  Careers in Finance
Financial services offered by large business houses and activities of the investment industry have opened up exciting challenges for finance professionals. The best part is that every firm needs a person to handle finances - from maintaining accounts to overseeing the finance department, to developing financial and economic policy and so on. Which means there isn't going to be any dearth of jobs for those with the necessary financial expertise.
If you love number crunching, and possess an analytical and logical bent of mind, combined with the skills to plan, interpret and predict, a career in finance is a great option to consider.
You could specialize in any of these fields, depending on your interest:
Chartered Accountancy
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is the most prestigious career in accountancy. CAs are responsible for financial & tax management, accounting & auditing as well as for advise and planning. Every organisation-from a corporate business house, to an NGO must maintain accounts and manage its finances. The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) regulates and governs entry into the profession of chartered accountancy. |
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Cost Accountancy
Cost Accountants engage in collecting, organising, collating and analysing information from all the departments of the organisation. A mentally challenging career option, it requires patience, aptitude at handling large volumes of numerical data, high objectivity and analytical skills.
The Institute of Cost and Work Accountants of India (ICWAI) governs the profession of cost accounting in the country. The ICWAI offers a three-tier exam pattern for people interested in this profession: Foundation, Intermediate and Final examinations. Cost accountants can fit into Banking, Insurance, Management, Chartered Accountancy and Business Journalism. |
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Company Secretaryship
The Company Secretary (CS) serves as a functionary who is solely responsible for the finance, accounts, legal, administrative and personnel functions of the company. You serve as a link between the shareholders and the management, and hence your primary responsibilities will be to see that the company complies with statutory legislation.
You have to be a member of the I.C.S.I to qualify as a company secretary. To get membership, you have to pass the Preliminary, Intermediate and Final examinations. You can practice after obtaining a certificate from the institute. Admission is open to anyone who has passed the graduate examination of a university, or those who have taken the foundation examination. You can also diversify into - Banking, Law, Chartered Accountancy, and Financial Management. |
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Financial Analysis
A Financial Analyst essentially analyses financial statements. This includes corporate finance, financial accounting and investment management.
The Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) programme is a practitioner's course, and qualified MBAs in financial management could get an additional qualification with this program. A Financial Analyst's areas of expertise include - corporate finance, investment management, and financial services.
The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) conducts a certified financial analysts course. This is a postgraduate programme with a duration of 3 years and 3 months. |
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Banking
Broadly, banking jobs can be categorised into managerial and clerical cadre. The clerical cadre is involved in maintaining account books and documents, and attending to customers at the counter. The managerial cadre is involved in organizing, controlling and supervising departments, as well as overseeing the overall activities of the bank.
An ideal banker must possess the following essential attributes: honesty and integrity, have an aptitude for numbers, be meticulous and systematic, be responsible and with the ability to work in a team. |
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Economics
Economics is essential to policymaking and development. Economists may be involved in market research, in equity research, in the financial services sector, in rural development, in demographic studies, and in the formulation of economic analysis and policies.
Economists study the most effective means of utilising available resources in virtually every sector. Specialization is the norm even within the three primary sub-divisions of economics study: micro, macro and developmental economics.
Some 'must-haves' for an economist: an academic bent of mind, a certain degree of numerical ability, ability of communicate through both data and words, and an interest in problem solving. |
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Insurance
With the entry of international players into India, the insurance sector has never had it so good before. It is expanding and growing tremendously, and providing attractive remuneration to thousands of employees. This field also offers various other privileges, besides giving them an opportunity to travel and meet people. |
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Foreign Trade
With the opening-up of international markets, foreign trade has thrown open tremendous opportunities. This sector employs millions of professionals from finance, cargo management, insurance and other related sectors.
Professionals in the foreign trade sector include: Export Managers, Document Assistants, Foreign Trade Executives, Purchase Officers, Business Associates, Manufacturers and Inspectors.
If you love interacting with people and traveling extensively, this career is ideal for you. |
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Stock Broking & Investment Analysis
A securities analyst's job can be mentally challenging and lucrative. The analyst must be able to predict stock market behaviour accurately. The jobs are highly rewarding in terms of the pay and excitement. Nevertheless, it is equally stressful and full of risk.
To enter stock broking and investment analysis, tact and patience combined with an analytical mind, logical thinking, business acumen and the ability to make projections are required.
Investment analysts must be able to derive interpretations from extensive information. Good verbal and written communication is important and a good memory is an asset. Making inferences as well as getting to the root of real facts are the special skills that will be an added advantage. |
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