Career path: Finance and M&A
Help catalyze business success.
Every company runs on capital. But how that money is raised, managed and deployed is what separates successful businesses from the rest. That’s where a career in Finance and M&A comes in: you will help companies find optimal ways to secure financing, manage capital and put it to work to drive long-term value for shareholders.
Useful skillsets
- Analytical and quantitative
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Communication
What is Finance and M&A?
A career in Finance and M&A isn’t just number crunching – you're a strategic thinker who guides major business decisions and helps your organization remain commercially competitive and financially sound. Your work could span capital-raising activities like equity placements or bond issuances, managing working capital, as well as financial modeling and forecasting to support planning and investment decisions well into the future.
Start here: Financial Analyst
Think Finance and M&A might be the right fit for you? Explore what the first step could look like as an early career Financial Analyst.
Career trajectory
Finance Manager
Typically handles budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management while providing analysis to support decision-making.
Senior Financial Analyst
Examines financial data to spot trends and provide insights that help the company make smart investment and business decisions.
Finance Director
Oversees the finance team and ensures all financial reports are accurate, budgets are followed, and the company meets its financial goals.
Head of Treasury
Manages a company’s cash flow, keeps track of money coming in and out, and makes sure there is enough money available for day-to-day operations and investments.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The top finance leader in a company, responsible for managing financial risks, planning the company's finances, and making sure the company’s money is used efficiently to grow the business.
Begin your career journey with a strong foundation
The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate gives you essential building blocks of knowledge, helping you confidently begin a career in finance. Available to full-time students for just USD 79.
Find out where you fit in finance
Take the ICAN Finance Career Quiz and in a few minutes, you’ll discover personalized career paths to explore further, based on your skills, strengths, passions, and values.