Careers in Financial Management

1. Financial Management- A firms chief financial officers are the controller and treasurer, who report directly to the vice president for finance. The controller's division manages the accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting within the firm. The treasurer's division is responsible for cash and credit management, credit analysis, investment management, bank relations, financial planning, financing and dividend decisions, and risk management. All business enterprises thus have a demand for finance graduates to ensure that these divisions function productively and efficiently.
   
   
2. Investment Banking and the Securities Industry- Investment banking firms trade, provide advice on, and manage the issuance of corporate stock, corporate bonds, commercial paper, municipal bonds, and other securities. Investment banks also manage and facilitate mergers and acquisitions. Opportunities for finance graduates in investment banking include financial underwriting, investment analysis, mergers and acquisitions analysis, brokerage, and the support functions known as backroom operations.
   
   
3. Management Consulting- Management consulting firms provide advice in all areas of business, including competitive analysis, performance improvement, cash management credit management, information systems, strategic alliances, divestitures, and "right-sizing." The finance graduate is exposed to diverse business environments, is given opportunities to work individually with clients, and learns to exercise creative judgment.
   
   
4. Regulatory Agencies- The task of regulating bank holding companies, consumer credit institutions, and insurance companies falls to federal and state agencies such as the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Comptroller of the Currency, and state banking and insurance agencies. Career opportunities for graduates in finance include positions as a bank or insurance examiner, manager, and analyst.