Pursuing an MBA with a concentration in finance can open doors to powerful, purpose-driven leadership roles in a dynamic global economy. Whether you’re pivoting into finance from another industry or advancing an already established career, this degree offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise and business acumen. For experienced professionals, particularly those balancing a full-time job, an online MBA in Finance provides the flexibility to advance without hitting pause on your life or career.
What Is an MBA in Finance?
An MBA in Finance is a graduate-level degree that combines a rigorous business management education with specialized coursework in financial theory, analysis and strategy. Students learn the mechanics of capital markets, risk management, corporate financial decision-making and investment strategies. These skills are essential for navigating the complex and ever-evolving world of finance.
Unlike a highly specialized degree such as a master’s in finance, an MBA develops well-rounded leaders while the finance concentration provides financial expertise with a management context. An MBA with a finance concentration emphasizes strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership and the ability to align financial decision-making with broader organizational goals. Students graduate prepared to lead high-performing teams and drive business growth through data-informed financial strategy.
In online MBA programs, students can expect to gain key skills like:
- Advanced financial modeling and valuation
- Investment portfolio management and evaluation
- Meeting financial regulations
- Managing risk and corporate governance
- Leadership and decision-making in high-stakes financial environments
8 Best Career Paths and Outcomes for MBA in Finance Graduates
The skills you learn in an MBA can translate into a range of career opportunities across industries, from tech to healthcare, energy to entertainment. The roles listed below represent just a few of the high-impact positions available to finance-focused MBA graduates.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer | $165,600 |
| Investment Banker | $250,600 |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 |
| Private Equity Associate | $126,300 |
| Portfolio Manager | $124,200 |
| Corporate Treasurer | $174,800 |
| Finance Director | $125,200 |
| Risk Manager | $135,000 |
Source: Lightcast
1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Median annual salary: $165,600
The CFO is the financial backbone of an organization. They are part strategist, part operator and part visionary. This C-suite role oversees all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, capital structure and investor relations. MBA graduates with a strong foundation in finance, leadership and business strategy can rise to this top-level role after years of experience in finance management.
Key responsibilities:
- Setting financial strategy aligned with business goals
- Leading finance teams across accounting, tax and treasury functions
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations
- Presenting financial results to the board and shareholders
Job outlook: Research from Deloitte indicates an increased demand for CFOs with quantitative skills and experience in risk management and regulatory response.
2. Investment Banker
Median annual salary: $250,600
Investment bankers help companies raise capital through equity or debt offerings, manage mergers and acquisitions and offer strategic financial advisory services. This fast-paced role rewards analytical rigor and business savvy, making it an excellent fit for graduates of MBA in finance programs.
Key responsibilities:
- Conducting valuation analysis and financial modeling
- Managing M&A transactions and IPOs
- Advising clients on capital structure and funding strategies
Job outlook: While the field is highly competitive, the rewards can be substantial, especially at the senior associate and VP levels. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects continued demand in investment-related fields as companies pursue growth and consolidation. Jobs for financial analysts are expected to increase by 9% from 2023 to 2033, and jobs for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents are expected to increase by 7% over the same timeframe.
3. Financial Manager
Median annual salary: $161,700
Financial managers are essential to the health of any enterprise. They prepare reports on performance, direct investment activities and develop strategies for organizations to reach their long-term financial goals. An MBA in Finance equips professionals with the leadership skills to manage teams and make strategic decisions that go beyond number crunching.
Key responsibilities:
- Creating financial reports and forecasts
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
- Managing teams of analysts and accountants
- Recommending financial improvements
Job outlook: According to the BLS, employment of financial managers is projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average.
4. Private Equity Associate
Median annual salary: $126,300
Private equity associates play a key role in sourcing, evaluating and managing investment opportunities in private companies. This career path requires strong financial modeling, negotiation skills and the ability to assess a company’s growth potential.
Key responsibilities:
- Conducting due diligence on potential investments
- Performing valuations and financial analysis
- Managing relationships with portfolio companies
- Supporting fundraising efforts
Job outlook: The private equity space remains robust, driven by investor demand and a steady stream of startup and mid-market opportunities. According to LinkedIn News, these are among the fastest-growing careers in the United States.
5. Portfolio Manager
Median annual salary: $124,200
Portfolio managers oversee investment portfolios for organizations or individuals. They may buy, hold or sell stocks and bonds based on market trends, risk tolerance and overall financial objectives. This career combines deep market knowledge with strategic thinking and communication.
Key responsibilities:
- Researching and selecting investments
- Balancing risk and return in portfolio strategies
- Managing teams of analysts and traders
- Reporting performance to clients and stakeholders
Job outlook: As more individuals and institutions seek investment services, the need for skilled portfolio managers continues to grow. MBA programs with finance concentrations provide the analytical and leadership skills needed to enter and excel in this role.
6. Corporate Treasurer
Median annual salary: $174,800
A corporate treasurer manages an organization’s liquidity, investments and financial risk. Treasurers play a key role in ensuring the company has enough capital to meet obligations and invest in growth. MBA graduates are often preferred for their leadership capabilities and broad business understanding.
Key responsibilities:
- Overseeing cash management and forecasting
- Developing risk mitigation strategies
- Managing banking relationships
- Supervising debt issuance and capital structure planning
Job outlook: Treasurers are critical to businesses of all sizes, especially those operating globally. The increasing complexity of financial markets has made this role more strategy-focused than ever.
7. Finance Director
Median annual salary: $125,200
Finance directors lead the financial planning and analysis teams to guide business decisions. They interpret data to create forecasts, budgets and strategic plans that influence company direction.
Key responsibilities:
- Creating financial plans and operating budgets
- Leading teams that track KPIs and performance metrics
- Supporting strategic business decisions
- Presenting financial insights to executive leadership
Job outlook: Organizations are investing more heavily in strategic financial planning and analysis, making this a fast-growing and in-demand field for MBA finance graduates.
8. Risk Manager
Median annual salary: $135,000
Risk managers identify, evaluate and mitigate the financial, operational and strategic risks facing an organization. With a focus on resilience and compliance, this role is becoming increasingly important in sectors such as banking, insurance, healthcare and tech.
Key responsibilities:
- Assessing financial and market risks
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Designing risk mitigation frameworks
- Working closely with audit and legal teams
Job outlook: Risk management roles are growing in complexity and importance, particularly in highly regulated industries. An MBA with a finance focus provides both the technical and managerial skills needed to thrive in this space.
Frequently Asked Questions
MBA graduates often move into roles with more responsibility faster than peers without graduate education. With tools to lead cross-functional teams, influence strategy and manage capital, you become a candidate for top-tier leadership positions across industries. Programs that offer extensive career support, like Tulane University’s Online MBA, can help you accelerate your career progression even more.
Roles that are typically held by MBA graduates also consistently rank among the highest-paying finance roles:
- Investment bankers: $250,600
- Corporate treasurers: $174,800
- CFOs: $165,600
- Financial modeling and forecasting
- Capital budgeting and valuation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Corporate finance strategy
- Executive decision-making
- Strategic thinking
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Ethical financial leadership
An MBA in Finance helps bridge the knowledge gap by offering foundational skills and advanced expertise in financial systems, paired with leadership and management training.
The flexibility of an online program makes this transition even more accessible. Many online MBA students come from fields like marketing, workforce development or even traffic control.
- Choose an MBA in Finance if you want leadership roles, strategic influence and cross-functional mobility. It’s ideal for professionals aiming to manage teams, shape policy and drive organizational change.
- Choose an MS in Finance if you want deep technical expertise in finance, such as quantitative analysis or a specialized area like actuarial science or financial engineering. Master’s in finance graduates can become senior-level individual contributors who support their organization’s financial development.
Why Choose an MBA in Finance?
An MBA with a finance concentration is worth the investment if you want to pursue high-impact, high-responsibility roles that shape the financial future of companies, industries, and markets. Whether your goal is to lead a multinational enterprise, advise on billion-dollar deals or manage investment portfolios, this degree can give you the skills you need to achieve your dream career.
The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers an Online MBA that allows you to earn your degree and access critical networking opportunities without putting your career on hold. With the right blend of ambition, experience and education, you can excel on the path to financial leadership.
About the Online MBA at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University
The Freeman School of Business at Tulane University offers an AACSB-accredited Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other MBA options based in Louisiana. The Online MBA program builds core competencies in accounting, data analytics, finance, marketing and operations, and also allows for in-depth exploration in your areas of interest. While a concentration is not required as part of the 46 required credits, you may pursue up to two of the following: Business Analytics, Finance or Marketing.
The program is designed to meet the needs of professionals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Regardless of your desired concentration or industry, you’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of business and managerial concepts and the practical skills to make informed business decisions and lead in your organization.
In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Freeman climbed 19 spots among the nation’s top MBA programs. This is one of the biggest year-over-year changes among ranked programs and reflects Freeman’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in business education. The momentum continued with the school moving up an additional eight spots in 2025 to No. 54.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Online Master of Business Administration.
Get the Online MBA Program Brochure
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Master of Business Administration offered by the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 504-226-8311.