What Can You Do with an MBA in Finance?

What Can You Do with an MBA in Finance?
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Featured Programs

Best MBA Consulting Programs

  1. New York University
    • Credits Reqd: 60
    • Cost Per Credit: $1403
  2. University of Michigan
    • Credits Reqd: 57
    • Cost Per Credit: In-State $1,235, Out-of-State $1,323
  3. University of Chicago
    • Credits Reqd: 70
    • Cost Per Credit: $2313
  4. University of Pennsylvania
    • Credits Reqd: 57
    • Cost Per Credit: $1,532

Key Takeaways

  • An MBA in finance can lead to numerous career options including finance manager, financial analyst, CPA, or financial advisor, among others.
  • An MBA in finance is best for students and professionals who are seeking executive and financial leadership roles.
  • An MBA in finance typically takes two years to complete, but there are degree programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months.

If you’re into crunching numbers, an MBA in finance could be a great choice for you. From high-level jobs to high-paying salaries, the skills you gain from this program can potentially set you up for long-term success. So, what can you do with an MBA in Finance? This article breaks it down for you.

Man looking at data reports on his tablet, while his calculator, printed reports and notebook is on his table

What Can You Do with an MBA in Finance?

With an MBA in finance, you can explore a range of rewarding career paths, from a chief financial officer to a financial manager and more. Jobs in this field are expected to grow substantially and provide lucrative salaries.

Here’s a list of career options you can pursue with an MBA in finance:

Finance Manager

A career as a finance manager brings many benefits, such as reasonable bonuses and high salaries. Financial managers help oversee organizations, agencies, and other companies’ finances. Not only do they help coordinate accounting, they also help generate cash-flow statements, profit projections, and financial reports.

Besides dealing with numbers, they also have to explain their reports to other people in the company, which requires good communication skills. As the role demands money management on a massive scale, an MBA in finance can give students the business view they need.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of financial managers will grow by 16% from 2022-2032. They make a median salary of $139,790 per year.

  • Median Salary: $139,790 per year
  • Work Experience: 5 years or more
  • Number Of Jobs: 126,600

Financial Analyst

Do you enjoy finding ways to save money and earn more? Are you good at seeing the big picture in a surplus of data? Then, you should consider a financial analyst career. They help research and examine data to predict business losses or gains.

Also called a financial risk analyst, they play a critical role in a company’s financial health. If you want to pursue this career, make sure you have solid analytical, mathematical, research, and communication skills.

Students should also think about obtaining relevant certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and an MBA in finance degree to advance their careers. On average, financial analysts earn a median salary of $96,220.

  • Median Salary: $96,220 per year
  • Work Experience: None
  • Number Of Jobs: 29,000

Chief Financial Officer

If you want to achieve the top C-suite roles, an MBA can help accelerate your road to success. As a partner in senior management, a chief financial officer (CFO) requires more than just business skills.

Getting an MBA in finance or another concentration can provide you with the global perspective and leadership skills needed for this role. As a CFO, you’ll set the financial strategy of a company. Along with CEOs, a CFO helps keep a company on track with both long and short-term goals.

Their job roles include various tasks, from managing budgets and expenses to ensuring compliance with regulations and more. The median salary of chief financial officers is $439,956.

  • Median Salary: $439,956 per year
  • Work Experience: 5 years or more
  • Number Of Jobs: 124,200
Couple listening to their financial advisor as she explains her report

Financial Advisor

Everyone needs counsel with their finances – except financial advisors. Unlike financial accountants and analysts, a financial advisor provides financial guidance to clients, whether organizations or individuals.

In this career, you’ll help others devise their finances for a better tomorrow. If you like being more than just a problem solver, this could be a rewarding career.

Financial advisors have an average salary range between $61,960 to $165,590. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of financial advisors will see a significant growth of 13% between 2022 and 2032.

  • Median Salary: $95,390 per year
  • Work Experience: None
  • Number Of Jobs: 42,000

Certified Public Accountant

Many students in business, finance, and accounting want to become CPAs – certified public accountants. This position offers much better salaries than most other roles and leads to increased job prospects.

A CPA license indicates that you have both the required experience and education to uphold ethical and financial standards in an organization.

Being a CPA, you’ll advise individuals and businesses on various financial matters, such as tax preparation and personal financial planning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a CPA earns an average salary of around $78,000 per year.

  • Median Salary: $78,000 per year
  • Work Experience: None
  • Number Of Jobs: 67,400
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What is an MBA in finance?

An MBA in finance is a graduate degree that blends general business studies with advanced finance topics. The degree is best for students and professionals who want to take up executive and financial leadership roles in different industries.

Usually, it takes one to two years of full-time study to finish an MBA in finance. Some MBA colleges and universities even provide online options that students can complete in as little as 12 months.

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Deciding to pursue a graduate program is a big decision. Before you enroll, it’s best to reflect on your personal strengths, likes/dislikes, and career goals. While an MBA in finance has the potential to set you up for lifelong success, how you feel about the following aspects of the program can help you determine if it’s right for you:

  • Problem-Solving: Financial leadership positions often involve solving various complicated problems. Do you like troubleshooting and coming up with new ways to tackle challenges?
  • Accounting: Although a finance MBA isn’t an accounting degree, many finance-related job roles require knowledge of complex accounting processes. Do you pay close attention to details and enjoy using your critical thinking to make decisions?
  • Financial Reporting: Being able to explain a company’s financial situation is important in finance jobs. Can you organize and explain complicated information in a way that makes sense?
  • Analytical Skills: To do great in finance, you’ll have to analyze substantial amounts of data and make smart decisions. Consider if you like solving puzzles, particularly under pressure.
  • Tech Skills: During an MBA, you’ll learn to use software and models to plan out finances. Are you willing to learn and use new digital tools?
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Best MBA in Finance Programs

An MBA in finance is a respected, dynamic MBA degree that provides students with the financial management expertise and skills required to work in various industries and sectors. The degree holds more value when obtained from an accredited institute like the ones listed below:

Hand holding a dollar bill
  1. #1

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $39,592
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $106,308
    Salary after 4 years: $140,374
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    NYU Stern is one of the best schools in the US for finance MBA programs. Not only does it rank #7 among the best business schools, it also ranks #3 and #4 for finance and part-time MBA programs.  

    Studying finance helps you understand how money moves around in markets. At NYU Stern, you’ll study everything from micro to advanced macroeconomic concepts to get better career opportunities in government, nonprofits, and finance fields.

    Students will learn from some of the top faculty and get hands-on experience through programs like the Michael Price Student Investment Fund.

    • Location  New York, NY
    • Graduation Rate – 85%
    • Admission Rate – 13%
    • Accreditation  Association To Advance Collegiate Schools Of Business
    • Credits – 60
    • Delivery Format – On Campus  
    • Cost Per Credit – $1403
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $26,226
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $113,354
    Salary after 4 years: $147,337
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It’s in one of the top three college towns in America, according to Forbes.

    The full-time Master of Business Administration: Fast Track in Finance (FTF) program is a quick way to get into the finance industry. In this program, you learn about finance right from the beginning, alongside other business modules. Students don’t have to wait until the end of their program to apply for jobs in the finance sector.

    As an FTF learner, you’ll finish an intense summer online program in finance. Students are also required to take two obligatory courses, Valuation and Corporate Financial Policy.

    • Location  Ann Arbor, MI
    • Graduation Rate – 93%
    • Admission Rate – 20%
    • Accreditation   Association To Advance Collegiate Schools Of Business
    • Credits – 57
    • Delivery Format – On-Campus
    • Cost Per Credit – In-State $1,235, Out-of-State $1,323
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $66,492
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $139,310
    Salary after 4 years: $183,951
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Another school you can join for an MBA in finance is the University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business. When it comes to studying finance, there are few schools and colleges that match Booth’s potential. This is because they have top-notch, Nobel-laureate finance scholars teaching finance curriculum.

    Whether you study full-time, in the evenings, or on weekends, you can tailor your MBA with a focus on finance. Students can also choose from different finance courses such as financial instruments, portfolio management, or financial markets and institutions.

    Booth is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and was ranked 6th in the QS MBA ranking for specialization in 2023.

    • Location  Chicago, IL
    • Graduation Rate – 98%
    • Admission Rate – 4%
    • Accreditation  Association To Advance Collegiate Schools Of Business
    • Credits – 70
    • Delivery Format – On-campus  
    • Cost Per Credit – $2313
    Compare school
    4. Person looking at a financial data report on his tablet
  5. #4

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Finance degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $44,162
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $177,992
    Salary after 4 years: $235,028
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious Ivy League school known worldwide for its top-notch academics and groundbreaking research. According to US News & World Report, UPenn’s Wharton School of Business is ranked as the best business school in the nation.

    In this program, you can get your MBA through the finance department. You’ll take a mix of fundamental courses and elective classes. Students have two main paths to choose from: A general finance track or a quantitative finance track, which is focused on STEM subjects.

    Your choice depends on what you’re interested in and what career you aim for. Either way, you’ll be learning from some of the most influential professors in the field and earning a degree from one of the most renowned business schools.

    • Location  Philadelphia, PA
    • Graduation Rate – 97%
    • Admission Rate – 6%
    • Accreditation   Association To Advance Collegiate Schools Of Business
    • Credits – 57
    • Delivery Format – On-Campus
    • Cost Per Credit – $1,532
    Compare school
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    4 Tips to Get an MBA Finance Job

    An MBA in finance is a worthwhile degree with lucrative MBA career options. However, many students struggle to find a job after graduation. 68% of graduating full-time MBA students say they don’t have a job lined up. This is why it’s crucial to know job search strategies to stand out.

    • Prepare early: Start looking for jobs before you even complete your MBA in finance. While giving interviews, tell hiring managers and recruiters when you’ll graduate and that you’ll be eager to start as soon as possible.
    • Stay flexible: Jobs in investment banking and corporate finance are available throughout the globe. You may have to relocate – even to other countries – to find the best opportunity. Make sure you apply for a position with a company that has several locations. If you don’t get a job after an interview, consider following up, and expressing interest in other openings at different locations.
    • Display soft skills: While analytical and mathematical skills are important, MBA in finance graduates can also advance their careers using leadership and communication skills. So, make sure your resume highlights times when you’ve led teams or projects and when you’ve used your interpersonal communication skills effectively.
    • Do the research: Before an interview, do some research on the company. Check out their website, social media, and any professional profiles they have. Learning what the company values and how it operates will impress your interviewer. If you can, find out if you have any connections to the company through colleagues or professors.

    Related Questions

    7. How much does an MBA in finance degree program cost?

    According to the Education Data Initiative, getting an MBA degree typically costs around $56,850 on average. However, if you want to earn an MBA in finance, the cost can vary based on various factors, such as whether the institution is public or private and if you’re an in-state or out-of-state student.

    How long does an MBA in finance degree take To complete?

    The length of an MBA in finance program can vary based on the number of credits needed. Programs for experienced students might need fewer classes and can be finished in 1 to 18 months of full-time study. However, if you don’t have a business background, more extensive programs may require more credits and take 2 to 3 years to finish.

    Is an MBA helpful for finance?

    8. Of course! Finance and business often go hand-in-hand. This makes MBA programs perfect for prospective and current finance professionals.

    Conclusion

    People with an MBA in finance can easily advance in their careers and significantly boost their earning potential. Using the benefits of this degree, graduates can secure a range of high-level and high-paying job opportunities, such as chief financial officers or financial analysts. Just make sure the institution and the program you choose are aligned with your interests and goals.  

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