04-17-2025
Financial managers work in a fast-paced, high-powered, influential industry. Here are five things you need to know if you want to pursue a financial management specialization.
Financial management is, and has always been, a special niche of its own in the corporate world. It is an avenue for individuals who enjoy answering some, if not all, questions about capital budgeting, capital structure and working capital management. From the process of planning and managing a firm’s long-term investments to the mix of debt and equity and a firm’s short-term assets and liabilities, financial advisors do it all.
Financial management is also one of the four specializations in the Daniels School of Business’ Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program. Each one of these specializations shares a foundational core that leverages financial principles to drive business productivity, build capital and protect financial security. By enrolling in the MSF program, all students automatically take courses like:
Most professionals with a specialization in financial management start with an undergraduate business-related degree in finance, accounting, economics or business management.
In essence, the Daniels School of Business has instilled in me a mindset that goes beyond traditional financial analysis, emphasizing innovation, adaptability and collaboration. It's a perspective I believe will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.
— Sunny Tanna, MS Finance '24
Though not required, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in financial institutions, corporations or consulting firms can be extremely helpful. Experience in financial analysis, accounting or treasury management help rising professionals with ambitions to be high-level financial managers. Indeed explains that earning certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) also support a successful transition into corporate finance.
To succeed in financial management, networking is a game-changer for finding clients and opportunities. Earning a master’s in finance opens doors to attending industry events, joining professional organizations and relationship-building with established and peer financial experts.
“I'm learning about roles that specialize in specific knowledge, in particular, which is helping me as I begin the job hunt. I didn't even know certain careers in finance existed, but I am even more confident that I will be well-equipped to go out and perform in a role that feels just right,” shares Lia Roudebush (MS Finance '24).
Proficiency with specific skills such as advanced forecasting, creating dashboards and visualizations, and excellence in quantitative analysis are as critical as communication and relationship-building skillsets. According to Indeed, mastering and synthesizing the fundamentals of capital IQ, investment banking, and private equity sets professionals apart and prepares them for promotions to work with top clients. Finally, top financial managers need an in-depth understanding of financial reporting procedures. Each skill is gained through the curriculum of a Master of Finance program that specializes in financial management.
Tech-centered success distinguishes the Daniels School. Our MSF program fosters a tech-first curriculum, integrating the foundational principles of business-related technology rather than simply adding tech courses to a traditional master’s program. For example, classes like “Financial Analytics with Python” and “Financial Risk Management” enable Daniels School students to build their technical skills.
Graduates learn the tools to utilize advanced formulas and financial functions in Excel and spreadsheet modeling. They learn to pair those with ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle, as well as business intelligence tools such as Power BI, SQL and Tableau.
The Daniels School of Business takes a forward-thinking approach to its curriculum, incorporating the latest industry trends and emerging technologies. This forward-looking perspective has given me valuable insights into the evolving business landscape and has prepared me to adapt to changing circumstances in my future career.
— Swasti Jain, MS Finance '24
With a financial management specialization, the opportunities to succeed and pivot are truly abundant. The curriculum challenges students to synthesize the wide range of skills required by high-performing financial managers, including financial planning, capital budgeting, investment decision-making, financial risk assessment and management, portfolio management, financial statement analysis and treasury management.
The Daniels School Master of Finance (MSF) graduates gain a wide variety of experience. They create comprehensive financial plans, implement both static and flexible budgeting, evaluate and select investment projects through the student-managed investment fund and a student-managed venture fund. They develop strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks. They follow an organization’s cash flows from start to finish.
With technology at the center of your curriculum, networking as a key component, and real-world opportunities, a master’s in financial management at the Daniels School gives you the skills and proficiencies you need to advance in the field.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
