MBA in Finance

What is MBA in Finance?

Finance is the life blood of all organizations. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance specialization aims to provide knowledge on procurement and allocation of financial resources of a company along with its management and control. MBA in Finance offers a wide range of opportunities to candidates be it freshers or experienced in the financial world.

MBA in Finance helps candidates to learn the analysis of companys’ reports, forecast financial trends, maximise the wealth of business, balance profit with risk and much more. MBA in Finance is offered by all top B-Schools offering MBA in India either as an elective course in the second year or specialisation. Master of Business Administration is a two years master degree which is usually divided into four semesters having inclusion of internship as well. In this article, Careers360 provides details on eligibility, top colleges offering MBA in Finance, subjects offered, skill set required, careers options, top recruiters and much more.

Highlights of MBA in Finance

MBA in Finance Eligibility

Eligibility criteria of MBA in Finance is similar to that of MBA in General (Regular/Traditional). In the first year, candidates are imparted knowledge of generic subjects while in the second year they are taught about their specializations opted i.e. Finance. Most of the B-Schools accept candidates on the basis of scores of qualified entrance exams while some provide admission on merit basis. Given below is a basic eligibility criteria for MBA in Finance which can be referred by candidates.

• Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50 per cent and above from a recognized University

• Appear and qualify various National or State or University level entrance test as per preference of B-School

Note - Final year candidates can also apply for admissions.

Top Colleges Offering MBA in Finance

In India there are numerous B-Schools that offer MBA in Finance as a specialization. Some of the colleges offering Finance as an MBA specialization are given below. Candidates are advised to check the admission criteria of respective college before taking admission.

List of Colleges offering MBA in Finance:

Quick Links -

Colleges Offering MBA in West India

Colleges Offering MBA in East India

Colleges Offering MBA in North India

Colleges Offering MBA in South India

MBA in Finance: Subjects Offered

Candidates who pursue a specialization of MBA in Finance are exposed to a wide range of subjects related to Finance domain. In regular MBA the candidates begin with core subjects such as Principles of Management, Financial and Cost Accounting, Organisational Behaviour, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, Sales & Marketing, Business Communication and so on and in the second year they are taught related to their domain. Almost all B-Schools in India other than IIMs that offer MBA degrees have classified MBA subjects in core and electives. Core subjects are mandatory for all candidates, whereas the electives are selected by candidates based on their preferences. Subjects that form part of MBA in Finance courses are:

• Portfolio Management- In this candidates learn about reviewing portfolio strategies for different classes of assets and making investment decisions, carrying out investment activities as well

• International Finance- Here candidates study about monetary interactions of India with other countries. Topics related to foreign direct investment, currency exchange rates are taught under this

• Fundraising and Collections- Candidates are taught various methods of procuring funds for the businesses as finance is considered to be the life blood of business without which no business activities can take place

• Securities Analysis- Candidates learn about how to analyse tradeable financial instruments, valuation of securities and much more

• Corporate Investment Management- Candidates learn how they can maintain, keep in track and put to optimum utilization of company's tangible and intangible assets

• Hedge Fund Management- Topics related to alternative investments are taught which are designed to protect portfolios of investment from market uncertainties meanwhile earning profits in bullish and bearish trends

• Asset Management- One of the major subjects is asset management that teaches candidates how to manager all or part of a client's portfolio by providing quality financial services

• Procurement Analysis- It is the analysis of what goes on in purchase department i.e. formation of policies, management, strategy alignment and are related to inventory management at optimum levels as well

• Small Business and Corporate Finance- Nowadays startups are in forefront. Hence this subject has interesting topics and teaches about management of small businesses and their financial activites

• Disbursements- All firms use procured finance in activities that will bring back earnings in short as well as long run. Hence, candidates learn about how they move funds from one to other party and get reimbursement subsequently

MBA in Finance: Skill Set Required

Candidates who pursue MBA in Finance are expected to work in middle/top level management. At the time of hiring, companies expect that candidates should possess certain qualities apart from having theoretical knowledge. Some of the functional skills possessed by candidates after completing MBA in Finance are given below:

• Quantitative and Financial Skills - All candidates are expected to have basic understanding of accounting and financial management principles and policies

• Pressure Handling - Top organizations that deal in the Finance sector expect employees to handle pressure time to time, more specifically during the quarter end period

• Team Player - All candidates should know how to manage their state of mind if they are working with a team. They must not forget that a company is run by employees unanimously not by individual efforts of one or two people

• Communication Skills - In all organizations communication at all levels is required. Hence a candidate must have this skill set

• Multi-Tasking - At times, candidates will be required to multitask

• Analytical Thinking - Having an analytical mind is a must for all candidates who do MBA in Finance

• Decision-Making Skills - Taking financial decisions regarding procurement and utilization of funds is an important and must have skill set

Admission Procedure of MBA in Finance

To pursue MBA in Finance, candidates need to follow the admission procedure of the respective educational institutions in which they wish to apply for. Common admission process followed by majority of B-Schools in India is given below and can be checked for reference purpose-

• Give Entrance Test- To take admission the foremost step is to appear for the entrance test. It could be a National / State / University level test based on preference of candidates. Major exams are CAT, MAT, XAT to name a few. Candidates also can take admission on merit basis if the respective institute allows admission on that

• Appear for Group Discussion and Personal Interview- On clearing upon the entrance exam, candidates need to appear for group discussion and personal interview rounds as well. Some institutes may also takeup essay writing or written ability test before a group discussion round

MBA in Finance: Careers Options

Specialization of MBA in Finance makes candidates ready for varied opportunities in the banking sector, financial planning, corporate finance and accounting, asset management, taxation, investment building, portfolio management, hedge fund management, international finance, insurance management and much more. Candidates having a degree of Master of Business Administration i.e. MBA in Finance can work in banking as well as non-banking sectors. As mentioned earlier, Finance is the life blood of all organizations, hence every organisation, has a finance department that hires financial experts for its functioning. Given below are the job roles that are offered to candidates having a degree of MBA in Finance specialization.

Job Roles Offered:

1. Corporate Banking Role- This is the most sought after job, in this candidates are required to discuss with the corporate and personal customers about the financial requirements and advising customers on financial matters.

2. Asset Management Role- In this candidates are expected to determine the feasibility of acquiring assets. They have to prepare and present supporting reports to upper management.

3. Credit Risk Management- Main work will be formation and implementation of policies and procedures that reduce risk of credit, preparation of the performance reports, Management and analysis of the financial models to predict credit risk exposure to the organization.

4. Treasury- Ensuring management and optimization of cash and financial risks. Here the main priority is to ensure management of cash for day-to-day business operations in short as well as long-term. Candidates are responsible for maintaining corporate liquidity. Risk management and investments are also a part of the job role of treasury.

5. Hedge Fund Management- Assisting in managing the hedge fund investments. Candidates are expected to derive and inform employers/clients about investment objectives and liquidity provisions. Along with that, they have to provide investment management services as well

MBA in Finance: Top Recruiters

Although MBA in Finance graduates are required in the global market, there are certain recruiters that specifically hire graduates having MBA in Finance. The hiring capacity in terms of offers may differ. Recruitment either can be done through campus placement or direct hiring or placement agencies or third party sourcing. Some of the top recruiters hiring graduates having MBA in Finance are listed below:

Top Recruiters:

• Morgan Stanley

• Deutsche Bank

• Deloitte

• E & Y

• KPMG

• Lehman Brothers

• McKinsey

• Barclays

• Boston Consulting Group

• Goldman Sachs

• Private Banks