Business
Put Your Analytical Skills to Use With a Degree in Business and Finance
For those who enjoy facts and figures, a career in business and finance could be a perfect match. Let’s look at two of the most popular options, their requirements, plus growth and salary projections:
- Accountants and Auditors: Perhaps the most recognizable number crunchers of the business world, accountants and auditors ensure that tax returns are prepared and submitted. They also make sure that tax laws and regulations are being followed throughout the fiscal year, create budgets, and prepare internal reports that help managers make sound business decisions. A bachelor’s degree is generally required for entry into this field, though in a few cases an associate’s will do. A master’s degree in accounting or an MBA will make it easier to find a job, as will becoming a certified public accountant, or CPA. On average, accountants and auditors make about $65,000 a year, with an expected 13 percent growth in demand between 2012 and 2022.
- Financial Analysts: When business leaders need more specialized advice to make financial decisions, they turn to financial analysts. They are experts in spotting a sound investment for both businesses and individuals, and are able to explain why their recommendations are sound. Analysts are also able to prepare detailed reports, manage financial portfolios, and make long-term debt reduction plans. Perhaps their most important role is in understanding business and economic trends, and comparing current events to historical data to understand the current financial climate. At minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s in economics, accounting, business, finance, or statistics for a financial analyst role, while many positions require a master’s in either business or finance. There are certifications available to financial analysts as well, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst credential. The median salary for financial analysts is $78,000, with an expected 16 percent growth in demand.
To succeed in the fast-paced world of finance, some basic skills are a must. For instance, attention to detail is crucial. Something as small as a misplaced decimal point could make a dramatic difference in an annual budget or debt-reduction plan.
Also, communication skills are vital. Listening is especially important, since people will be divulging private financial information and expecting advice that meets their specific, personal needs. Strong written and verbal abilities will come into play as well, since finance professionals will often be sharing complicated concepts with people who may require a layman’s explanation.
If you’re looking to succeed in this sector, there are tools specifically designed to support your efforts. For instance, accounting software such as Quickbooks, Lead Activity Analyzer, Accurate NXG, and ATX Total Accounting Office help accountants and auditors track data. There are also intuitive financial analysis tools available such as Delphi, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, and ARES Corporation PRISM Project Estimator. All finance professionals can appreciate tax prep systems like Abacus Tax Software and Thomson GoSystem Tax, and also the variety of regulatory agency compliance software and project management programs available.
Contact us today to learn more about starting your business and finance career.
FIND COLLEGES FOR BUSINESS
9 schools found
Centura College
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:4455 South Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Centura College, with campus locations in Virginia, and South Carolina, is dedicated to helping students gain the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. Drawing from over 30 years of career school experience, we are committed to the education and personal enrichment of each student. Whether you are a recent high school graduate just starting out, planning to return to the workplace in a new career field, or a member of our Armed Forces preparing to enter the civilian workforce, Centura College can get you the training you need quickly. At Centura College, it's all about the training!
Colorado Christian University Online
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: More than 4 years
Location:8787 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Colorado Christian University is dedicated to helping adults pursue their passion by earning a degree that integrates faith and learning. CCU overs over 70 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree program options 100% online.
Why Choose CCU Online?
1. Flexible schedule that fits your life.
2. Most classes are only 5 weeks long.
3. Transfer credits from another accredited school.
4. Learn vital skills from faculty with real-world experience.
Davenport University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:6191 Kraft Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, non-profit university with campuses across Michigan and online serving nearly 7,500 students. Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 80 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs addressing in-demand careers.
Keiser University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives. Keiser University continues to be a valuable partner to employers, the community, and, above all, a valued choice for students serious about their education and career.
South University
Type: Public
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805
Education That Fits Your Life
At South University, we know that many people view getting a higher education as a milestone in life. To help more people reach this accomplishment, South University offers a supportive faculty, a diverse community, and options for learning that best support your lifestyle. Let us help you achieve a brighter future.
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805. ©2022 South University.
And SCHEV
South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).
South University online programs
Type: Online
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805
Degrees for a Brighter Future
Training online just clicks. Earning a diploma or degree online is common nowadays. But quality training at a competitive price with help every step of the way (even after graduation)—that’s not common.
Start Earning Your Degree Online with South University Today.
Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states.
South University online programs, 709 Mall Blvd., Savannah, GA 31406.
2022 South University. All rights reserved.
Southern New Hampshire University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:2500 North River Rd Manchester NH 03106
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
UEI College
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Less than 2 years
Location:661 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
At UEI you can get career training and skills that will help you create a future you can be proud of. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to have a better future and will work with you to help make that happen. Our supportive faculty and staff are committed to helping you reaching your goals, even when challenges arise. From help with finding the right career path to finding the right employer after you graduate, UEI is committed to being your partner in success. Together, we can change your life.
YTI Career Institute
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Less than 2 years
Location:3050 Hempland Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
YTI Career Institute's industry-modeled curricula, qualified instructors direct from the field, and facilities that mirror the workplace are all designed to prepare graduates to begin careers in healthcare, skilled trades, computers, business, criminal justice or culinary arts.
