Career Prospects for MS in Finance and Analytics Graduates

When you think of financial careers, banking is typically the first role that comes to mind. However, a graduate finance degree such as the Santa Clara University Online Master of Science in Finance and Analytics (MSFA) allows you to work across many industries and choose from various professions.

A Master of Science in Finance and Analytics equips you with the sophisticated analytical tools and advanced financial strategies needed to navigate the increasingly data-driven landscape of modern finance. This degree merges quantitative skills with financial acumen, enabling graduates to forecast economic trends and optimize financial performance in a market that values precision and foresight more than ever.

A strong MSFA program provides the deep quantitative and technical expertise that financial analysts require to interpret complex financial data and develop actionable investment insights. This advanced degree also enhances a financial analyst’s proficiency in cutting-edge financial technologies and analytical methodologies, which are essential for driving data-driven decision-making in a competitive industry.

Earning an MS in Finance and Analytics can significantly heighten your earning potential and reinforce job stability in a career landscape where analytical and financial proficiency is increasingly prized. You can graduate with expertise in state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, which makes you a desirable hiring choice amid the financial sector's push toward data-driven insights and decisions. This advanced educational foundation not only provides an edge in a competitive market but also opens doors to senior positions, where the blend of finance and analytics is vital for strategic leadership and organizational growth.

For starters, you can boost your career prospects and gain the tools to help top companies achieve more.

Corporations are increasingly looking to financial professionals to interpret data and help make decisions about long-term goals, capital improvements, risk management, and revenue-generating opportunities.

This post will examine six in-demand finance jobs that a master's in finance and accounting can help prepare you for, looking at average annual salaries, daily tasks, required skill sets, and leadership opportunities.

In the ever-evolving world of business, the modern technology fueling data collection and interpretation is bringing forth new and more effective solutions for all types of businesses, including leading corporations.

Once simply a way to present facts and figures, business analytics has grown into a must-have methodology that can help companies anticipate outcomes and inform decisions: Business analytics drives today's organizations forward by providing actionable insights based on detailed data analysis thereby creating opportunities that can boost overall performance.

As corporations and businesses strive to keep pace and outperform the competition, technology and analytics have evolved into essential tools for ongoing success. To effectively leverage these tools, modern businesses need employees who know the latest and greatest skills to drive them not only forward, but ahead of any competition.

For those interested in breaking into this dynamic field and becoming a highly sought-after hire for big companies, an online master's in finance and accounting from accredited universities and business schools—including SCU Leavey School of Business—may provide the knowledge and skills that can help them achieve their career goals.

Top master's business analytics programs can also provide students with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and develop a deeper network with colleagues and industry leaders who are utilizing advanced business analytics.

By completing online courses from reputable, ranked universities, while they continue to work, online students can show current and potential employers they are committed to advancing their education and career development simultaneously. This may help give them an invaluable career path advantage.

Financial analysts don't just work in the finance industry. Investment banks, insurance agencies, and other financial institutions, along with stock brokerages, corporations across industry sectors, government agencies, and nonprofits hire financial analysts to assess corporate and client financial data and give recommendations.

In addition to analyzing financial risks and opportunities, analysts must stay on top of the latest trends, prepare financial models, and possess persuasive communication skills.

Daily job duties can run the gamut from tracking equities and stocks to assessing financial risks stemming from potential investment opportunities.

Financial analysts may take on advisory roles by specializing in a specific sector to provide clients with in-depth industry investment insights. Others may spend their time meeting with executives and clients to help them understand various recommendations and strategies.

Although you may be able to qualify for an analyst role with a bachelor's degree, a graduate finance degree can help you stand out and get an interview. You'll also need to demonstrate the following skills to secure a position:

• Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with corporate leadership and clients
• A talent for assessing huge datasets and turning them into actionable tasks
• Attention to detail for computing equations and evaluating risks
• Understand how to use financial modeling and analysis to break down complex topics

The median annual salary for a financial analyst is $99,890. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a growth of 9% per year, which is much faster than the national average, between 2023 and 2033.¹

A financial manager is a flexible position that's in demand at companies in all industries, not only in a financial institution. This role reports to upper management, corporate stakeholders, and chief financial officers. Positions in large corporations focus on long-term financial planning and strategic analysis, while smaller companies use these financial professionals to monitor and prepare reports for client accounts.

Outside of developing and presenting financial reports, financial managers interact with solicitors, auditors, and bankers. Individuals may specialize in superforecasting, risk management, or insurance. Moreover, job candidates can stand out by showcasing information technology skills on their resumes, such as knowledge of Azure DevOps, Jira, or structured query language (SQL).

The skill set for financial managers is diverse because managers require interpersonal talents, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Employers also look for candidates who:

• Understand contract language for vendor and government documents
• Know how to use statistical modeling software
• Can assess and implement compliance policies
• Demonstrate leadership capabilities
• Embrace independent work but understand how to address executives
• Evaluate financial data, cash flow scenarios, and future earnings and expenses
• Are familiar with financial management systems

The median annual salary for a financial manager is $156,100. The BLS projects a 17% employment growth rate, much faster than the national average, between 2023 and 2033.²

A chief financial officer is a c-level position available in both smaller companies and large corporations; it's also a role that may take more time and experience to earn. CFOs oversee all corporate finance and accounting operations and employees while playing a key role in strategic financial decisions and developing strategies to increase revenue and manage risks.

CFOs require an excellent grasp of financial and analytical concepts, as well as keeping the pulse of market trends. However, leaders also must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and have experience managing employees. CFOs focus on forecasting, negotiations, business planning, and budgeting. Additionally, other c-suite executives look to the CFO to provide recommendations from the corporate finance perspective for top-level decisions and explain plans in layman's terms for external stakeholders and partners.

To secure a chief financial officer position, individuals need a master's degree and many years of job experience. Moreover, a CFO's skill set should support responsibilities, such as:

• Leadership skills to direct accounting and finance teams
• Oversight for processes of preparing budgets, forecasting, and reports
• An understanding of I.T., H.R., and finance policies and procedures
• Technology know-how for management, communication, and financial systems
• Presentation skills for small meetings and large conferences

The median annual salary for a top executive such as a CFO is $103,840. The BLS anticipates a 6% growth rate, faster than the national average, between 2023 and 2033.³

A private wealth manager, or personal financial advisor, manages the financial assets of individuals. Although the highest paying positions often mean working with high-net-worth people, you may work for a corporation that assists retirees or people who received a large financial settlement.

To succeed, a personal financial advisor needs business-centric and client-centric skills to complete a wide range of tasks, such as tax planning, stock investment advice, setting up family trust funds, and recommending financial products or services.

Daily tasks often include one-on-one client meetings where the advisor must present recommendations, listen closely to their concerns, and explain the subject matter in simple terms.

Skill sets may differ according to position, with some roles concentrating mainly on relationship building while others oversee back-office administrative tasks and investments. However, all private wealth management or personal financial advisors will:

• Assist with business development and execution
• Review diverse client financial situations, goals, and requirements
• Provide general advice and help plan for life changes
• Explain the benefits and risks of all financial decisions
• Meet with potential clients and demonstrate the value of advisory services
• Research and prepare data for performance reports

Furthermore, advisors must stay current on the latest regulatory and tax changes that may affect clients while understanding how industry or economic trends may affect the financial health of various investments.

The median annual salary for private wealth managers is $99,580. According to the BLS, the industry can expect a 17% growth rate, much faster than the national average, between 2023 and 2033.⁴

An MS in Finance and Analytics allows individuals to move into many executive jobs, including the chief analytics officer's role.

A CAO reports directly to the chief executive officer and oversees the organization's data. CAOs have experience in several areas, including statistical analysis, finance, and marketing.

Leaders must assess data quality and business intelligence, and ensure processes comply with regulatory requirements in the finance sector.

Although a deep understanding of data analytics and data science is imperative, the CAO is also often responsible for collaborating with executives and building campaigns to get employees at all levels to back data-based policies, processes, and technologies. Job candidates must possess knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), and be comfortable working with a vast range of technologies.

With a focus on digital transformation, many organizations are adding a CAO position to:

• Use data to develop business intelligence models and identify opportunities
• Work with chief information officers to build a secure infrastructure for collecting and storing data
• Oversee data warehouses and ensure compliance with data regulations
• Leverage visualization and reporting tools to explain complex topics
• Manage technology implementation

The median annual salary for a top executive such as a CAO is $103,840. The BLS anticipates a 6% growth rate, faster than the national average, between 2023 and 2033.³

Risk managers play a critical role in the financial industry by safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring financial stability. To navigate potential financial pitfalls, these professionals use a combination of risk assessment, statistical analysis, and a deep understanding of regulatory environments. As the custodian of an organization's risk management strategy, a risk manager must possess a keen analytical mind and the ability to forecast risk trends, analyze market conditions, and evaluate financial reports.

The risk manager’s duties extend from the operational to the strategic, requiring a blend of detailed technical knowledge and big-picture thinking. Risk managers must stay abreast of changing regulations and be adept at communicating complex risk scenarios to stakeholders. This requires a strong foundation in financial principles and the laws that govern financial operations.

Risk managers will be called upon to:

• Identify potential financial risks through rigorous analysis and evaluation of market trends
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks, ensuring financial security
• Establish comprehensive risk management policies and protocols
• Conduct statistical analysis to predict risk and return models
• Stay informed and current about regulatory changes while ensuring compliance to protect the organization from legal repercussions
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate risk management with company-wide strategies and practices
• Communicate risk assessments and recommendations clearly to executive management, enabling informed decision-making

In essence, the career of a risk manager is anchored on the pillars of foresight, strategy, and regulatory wisdom—elements crucial to guiding a firm through the financial landscape's various uncertainties.

The median annual salary for financial risk specialists is $106,909.⁵ While the BLS doesn’t currently show industry growth projections for risk managers, the projections listed above are highly encouraging for the financial industry as a whole.

Technological advancements and shifting global economic paradigms have a significant impact on a financial analyst’s career. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative forces at play, as it revolutionizes how financial analysts process vast datasets, identify trends, and make predictions. With AI applications, analysts can now automate routine tasks, focus on strategic decision-making, and provide more sophisticated financial modeling that enhances accuracy and efficiency.

Regulatory changes, such as stricter financial reporting standards and data protection laws, require analysts to develop a keen understanding of compliance and governance. Moreover, AI's role in maintaining regulatory adherence by monitoring transactions and flagging anomalies is growing, which also shapes the analyst’s working life.

Global economic factors, such as the rise of emerging markets, international trade disputes, and economic fluctuations tied to public health and climate change, also affect the job outlook. Financial analysts with a global perspective, capable of interpreting and adapting to these macroeconomic trends, are poised for a robust career trajectory in this ever-changing financial landscape.

As companies increasingly rely on big data to achieve great success, a high-quality MS in Finance and Analytics is critical to securing lucrative roles and ensuring career endurance. The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University combines robust academics with a Silicon Valley-charged curriculum to get you ready for a world-class business career in corporate finance settings and investment-focused organizations.

The Online MS in Finance and Analytics program will help you sharpen in-demand business skills and build a powerful Silicon Valley network. Learn more about our strong faculty of experienced professionals, and consider how their connections and accomplishments can be vital building blocks for your career.

The Online MS in Finance and Analytics program can help you reach your career and financial goals. For more information, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.