Finance/Financial Services
About
💰 What is Finance / Financial Services?
Finance is the management of money, investments, and assets, while Financial Services refer to the industries and institutions that provide financial products, advice, and solutions to individuals, businesses, and governments.
Key Points:
Covers banking, investment, insurance, accounting, and wealth management 🏦📈
Helps individuals, companies, and governments manage money, risk, and growth 💹
Includes roles in financial analysis, advisory, accounting, and trading 💼
1. Branches of Finance / Financial Services 🏦
A. Banking & Insurance 💳🏦
Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Credit Analysis
Insurance (Life, Health, General)
Skills: Risk management, customer service, financial analysis
B. Investment & Capital Markets 📈💹
Stock Market, Mutual Funds, Portfolio Management, Trading
Skills: Analytical skills, market research, decision-making under risk
C. Accounting & Taxation 🧾💼
Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant, Auditing
Skills: Accounting principles, taxation laws, financial reporting
D. Financial Planning & Advisory 💡
Personal Finance, Wealth Management, Retirement Planning
Skills: Financial literacy, communication, planning, advisory
E. Corporate Finance & Risk Management ⚖️📊
Budgeting, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Strategy
Skills: Analytical thinking, financial modeling, forecasting
Eligibility
🎓 Eligibility for Finance / Financial Services
1. After 12th / Senior Secondary 🏫
Stream: Commerce is preferred (Maths optional for some courses); Science or Arts also accepted for many programs
Minimum Marks: Usually 50% (varies by college/institute)
Courses Available:
B.Com (Finance / Accounting / Banking) 🧾
BBA (Finance / Banking / Financial Management) 📊
Diploma / Certificate in Banking, Finance, or Investment 💳
2. Undergraduate (UG) Courses 🎓
| Course | Eligibility | Duration | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Com (Finance / Accounting / Banking) 🧾 | 12th pass (any stream, commerce preferred) | 3 years | Accountant, Auditor, Banker, Finance Executive |
| BBA (Finance / Banking) 📊 | 12th pass | 3 years | Banking Officer, Financial Analyst, Wealth Manager |
| B.Sc Finance / Economics 💹 | 12th pass (with Maths preferred) | 3 years | Financial Analyst, Investment Advisor, Risk Manager |
| Diploma / Certificate Programs 📝 | 12th pass | 6 months – 2 years | Banking Assistant, Tax Assistant, Finance Executive |
3. Professional / Certification Courses 🏅
| Course / Exam | Eligibility | Purpose / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| CA (Chartered Accountant) 🧾 | 12th pass (entry-level) / Graduate | Accounting, Auditing, Taxation |
| CMA (Cost & Management Accountant) ⚖️ | 12th pass / Graduate | Corporate Finance, Cost Accounting |
| CS (Company Secretary) 📜 | 12th pass / Graduate | Corporate Governance, Compliance |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) 💹 | UG in any discipline or final-year student | Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management |
| Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 💼 | Graduate in any discipline | Financial Planning, Wealth Management |
| Banking Certification (NISM, IBPS prep) 💳 | 12th / Graduate | Banking Officer, Relationship Manager |
4. Postgraduate (PG) Courses 🎓
| Course | Eligibility | Duration | Career Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Finance / Banking / Financial Management) 📊 | UG in any discipline (commerce/science preferred) | 2 years | Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager |
| M.Com (Finance / Accounting / Banking) 🧾 | UG in relevant field | 2 years | Finance Executive, Tax Consultant, Accountant |
| PG Diploma in Financial Services / Banking 📝 | UG in any discipline | 1 year | Financial Advisor, Banking Officer, Risk Analyst |
5. Skills Needed for Eligibility & Success ✨
Strong numerical & analytical ability 📊
Basic accounting & financial knowledge 🧾
Decision-making under risk ⚖️
Communication & client-handling skills 🗣️
Computer literacy (MS Excel, financial software) 💻
Job Roles
💼 Job Roles in Finance / Financial Services
1. Banking Roles 💳🏦
Bank Probationary Officer (PO) / Clerk 🏛️ – Handle banking operations, customer service, and accounts
Relationship Manager / Branch Manager 👥 – Manage clients, loans, and financial products
Credit Analyst 📊 – Evaluate loan applications, creditworthiness, and financial risk
2. Accounting & Taxation 🧾⚖️
Accountant / Finance Executive 🏢 – Maintain financial records, bookkeeping, prepare statements
Auditor 🔍 – Examine financial records for compliance and accuracy
Tax Consultant / Tax Advisor 💼 – Guide clients on taxation, compliance, and savings
Chartered Accountant (CA) 🧾 – Expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, and advisory
3. Investment & Capital Markets 📈💹
Financial Analyst 📊 – Analyze investments, market trends, and company performance
Stockbroker / Trader 📉📈 – Buy/sell shares, commodities, or currencies in capital markets
Portfolio Manager / Investment Advisor 💼 – Manage clients’ investment portfolios for growth and risk management
CFA Professionals 💹 – Specialize in financial analysis, equity research, and investment banking
4. Financial Planning & Advisory 💡💰
Wealth Manager / Financial Planner 💼 – Help clients with personal finance, retirement planning, and investments
Insurance Advisor / Underwriter 🏦 – Assess risks, recommend insurance policies, and manage claims
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 🧾 – Professional advisor for personal and corporate finance
5. Corporate Finance & Risk Management ⚖️📊
Risk Manager ⚠️ – Identify and manage financial, operational, or market risks in organizations
Corporate Finance Executive 🏢 – Handle budgeting, mergers & acquisitions, financial strategy
Treasury Manager / Analyst 💰 – Manage company funds, liquidity, and cash flow
6. Professional & Advisory Roles 📝
Company Secretary (CS) 📜 – Corporate governance, legal compliance, and advisory
Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) ⚖️ – Focus on cost control, budgeting, and financial planning
Investment Banker 💹 – Raise capital, manage mergers/acquisitions, and advise clients on investments
7. Skills Needed for Finance Careers ✨
Numerical & analytical ability 📊
Strong knowledge of accounting, finance, and taxation 🧾
Decision-making under risk ⚖️
Communication & client management 🗣️
Technology literacy (Excel, financial software, data analysis) 💻
Exam Details
📝 Entrance Exams & Certifications in Finance / Financial Services
Financial careers typically require a mix of academic exams, professional certifications, and banking/finance entrance tests depending on the career path.
1. Banking Exams 💳🏦
| Exam | Eligibility | Purpose / Career |
|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO / Clerk / Specialist Officer 🏦 | Graduate in any stream | Entry-level banking roles in public sector banks |
| SBI PO / Clerk / Specialist Officer 💳 | Graduate in any stream | Jobs in State Bank of India branches |
| RBI Grade B / Assistant 🏛️ | Graduate in relevant fields (Commerce, Economics, Science) | Officer-level positions in Reserve Bank of India |
| NABARD / SIDBI Exams 🌾💼 | Graduate / PG in relevant field | Rural & development banking, finance management |
| Private Bank Exams 🏦 | Graduate | Jobs in corporate/private banks (relationship manager, analyst) |
2. Professional Accounting / Finance Exams 🧾⚖️
| Exam / Certification | Eligibility | Purpose / Career |
|---|---|---|
| CA (Chartered Accountant) 🧾 | 12th pass or Graduate | Accounting, auditing, taxation, advisory |
| CMA (Cost & Management Accountant) ⚖️ | 12th pass / Graduate | Corporate finance, budgeting, cost management |
| CS (Company Secretary) 📜 | 12th pass / Graduate | Corporate governance, compliance, advisory |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) 💹 | Graduate or final-year student | Investment analysis, portfolio management, financial research |
| Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 💼 | Graduate | Personal finance advisory, wealth management |
| FRM (Financial Risk Manager) ⚠️ | Graduate | Risk management in corporate and banking sectors |
3. Academic / University Exams 🎓
| Course | Exam / Admission Test | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com / BBA (Finance / Banking) 📊 | University Entrance Test / Merit-based | 12th pass (Commerce preferred) |
| MBA (Finance / Banking) 🎓 | CAT / MAT / XAT / CMAT / GMAT | Graduate in any discipline (Commerce preferred) |
| M.Com (Finance / Accounting) 🧾 | University entrance or merit-based | UG in relevant field |
4. Short-Term / Certification Exams 📝
NISM / NSE Academy Exams – Securities market, mutual funds, derivatives, etc. 📈
Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) – Corporate finance & investment analysis 💹
Banking & Insurance Certification Exams – Customer service, risk management, underwriting 💳🏦
5. Skills Needed for Finance Exams ✨
Strong numerical & analytical ability 📊
Knowledge of accounting, finance, and taxation 🧾
Logical reasoning & problem-solving 🧠
Awareness of current financial markets 🌍
Computer skills (Excel, financial software) 💻
