MBA Enhances Financial Management Careers

As global trade and advancing technology add complexity to financial management, an MBA degree can help financial professionals meet the challenges of international and electronic commerce.

by Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@mba-business-schools.com
MBA Business Schools Columnist

If you’re working in finance and want to advance, an MBA can supply the overall business knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive workplace.

Increasing emphasis on global trade and internet commerce is leading many employers to seek candidates with the latest knowledge of changing financial policies and accounting procedures, as well as solid working knowledge of computer applications associated with financial management.

It’s possible to earn an MBA with a concentration in accounting and finance. Changing business conditions such as the expansion of international commerce and the use of increasingly complex financial documents require managerial accountants to maintain current knowledge of financial and accounting policies and practices, as well as familiarity with trends in international trade.

An MBA degree can help you in a career involving managerial accounting, international finance, or corporate finance. Managerial accountants may assist in overseeing financial matters such as:

• Corporate investments
• Risk management
• Developing and exercising strategies for raising capital for expansion and operations
• Participate in mergers and acquisitions

Although many financial accounting positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, strong problem solving and analytical skills are often required of managerial accountants. Understanding the “big picture” of business operations and priorities can help you advance in your career.

An MBA can provide additional training and experience in using analytical and problem solving skills, strategic planning, developing strong written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of international cultures and business customs. An MBA can be the perfect compliment to your accounting degree in today’s multicultural business world.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of business experience. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on February 15, 2007 at 01:50 PM

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