Financial Expert

Globalisation has not only brought unprecedented changes in the Indian economy, but it has given new direction to the Indian corporate sector. So clearly, ever new kinds of jobs are coming to fore in the corporate sector. Out of these, starting as a financial expert in the corporate sector could be a big achievement. In this sector, ample opportunities exist even during those times when other sectors are reeling under the impact of recession or other causes. The scope of this sector being very vast, there is no shortage of jobs for people with any kind of specialization in the field of finance. Apart from banking, insurance, marketing, public sector, private and non-governmental organizations, placements are available in many other areas.

Work
The main function of professionals involved with financial services is to create money, generate cash and help maximize the return on investments. Also, their contribution is vital in financial planning. People associated with finance have to have a good grasp of overall financial management of the organisation and assist top management in the formulation and implementation of financial and economic policies. In addition to this, in the field of credit cards, services of financial experts are utilized in full.

Eligibility
It is the most popular choice among students with a commerce degree. However, students from other streams shouldn’t feel left behind. They can also become successful financial experts. Minimum qualification for admission is passing standard XII with 50 percent in any faculty. Admission is based on merit or entrance tests.

Scope
Adequate opportunities in India are available for those who wish to work as financial experts. Qualified financial professionals can get jobs in corporate finance, international finance, merchant banking, financial services, capital and money market, portfolio management, stock broking, shares, registry, credit rating etc. Apart from government banks, because of the increasing economic activities of private and foreign banks, demand for financial expert, financial analyst, financial planner, wealth management professionals, etc. has risen dramatically. Ample opportunities exist in private banks like HDFC and ICICI and foreign banks like ABN Amro, Citygold Wealth Management, City Bank, Deutsch Bank, HSBC etc. In addition, employment opportunities can also be explored in investment firms such as - DSP Merrill Lynch, Kotak Securities, Anand Rathi and JM Morgan Stanley. In these, jobs can also be obtained through competitive exams.

Course
Apart from diploma courses, courses offering masters degree are also available. Special emphasis is given on Financial Accounting and Economics in finance related courses. These courses are quite popular among chartered accountants, cost accountants, CA and MBA professionals.

Salary
Money is never an issue for successful professionals in this field. As far as salary is concerned, it will depend upon merit, experience, and size and type of the organization.

Institutes
 1. Department of Financial Studies, Delhi University
 2. College of Business Studies, Delhi University
 3. Faculty of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University
 4. The Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst of India, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai and Pune Faculty of Commerce, Devi Ahilya University, Indore
 5. Faculty of Commerce and Business Studies, Kurukshetra University
 6. Faculty of Commerce, University of Lucknow
 7. Faculty of Commerce and Business Management, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
 8. Faculty of Commerce, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar