What are the different professions in corporate finance?

Today, corporate finance professions are essential to the financial situation of an organisation. These numerous professions are attracting more and more young graduates. Management, finance, risk management or accounting, these various professions for which business schools prepare students, are very promising.

What is corporate finance?

Corporate finance covers all the means and players involved in the sound financial management of an organisation and in maximising its value over time. With the help of corporate finance, managers are able to make the right decisions regarding financing and investments.

Corporate finance experts play an analytical and advisory role in order to assess the potential profitability of a project and improve the economic performance of an organisation.

Why choose a career in corporate finance?

Today, all sectors of activity need experts in corporate finance, either in-house or as consultants. It is a field that attracts young graduates thanks to a wide range of possible and well-paid careers.

One of the prerequisites for choosing a career in corporate finance is an appetite for numbers. The finance expert interprets and analyses data in order to make the best strategic decisions for the success of the company. Working in the finance sector also means working in a stimulating environment that offers opportunities for career development.

Indeed, in this sector, it is possible to reach positions of high responsibility within a group, but also to exercise several professions in the same career, or to work abroad. The prestigious and rewarding nature of corporate finance jobs can also be a source of motivation.

What are the skills and qualities needed to work in corporate finance?

To work in finance, you need to have a particular interest and be comfortable working with numbers. Corporate finance requires analytical skills and computer knowledge to provide appropriate advice.

Organisational and interpersonal skills are also necessary for working in corporate finance. Working with many experts, you will need to be able to listen to others, while being able to be autonomous in many areas and be very thorough.

The different professions in corporate finance

Administrative and financial director (CFO)

In close collaboration with the general management, he/she supervises all operations and players related to the financial and accounting activities of an organisation. A key position for the financial health of the company, the CFO job promises an average salary of between €60,000 and €130,000 depending on the structure.

The Accounting Manager

This position involves overseeing the financial statements, while applying accounting standards. The junior accountant can expect to earn between €35k and €45k, and can progress to an experienced profile earning up to €60k.

The management controller

He or she measures the performance of the business by producing financial reports and management charts. Their accurate budget forecasts help decision-makers to steer the company's strategy. A young management controller can earn a salary of between €30k and €50k.

Treasurer

The treasurer's job is to monitor all the financial flows of an organisation. The treasurer ensures the security of transactions and the solvency of the company. Their salary is on average between €60k and €100k.

The consolidator

He or she harmonises all the accounting and management data from the reports in order to present a summary of the company's financial analyses to the management. Depending on experience, a consolidator's remuneration can reach between €40k and €70k.

Credit manager

This position involves managing customer risk. The credit manager accelerates customer payments, while minimising losses on receivables. Their salary can vary between €35k and €65k depending on their profile.

The financial communication manager

He or she manages the company's relationship with the various financial players such as shareholders, investors and banks. This type of corporate finance job promises a salary of between €30,000 and €50,000 for a young executive, and up to €80,000 for an experienced profile.

Mergers and acquisitions advisor

The M&A analyst assists a company in all financial projects such as company buy-outs and sales, mergers, or IPOs. This type of position is found in all the major banks, as well as in large corporate groups.

How to train in corporate finance?

To access the various types of corporate finance jobs, it is recommended that you go for master's level training. To acquire all the technical skills and knowledge required for these positions of responsibility, you can opt for a specialised master's degree in a business school as part of the Grande Ecole programme. For a first approach to the field of finance, there are courses at bac +2 and bac +3 level related to finance, accounting, management or applied mathematics.

To train for careers in corporate finance, IPAG offers a Master's degree in Corporate Finance & Audit and a specialised MBA. This finance course prepares you for financial management, auditing, management control and corporate finance consulting in order to acquire all the skills necessary for your future profession.

Closely linked to corporate finance, it is also possible to move into the field of market finance. IPAG offers a Master's degree in Finance & Markets which trains future graduates in financial risk assessment, securities transactions and equity issues.