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    Become a Finance Professional

    Build analytical and financial skills for careers in banking, investing, corporate finance, and financial planning.

    Duration
    9–18 months
    Certifications
    CFA Level I (Foundational Knowledge); Bloomberg Market Concepts
    Key Skills
    Financial modeling; Budgeting; Investment analysis; Corporate finance; Risk management; Financial statement analysis
    Work Settings
    Banks; Investment firms; Corporate finance departments; Insurance companies; Consulting firms
    Job Outlook
    +8% (Faster than average)
    Salary Range
    $70K–$120K

    What Is Finance?

    The Finance program trains students in financial analysis, modeling, budgeting, and investment decision-making for businesses and individuals.

    Finance professionals support budgeting, forecasting, capital allocation, and investment strategy across industries, using quantitative analysis to guide decisions.

    What You'll Learn in Finance Training

    Core Skills

    • Time value of money
    • Financial modeling
    • Budgeting and forecasting
    • Corporate finance
    • Investment fundamentals

    Safety & Compliance

    • Financial ethics
    • Risk management principles
    • Regulatory awareness
    • Compliance fundamentals

    Tools & Technology

    • Excel and financial modeling tools
    • Analytics platforms
    • Financial reporting software

    Admissions Requirements for Finance Training

    Most Finance programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    High school diploma or GED
    Comfort with math and analytical work

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Finance

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I

    CFA Institute

    Exam Focus: Investment analysis and financial fundamentals

    Bloomberg Market Concepts

    Bloomberg

    Exam Focus: Market data, economics, and investment tools

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Finance Salary & Job Outlook

    $70K–$120K
    National Salary Range
    ~$95,000
    Median Salary
    +8% (Faster than average)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Growing demand driven by corporate finance needs, investment analysis, and financial planning activities

    Career Outlook for Finance

    Work Settings

    Corporate finance; Banking; Insurance; Investment analysis; Consulting

    Advancement Path

    Advance into senior analyst, finance manager, investment associate, or specialized finance roles

    What Is the Difference Between Finance and Business Finance?

    TL;DR: Finance emphasizes markets, investments, and strategic analysis, while Business Finance focuses on internal financial planning and corporate decision support.

    Finance programs expose students to financial markets, valuation, investment analysis, risk management, and strategic financial decision-making across industries. Graduates often pursue roles related to investments, financial analysis, or advisory work where success is tied to returns, risk assessment, and strategic insight. Business Finance programs are more internally focused, preparing students to support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning within organizations. These roles are typically measured by accuracy, cost control, and support of operational decision-making. Choose Finance if you want exposure to markets and investment strategy; choose Business Finance if you want to work inside organizations managing financial performance and planning.

    Comparing Programs
    Finance
    Business Finance
    Primary Focus
    Finance

    Financial markets, investments, valuation, and strategic financial analysis

    Business Finance

    Internal financial planning, budgeting, and corporate decision support

    Typical Training Length
    Finance

    Associate to bachelor-level programs with market and investment emphasis

    Business Finance

    Associate to bachelor-level programs focused on corporate finance planning

    Core Skills
    Finance

    Investment analysis, valuation, risk assessment, strategic financial insight

    Business Finance

    Budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial planning support

    Certifications
    Finance

    Finance or investment-focused certificates depending on program

    Business Finance

    Corporate finance or financial planning certificates depending on program

    Work Settings
    Finance

    Financial services firms, investment teams, advisory and analysis roles

    Business Finance

    Corporate finance departments, FP&A teams, internal business units

    Technology Used
    Finance

    Financial modeling tools, market analysis platforms, advanced spreadsheets

    Business Finance

    Planning and forecasting software, spreadsheets, reporting systems

    Career Progression
    Finance

    Financial analyst, investment analyst, or advisory-focused finance roles

    Business Finance

    Business finance analyst, FP&A analyst, or finance support leadership roles

    Best For
    Finance

    Students interested in markets, investments, and strategic financial analysis

    Business Finance

    Students who want to manage financial performance inside organizations

    Finance

    Choose Finance if you want exposure to markets and investment strategy.

    Business Finance

    Choose Business Finance if you want to work inside organizations managing financial performance and planning.

    Benefits of Finance Training

    High earning potential
    In-demand analytical skill set
    Career paths across industries
    Strong foundation for advanced finance roles
    Opportunities for advancement

    Finance Student Reviews

    "The modeling skills I learned helped me get my first analyst job."

    George T.
    Financial Analyst

    "Great foundation in corporate and personal finance."

    Nicole P.
    Banking Associate

    "I felt well-prepared for interviews and real-world analysis work."

    Sean M.
    Budget Analyst

    Finance FAQs

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