ever growing and Ever green
industry.
There may be a recession for products manufactured by companies but Finance profession is
insulated and there is no recession for these professionals .