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CAREER PATHS IN FINANCE

 Training in finance at MSU’s Department of Economics and Finance helps prepare students for positions in financial institutions such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions, insurance companies, and investment firms.  They are also prepared for positions as city managers, budget specialists for the state and federal government, and even purchasing agents and senior buyers for your favorite large department store chain.

 

Careers in Finance

 

While finance is an industry in itself, as evidenced by stock exchanges and other financial institutions, it is also an integral part of other businesses.  A career in finance will put you into the heart of American business.

 

Almost every firm, government agency, and other organization has one or more financial managers who over see the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies.  As computers are increasingly used to record and organize data, many financial managers are spending more time developing strategies and implementing the long-term goals of their organization.

 

The duties of financial managers vary with their specific titles, which include controller, treasurer, credit manager, and cash manager.  Controllers direct the preparation of financial reports that summarize and forecast the organization’s financial position, such as income statements, balance sheets, and analyses of future earnings or expenses.  Controllers are also in charge of preparing special reports required by regulatory authorities.  Treasurers and finance officers direct the organization’s financial goals, objectives, and budgets.  They oversee the investment of funds and manage associated risks, supervise cash management activities, execute capital-raising strategies to support a firm’s expansion, and deal with mergers and acquisitions.  Cash managers monitor and control the flow of cash receipts and disbursements to meet the business and investment needs of the firm.  Risk and insurance managers oversee programs to minimize risks and losses that may arise from financial transactions and business operations undertaken by the institution.  They also manage the organization’s insurance budget.  Credit managers oversee the firm’s issuance of credit.  They establish credit-rating criteria, determine credit ceilings, and monitor the collections of past-due accounts.

FMA

 

The MSU chapter of Financial Management Association (FMA) is a student organization for economics and finance majors.   Students have the opportunity to enrich their education, develop organizational skills, and enjoy social interaction through this active organization. The group has regular meetings with featured speakers from local banks, businesses, and government.