Accounting and Finance Degrees

 

 

Finance and accounting involve administration of an organization's assets. The study of finance and accounting, a branch of economics and management, focuses more on a company's investments and analyzing the company's financial situation. Among other things, this helps to put a value on the company in view of a buyout or stock market introduction.

In order to do well in the field of finance and analysis, you should be very particular with details and very organized. Being outgoing and service minded is are also good qualities to have in the field, as the work often involves a lot of personal contacts. You should further have an interest in economic analytics and decision making. Financial economics broadens your economic competence and you study how the financial markets work. You will also gain knowledge of practical methods for investment, risk management, value appraisal and pricing of financial instruments.

Careers in Finance and Analysis

A common career within the field of finance and analysis lies within the banking sector. In this case, you will be engaged in working with securities, foreign payments and credits. You will also be engaged in advising regarding funds and stock market investments. In order to fit into this role, you will be required to have a post secondary education within economics and finance with a minimum of a three year degree from a recognized university or college. Further career opportunities outside the banking world can be found in value appraisal and financing, trade and analysis of stocks and bonds, risk management, risk analysis and advising organizations in the area of financial decisions and accounting. As a result of increased integration, deregulation and higher demands on organizations' accounting systems, the job market for individuals with this competence is growing steadily. At the moment, the outlook for the majority of those starting their studies within finance and analysislooks bright, and so far nothing points at a change in this trend.

Studying Finance and Analysis

Finance and Analysis is generally available at most universities in some form. It is rarely given as a degree on its own, but rather as part of a degree in business or commerce. Often a business degree will give you the opportunity to choose an area to focus on - where finance is often one of them. Finance and analysis is an area of study very open to international study. An international experience, and potentially an additional language skill, will often add to your popularity on the job market. Further, there are few regulations requiring country specific registration in order to practice. One exception may be the job of financial trader, which may require some additional certification. In order to find the right school for you before you begin your studies, it is worth giving thought to what it is you are looking for. What country are you most interested in, what kind of environment do you prefer - campus or city for example - and last but not least, which schools with those qualifications offer finance and analysis as an option. It is often beneficial at graduation, to have a degree from an internationally known business school with a good reputation. This is especially true if you are looking to continue with an international career.