MBA in Finance: Introduction to Financial Management

Till late 19th century Finance was one of the subjects of Economics. It got affiliation as an individual subject of study in the 20th century. Finance is the life-blood of any organization. Financial management refers to the efficient and effective management of money (funds) in such a manner as to accomplish the objectives of the organization. Finance is also an integral part of any economy and in many instances an overriding aspect of businesses. The ability to not only understand but analyse and recognise opportunities within financial markets is critical for many businesses around the globe. Financial Management hence plays a crucial role in business growth. Earning an MBA in Finance is a definite plus for any individual who wishes to develop a career in this field.

MBA in Finance: Who should do it

There are many reasons people pursue MBA in finance. For many it is guided by the fact that they are quite good with numbers and have always aimed to pursue a career in the banking or finance sector. For others an MBA in finance offers great career opportunities in various sectors including banking and financial sector, investment banking, insurance, wealth management etc. Still others might choose this degree because of the vast scope and growing prospects. MBA in Finance program also teach some practical skills like analytical skills, decision making, improved communication skills and better leadership skills needed in a business environment.

MBA in Finance: Prerequisites

Those who choose to go for an MBA in Finance will be required to have strong skills in mathematics, economics, and financial theory. They will also be expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge on key financial markets, as well as develop an understanding of banking, financial regulators and other institutions. They should also learn to assess risks related to finance.

MBA in Finance: What it entails

MBA in Finance enhances one’s knowledge in finance and skills to manage financial processes. An MBA in finance balances mathematical rigor with management classes. These programs typically provide foundation education in statistics, leadership, economics, strategy and marketing. In this course, the students learn to analyse company reports, forecast economic trends, take measures to maximize stock value, choose investment portfolios, balance risk and profitability. Also, they are taught to apply the principles of financial risk management. They are taught about the many value markers of a business for those without. The MBA teaches key practical, strategic and analytical skills so that students are able to better determine the worth and value of a company.

MBA in Finance: Curriculum

MBA in Finance programs typically provide foundation education in statistics, leadership, economics, strategy and marketing. Students often choose a specialization during the second half of these 2-year programs. Some schools offer a curriculum loaded with business-related courses, such as management methods and accounting, with a few electives in financial subjects.

MBA in Finance covers critical learning such as:

• Working capital management
• International finance
• Investment strategies
• Local and global economics
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Insurance and corporate risk
• Securities and portfolio management
• Direct and indirect taxation

Other than MBA in finance, candidates even opt for PGDM in finance that is equally good as the former. PGDM programs are also believed to be more industry-centric course.

MBA in Finance: Admissions

The admission into MBA courses is done through examinations like GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) or GRE. Many countries and their universities conduct their own entrance examinations for the admission into MBA courses. This is followed by the a specific application process at each course/university consisting of SOPs/LORs and DAFs

MBA in Finance: Top Schools

• The Wharton School
• Harvard Business School
• Columbia Business School
• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• London Business School
• Saïd Business School
• NYU Stern School of Business
• Rotman School of Management

MBA in Finance: Job Opportunities

Graduates have immense job opportunities in the private and government sector. They can get an opportunity to work in the stock market or any finance related organizations. An MBA in Finance can work in various fields such as investment banking, taxation, tax planning, financial statement reporting and analysis, hedge fund management, international finance, asset finance, and insurance management. Besides this, anyone armed with an MBA in finance can also run their own business independently.

Various job profiles that await them are:

• Accounting Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Finance Officers & Treasurers
• Chief Financial Officers
• Cash Managers
• Credit Managers & Specialists
• Corporate Controllers
• Investment Banking Associates
• Investment Bankers
• Investing Sales Traders & Associates
• Insurance & Risk Managers
• Manager Consultants
• Asset Management
• Corporate Finance
• Corporate Banking
• Credit Risk Management
• Derivatives Structuring
• Hedge Fund Management
• Private Equity
• Treasury
• Money and Banking
• Financial Risk Management
• Management Control System
• International Finance
• Bank Management
• Fixed Income Markets
• Structured Finance
• Infrastructure and Project Finance
• Options, Futures & Derivatives
• Business Valuation
• Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Corporate Restructuring
• Behavioural Finance
• Trading Strategies
• Financial Modelling
• Infrastructure Finance
• Financial Risk Management
• Commodity Finance
• Acquisitions & Mergers
• Corporate investment management
• Portfolio management
• Hedge fund management
• Small business and corporate finance
• Investments
• Securities analysis
• Borrowing
• Fundraising
• Collections
• Disbursements

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