M.Com in Finance is a specialised postgraduate degree with a term of 2 years. It is most notably provided as a full-time course but some institutes also offer the programme as a part-time course. The biennial programme educates candidates in advanced topics related to Commerce and Finance. The Advanced Theory of Corporate Finance, the Mathematics of Finance, and Real Estate Asset Management are the most imperative courses of the postgraduate programme.
Finance is simply defined as the science of money management. It is the field of study that deals with the concept of investments. Candidates studying Finance are educated in the dynamics of assets and liabilities under conditions with varying degrees of risk and uncertainty. The primary application of financial theory is to set an appropriate price to assets. This depends on 2 factors, risk level and expected rate of return.
Post the successful completion of M.Com in Finance, candidates can either pursue higher studies or kick off their career. There are several job designations available for M.Com in Finance graduates. Even some of the job profiles allow them to work part-time. Postgraduates in Finance can also start their own business.
A good analytical ability is a must for candidates interested in pursuing the M.Com in Finance course. These candidates must possess the knowledge of recent developments in Commerce and Finance. Also, a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles is also desired for pursuing an M.Com in Finance programme. Essential skills required to pursue an M.Com in Finance degree successfully are slated as follows:
Candidates with an M.Com in Finance degree can explore several career avenues, based on their liking. Besides working as financial analysts and financial consultants, Finance postgraduates can provide services as investment bankers and market analysts. Several job options that a Finance graduate can choose from also include freelance work. Some of the top-notch job options available for M.Com in Finance graduates are described as follows:
Candidates with an M.Com in Finance degree can ideally work as a financial manager. The job responsibility of a financial manager depends on the stature of an organisation. In smaller organisations, a financial manager is responsible for the management of accounts. While in big organisations, the role of a financial manager is primarily concerned with the strategic analysis of the company’s finances. However, financial managers are responsible for analysing and churning out meaningful insights from financial information of the organisation. Monitoring cash flows, predicting future financial trends, formulating long-term financial plans, analysing competition and market trends are some of the vital responsibilities of a finance manager.
The job of a financial analyst is another great career option for candidates with a postgraduate degree in Finance. Financial analysts work in line with finance managers and business managers to provide the best financial support for their employer. Cash reconciliations, daily financial modelling, financial analysis and reporting, and payment date accounting are some of the vital tasks performed by a financial analyst. They are responsible to work together with financial managers to incept solutions to correct inconsistencies in the organisation’s finances.
Candidates with an M.Com in Finance degree are apt to work as financial risk analysts. A financial risk analyst is responsible for analysing and validating the process of risk management for a business. There are primarily 4 types of financial risk specialists:
Credit Risk Specialists – Analyse the risk to the organisation from customers failing to pay for goods or services.
Market Risk Specialists – Analyse the risk of external factors that can potentially affect the share price or the market.
Operational Risk Analysts – Analyse likelihood of risky events. Employee fraud and system breakdowns, for instance.
Regulatory Risk Analysts – Analyse the impact caused by the new legislation on the organisation.
Another lucrative job opportunity for candidates with an M.Com in Finance degree is that of a budget analyst. Budget analysts work in tandem with program managers and project managers to develop an appropriate employer budget. These professionals need to check budget proposals made by managers for accuracy, compliance with laws, and effectiveness. They are responsible for explaining budget recommendations for funding to members of the organisation, legislators, and the public. Budget analysts need to monitor all kinds of organisational expenses to ensure that all such expenditures fit within the decided organisational budget. They are also charged with the responsibility of estimating future financial needs of the organisation.
Candidates with an M.Com in Finance degree can provide their services as auditing clerks, accountants, business analysts, corporate analysts, marketing managers, equity research analysts, investments analysts, investment bankers, market analysts, money managers, operations managers, personal finance consultants, revenue agents, and securities analysts.
In order to pursue an M.Com in Finance degree, candidates must have successfully gone through a Bachelor’s programme of at least 3 years. Preference is given to candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. The full eligibility criteria for pursuing an M.Com in Finance programme are briefed up as follows:
Successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree, of at least 3 years, in any specialisation from any recognised Indian institution with a minimum of 50% (45% for non-General candidates) marks in aggregate or an equivalent CGPA.
Appeared and qualified an entrance examination. (Required by some premium institutes.)
Some institutes accept applicants with an industry work experience of at least 2 years. Such candidates need to produce a recommendation and NOC letter duly signed by their present employer.
There are several specializations available for candidates pursuing the M.Com degree. M.Com in Finance programme is suitable for those candidates who are interested in working with investments and risk analysis of an organisation. The course also allows candidates to pursue advanced concepts in Finance by means of M.Phil, Ph.D, and other programmes.
Finance is primarily divided into 3 sub-types, personal finance, public finance and corporate finance. The biennial M.Com in Finance programme delves into all the 3 types of finance. Financial experts are hired by the government, as well as by several businesses in the private sector. M.Com in Finance course opens doors to explore several vocational options.