Corporate Finance Jobs: Roles, Salaries, and Growth

What do corporate finance professionals do?

This is a commonly asked question by several students looking at a financial career. However, let’s tweak this question a bit. Instead, let us ask, what would companies do without corporate finance?

A sales manager might suddenly find there is no money for inventory. Budgeting goes haywire. Investment opportunities could get missed. There is improper allocation of funds, and the company’s accounting books might not have all transactions entered.

Organisations can’t function without an efficient finance team that handles all the necessary financial matters. Corporate finance professionals are in charge of the day-to-day transactions, funding projects, creating budgets, sourcing capital, planning investments, and so much more. This keeps all internal and external operations running smoothly. Corporate finance jobs are sought after by all organisations. It’s a great career for financial students, especially CFA holders, as it leads to several high-profile opportunities, good salary packages and tremendous job satisfaction.

Everything you need to know about corporate finance jobs

1. Corporate finance job description

Corporate finance professionals are highly trained experts who handle the general financial management of a company. These individuals work in different areas, such as risk management, budgeting, accounting and investments, to maintain and enhance the fiscal health of an organisation.

2. Corporate finance job roles and responsibilities

The corporate finance team has their work cut out for them. They have to deal with short-term and long-term financial planning. Here are some of the responsibilities that come with corporate finance jobs:

• Analyse all data such as financial statements, KPIs, expenses and transactions.
• Create reports and statements.
• Examine possible investment options and decide which ones work best for the company.
• Invest in assets and securities.
• Make forecasts, projections and valuations using financial modelling.
• Secure funding from various sources.
• Create strategic plans for budgeting and fund allocation.
• Identifying methods that increase profits while decreasing expenses.
• Carry out due diligence during M&A deals.
• Manage the capital structure of the organisation.
• Identify risk factors and work towards mitigation.

Also Read – Understanding the core principles of corporate finance

3. Corporate finance job profiles

• Corporate financial analyst

Corporations rely on financial analysts to help them improve business performance and generate better profits. This role is one of the most important corporate finance jobs for many reasons.

• The professionals collect, manage and analyse the company’s financial data.
• They create reports and presentations based on their analysis.
• They help upper management make sound and informed decisions about the company’s future.
• The experts also identify and scrutinise potential investment prospects for the company.
• They prepare strategic business plans, financial analysis reports and company valuations.

Salary details: The average annual income is between Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakhs.

• Cost analyst

One of the more popular corporate finance jobs, cost analysts are a vital part of any company. These professionals work on creating efficient budgets and forecasts. They are also responsible for many other functions, such as:

• Analysing financial data to find ways to save expenses and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Advising companies to incorporate budget-enhancing measures.
• Working on estimations and evaluations for project funding.
• Writing reports and presentations about the company’s financial matters.

Salary details: The average annual income is around Rs 7.5 lakhs.

Also Read – 6 Reasons Why Corporate Finance is Key to Business Success

• Corporate finance manager

Where would a company be if it didn’t have a corporate finance manager to handle all its financial operations? This is one of the more highly-demand corporate finance jobs, as all organisations need a manager on board for various essential tasks, such as: 

• Confirm the authenticity of all financial statements and reports.
• Approve appropriate funding for different projects.
• Help different departments to make informed decisions.
• Analyse financial data to predict profits.
• Work on managing potential financial risks.

Salary details: The average annual income is around Rs 7.5 lakhs.

• Investment banking analyst

This is one of the corporate banking jobs that is perfectly suited for professionals with a CFA or Investment Banking certification. Here, you’ll have to work on researching and identifying potential investment opportunities, along with:

• Examining market and industry trends for new investment options.
• Carrying out due diligence, creating financial models for valuation and analysing historical data during M&A deals.
• Helping the company acquire new capital through equity or debt.
• Using financial modelling for making predictions, company valuation and financial analysis.

Salary details: The average annual income is around Rs 6 lakhs.

Also Read – Skills Required for a Corporate Finance Professional

How to become a corporate finance professional?

If any of the above corporate finance jobs sound appealing to you, then you need to educate yourself on the various certifications and skills needed in this industry.

1. Qualifications

Companies looking for corporate finance professionals want candidates who have a high level of financial expertise and business acumen. They want their employees to possess quantitative skills, master financial modelling and understand how the markets operate. If you want to be considered for any of the corporate finance jobs, you need one or more of the following certifications:

• CFA
• Investment Banking Operations
• Financial modelling
• MBA Finance
• ACCA
• FRM

2. Skills

Corporate finance jobs can be challenging, but if you have the proper set of skills, then you are well-equipped to take on any obstacle. The relevant skills in this industry are:

• Technical financial knowledge
• Quantitative methods
• Financial modelling
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Strategic planning
• Business intelligence
• Strong researching abilities

Proschool can help you work in corporate finance jobs

The support from a reliable coaching institute can go a long way in helping you find your footing in the finance industry. As a nationally renowned educational centre with a strong track record for success, Proschool offers several courses that are perfect for landing corporate finance jobs.

The globally recognised CFA program, Investment Banking operations and financial modelling are some of the certifications that will help you gain the knowledge and prowess you need to succeed.

Proschool’s professors are industry experts with considerable experience in finance. They help students master complex concepts and gain insightful perspectives about the field. The teachers use innovative learning methods, out-of-the-box thinking and hands-on training to empower students into the finance leaders of tomorrow.

While these courses are perfect for corporate finance, you learn about the finance industry as a whole. This makes you a strong candidate for several professions.

Why most finance students prefer Proschool:

• Proschool is highly accessible as there are coaching centres located in many major cities in India.
• If you are unable to attend a live session, then you can enrol for online classes.
• Students are not just trained for the course exams but are also taught real-world skills to help them become financial leaders.
• The institute offers several additional learning resources such as practice papers, mock tests, prep books, customised study plans and lots more.
• After the course is completed, you can register on Proschool’s placement program to look for corporate finance jobs.
• The staff helps students learn proper interview etiquette and resume writing skills during the recruitment process

FAQs

• What is the highest salary in corporate finance?

Your salary depends on your designation, area of expertise, company name and location. However, to give you a rough estimate, top experts in corporate finance, such as the CFO, can earn over Rs 50 lakhs a year.

• Which qualification is best for corporate finance jobs?

While several certifications and degrees would help you get a job, most experts feel that the CFA certification is best suited. It gives you an edge in corporate finance as you learn the relevant concepts, knowledge and skills needed to do the job.

• How to excel in corporate finance jobs?

Once you have a finance certification, such as the CFA, you are ready to apply for jobs. However, you have to dedicate your early years in finance towards mastering essential and advanced skills, learning about the industry in great detail and optimising your analytical and mathematical abilities.

You have to be willing to be a lifelong learner. Stay ahead of the industry trends and developments, be technologically savvy and stay one step ahead of your peers.

• Can I become CFO if I work in corporate finance jobs?

Most CFOs got their start in corporate finance. It is a great profession to learn the tricks of the finance trade and truly understand the industry. As you gain experience and enhance your expertise, you will begin climbing up the corporate hierarchy. If you play your cards right, this will hopefully lead you to the coveted CFO’s position.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that corporate finance is a great place to start your career. This profession offers high salary packages, terrific work opportunities, strong career growth and good work-life balance. Recruiters are looking for top candidates with the relevant skills, finance qualifications and a passion for profits to work in the leading corporate finance jobs. Enrol today to get your certification, and soon, you’ll be reaping the many benefits of working in corporate finance.