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Free Banker BlueprintDefinition of Corporate Finance: Corporate Finance is the division of a large company that manages and controls financing, cash management, capital structuring and investment decisions. The purpose of corporate finance is to allocate and report on financial resources in a way that maximizes shareholder value.
Corporate finance may not be as “prestigious” as investment banking, and it doesn’t give you as many exit opportunities…
However, it does offer a stimulating career path where you can still make hundreds of thousands of dollars, and even millions in annual salary and bonuses if you’re at the right company in the right role.
Most corporate finance departments at large companies are similar, with the King (or Queen) of the castle being the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Reporting to the CFO, you find the following roles:
Compensation varies widely depending on the size of the company and the size of the P&L, but here’s what you might expect at each level:
Like most well-paid roles with plenty of earning potential, Corporate Finance is a highly-competitive field – especially at the most prestigious firms.
Most employers now expect more from their new hires than just a degree from a good university (although that’s essential).
That’s why many future corporate finance professionals invest in specialized courses and training to help them get noticed, get hired, and get promoted.
Some of the most relevant courses offered by Mergers & Inquisitions and Breaking Into Wall Street include: