Picture yourself leading a corporate merger, steering investment strategies for a Fortune 500 company or launching a financial consulting firm. These career possibilities become achievable with the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Finance program from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), which elevates financial experts into business leaders.
An advanced business degree with a finance focus is a clear step to boosting your finance career and exploring a variety of professional directions. The program offered by UNC equips ambitious professionals with the sophisticated analytical capabilities and strategic mindset required to thrive at the highest levels of financial leadership.
Master’s in Finance Careers: A World of Opportunities
Financial expertise has never been more valuable in corporate U.S. space. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for business and financial occupations through 2033, with approximately 963,500 new positions opening annually. This robust outlook reflects the increasing complexity of global markets and the growing need for sophisticated financial management across all sectors.
The median annual wage for business and financial professionals is $79,050, significantly higher than the national median of $48,060. This earning potential, combined with the sector’s strong growth trajectory, makes finance an attractive field for ambitious professionals seeking stability and advancement opportunities.
Careers for MBA Finance Graduates
There is no one career path for graduates with a finance MBA. Graduates of UNC’s program are prepared for diverse leadership roles that combine financial expertise with strategic business acumen.
The following positions offer substantial growth potential and competitive compensation. Each gives a specific perspective on the Colorado market. Note that the salary information provided is current as of March 2025, and actual salaries will vary depending on job location, work experience and other factors.
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee organizational financial health and influence company strategy and growth. These professionals create financial reports, direct investment activities and develop long-term financial strategies. They analyze market trends to maximize profits while ensuring regulatory compliance and supervising financial reporting teams
In Colorado, financial managers command an average base salary of $111,123. Their responsibilities extend beyond traditional financial oversight to include strategic planning and leadership. Financial managers must stay current with industry regulations, tax laws and emerging market trends, making an MBA in finance particularly valuable for this role.
Financial and Investment Analyst
This professional serves as a critical advisor in investment decisions and financial planning. Analysts evaluate financial data, study economic trends and recommend investment strategies. The role requires analytical precision and strategic thinking, skills heavily emphasized in MBA finance programs.
The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro offers attractive opportunities for financial and investment analysts, with a mean annual wage of $116,600. This compensation reflects the complexity of the role and the value of extensive training in financial modeling and market analysis.
Personal Financial Advisor
This role helps individuals manage complex financial decisions and plan for their future. An advisor provides guidance on investments, insurance, mortgages, estate planning and retirement strategies. The role combines financial expertise with strong interpersonal skills, as advisors must build trust with clients while delivering sophisticated financial guidance.
Financial advisors in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $72,430, with opportunities for a wide range of additional compensation through commissions and bonuses. The role offers both professional autonomy and the satisfaction of helping individuals achieve their financial goals.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
These professionals serve as vital intermediaries in financial markets, connecting buyers with sellers and advising on investment opportunities. Responsibilities include analyzing market trends, evaluating investment opportunities and growing client relationships. The role demands technical knowledge and strong communication skills.
In Colorado, these agents earn a median annual wage of $68,200, with opportunities for significant additional earnings through commissions. The role offers dynamic work environments and the chance to work with diverse clients and financial products.
General and Operations Manager
Colorado ranks among the top five states for general and operations manager compensation, with a mean annual wage of $156,210. This role oversees daily operations while making strategic decisions that impact organizational success.
An MBA in finance provides the ideal foundation for the role of general and operations manager. UNC’s program combines broad business knowledge with financial expertise, preparing graduates to be leaders in many spaces.
Professional Development and Certification
The UNC online MBA in Finance program aligns with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and provides a strong foundation for students pursuing this prestigious certification. Recognized globally as the gold standard in investment credentials, the CFA charter opens doors to senior positions in investment management, risk management and asset management.
The program covers essential topics like financial modeling, data analysis techniques and portfolio management. Students learn to prepare investor pitches, interpret financial data and conduct risk-return analysis. These skills are directly applicable to real-world financial decision-making.
The financial sector offers diverse opportunities for professionals with advanced education and skills. UNC’s program provides the comprehensive knowledge base required to excel in these roles while developing practical skills valued by employers. The combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking and leadership development makes graduates particularly well positioned for career advancement.
Learn more about UNC’s online MBA with a Concentration in Finance program.
