In today's society, financial managers do more than record and organize data - most of today's top managers spend much of their time developing strategies for their company and implementing long-term goals of the organization. To have your choices of financial manager positions, you need more than just a bachelor's degree.

Though a bachelors degree will give you the background you need to work in finance, it takes detailed financial specialization to be a top employee in the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, continuing education is especially vital to financial managers because of the growing complexity of global trade, changes in Federal and State laws and regulations and introduction of new financial software and procedures.

Why Earn a Finance Degree

If you are hoping to advance to either a career or doctoral study in finance, a Master of Finance (M.Fin) program is a good step for you. Master of Finance programs are designed for those who want to further their education in finance and for those who have completed a four year degree in finance, mathematics, business or a related subject.

Prior finance experience is not always required, but is usually encouraged. The Master of Finance program typically focuses on finance, accounting, economics and econometrics, so it is helpful to have a strong quantitative background. Once you complete the Master of Finance program, you will be qualified to compete for research-oriented positions in the finance field.

Curriculum

Courses may include:

• Financial Management
• External Reporting
• Financial Analysis
• Corporate Financial Policy
• Econometrics
• Investments
• Ethics
• Corporate Governance
• Financial Reporting and Analysis

Career Related Information

Once you decide to earn a Finance degree, you are setting yourself up for management duties in many different areas; you could work as a controller and direct the preparation of financial reports like income statements and balance sheets; you could have a finance officer position and direct the organization's financial goals, objectives, and budgets; or you could work in credit management and oversee the firm's issuance of credit.

A recent survey by Abbot, Langer and Associates, Inc. compiled the following reported incomes:

• Accounting Managers - $67,161
• Chief Corporate Financial Officers- $130,000
• Controllers - $86,150

Also, according to the US Bureau of Labor, www.bls.gov, people working in financial management make top salaries - the earnings in these positions averaged $81,880 in May 2004.