Corporate Finance

Corporate finance professionals deal with the financial decisions that a business makes. They constantly assess the balance between risk and reward in order to most effectively manage a company’s financial resources. Some of the key areas of corporate finance include financial planning, investment decisions, capital structure decisions, and working capital management. The ultimate goal of corporate finance is to maximize shareholder value. A career in corporate finance commands an average salary relative to other careers in the financial industry.

There are many career paths in corporate finance. When deciding which path to pursue, aspiring professionals must consider which career would best align with their own interests, skills, and goals. Some of the career paths in corporate finance include:

• Financial analyst: Financial analysts research and analyze financial data to make recommendations to businesses or individuals about investments.
• Financial manager: Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of a company. They create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies for long-term financial goals.
• Corporate controller: Corporate controllers are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of a company's financial records. They may also be involved in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Financial planner: Financial planners help corporations' individuals and families plan for their financial futures. They may help clients with retirement planning, investment strategies, and risk management.
• Chief financial officer (CFO): CFOs are the highest level of corporate finance and are responsible for the financial operations of a company. They work closely with the CEO and other senior executives to develop and implement financial strategies.