An MBA with a concentration in Finance is a popular degree for business professionals who want to increase their salary potential and business profile by managing financial and accounting projects. By completing an MBA online from an accredited university, professionals are able to combine their academic and work schedules without compromising either. Classes can be completed at home or during breaks at work, as well as any other time the student wishes to chat with professors or complete assignments. A higher salary, more responsibility at work, and the opportunity to have a direct role in planning out a company’s budget, business plan, merger or other financial project, serve as major reasons why a business professional with a bachelor’s degree would want to pursue an MBA in Finance. Finance is a versatile subject and can be used in all kinds of business offices and organizations.

Online MBA programs are typically offered in an accelerated format, and depending on your program, schedule and workload, you could earn your Finance MBA in just 18 months. Classes cover topics in financial information systems, accounting, financial operations, tax and auditing, financial reporting, investments, analyzing budgets and other reports, international finance, and the stock market. Gaining a theoretical and practical understanding of the tools and information systems used in finance today is a significant skill that can turn a bachelor’s degree-holding professional into a highly marketable asset to a growing company. Having an understanding of international market trends and financial issues is also extremely important, as many more businesses and organizations rely on international factors and the strength of the global economy in order to succeed.

Graduates of Finance MBA programs may seek promotions at their current workplace or go on to new careers in marketing, banking, small business management, government, economics, consulting, international business and more. Financial managers work in many of these fields, and in 2006, they earned around $90,000 on average. Those working in management positions in the business sector earned above $100,000, and the highest earning group of financial managers worked in securities and commodity contracts intermediation, earning over $131,000 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other career opportunities for Finance MBAs include controller, treasurer or finance officer, insurance manager, credit manager, banker, or finance director.