| Finance
Professionals in finance can generally be separated into two main career titles: financial managers or financial analysts / personal financial advisors.
Financial analysts assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and institutions with money to invest. Personal financial advisors assess the financial needs of individuals. Advisors use their knowledge of investments, tax laws, and insurance to recommend financial options to individuals.
Almost every firm, government agency, and other type of organization has one or more financial managers. Financial managers oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. Managers also develop strategies and implement the long-term goals of their organization. The duties of financial managers vary with their specific titles, which include controller, treasurer or finance officer, credit manager, cash manager, risk and insurance manager, and manager of international banking.
Finance Career Outlook
Job growth for financial managers is expected to grow at an average rate (13%) between 2006 and 2016, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are often generous, ranging from $60K to well above $100K. Job growth for personal financial advisors and financial analysts will be very strong during the same decade (37%). It is projected to be one of the 10 fastest growing occupations. Competition will be keen for this rewarding career, which pays a median salary of $66,120 (2006) and as much as over $150K.
MBA vs MS in Finance?
An MBA in Finance exposes students to a wide range of management disciplines with regards to finance, while the MS program offers a more focused and rigorous academic approach. Applicants that have management experience and are interested in becoming a financial analyst or manager may choose to pursue the MS degree. Students who don't have much management experience can benefit greatly from the management training an MBA program can provide. MS programs generally don't have a work requirement, whereas many MBA programs require a couple years in the workforce. So, MS students tend to be younger. MS programs also run about one year while MBA programs can run two years. Individuals should really reflect on what kind of experience they've attained and where they want their careers to go when decide the MBA or MS route.
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Northeastern University Online Editor's Choice 
Finance - MS
Northeastern's MS in Finance program helps you to build essential skills for a successful career in finance. The MS in Finance curriculum provides in-depth coverage of critical topics such as valuation, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, insurance, and investments. Northeastern University's College of Business Administration is AACSB-accredited, the highest standard of accreditation for any business school worldwide.
Finance - MBA
The Master of Business Administration in Finance is designed to expand your knowledge in finance with topics including financial strategy, international financial management, business turnarounds, venture capital and financial risk management. Northeastern University's College of Business Administration is AACSB-accredited, the highest standard of accreditation for any business school worldwide.
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