Careers in Corporate Finance:  Salary and Career Guide

Corporate finance is an area of finance that deals with how companies manage their financial resources to maximize shareholder value. It involves making strategic decisions about investments, funding, and day-to-day financial operations while balancing risk and profitability. The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable growth and financial stability for the business.

Because they are essential to a successful business, careers in corporate finance are at the center of business strategy. As organizations expand globally and navigate increasingly complex markets, skilled finance professionals are more essential than ever. The demand for experts in this field continues to rise, making corporate finance one of the most rewarding areas for ambitious business graduates.

Corporate finance careers are often high-impact, fast-paced, and dynamic. This guide will explore the top five most sought after careers in corporate finance: investment banking, corporate development, leadership and administration, treasury management, and equity research.

Top Careers in Corporate Finance

1. Investment Banking

Investment bankers advise companies on raising capital, mergers, acquisitions, and financial restructuring. Their daily work includes financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation with stakeholders. Career progression typically begins at the analyst level and advances through associate, vice president, and ultimately managing director.

Salaries in investment banking are highly competitive and vary greatly depending on location and experience. Entry-level analysts have an average base salary of about $96,000 annually, and those with five years of experience have a base salary upwards of $176,410.¹ The top paying industry for an experienced investment banker is financial services, with a median total pay of $281,918.² Total pay typically includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. Leadership roles such as Vice President and Managing Director typically earn above $300,000 due to the increased scope of responsibilities.²

2. Corporate Development

Professionals in corporate development focus on strategic planning, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions while working closely with executive leadership. Their responsibilities include leading due diligence processes, analyzing valuations, and managing integration after acquisitions. Salaries are strong, with associates earning approximately $100,000 to $120,000, and directors earning up to $300,000 or more.³ Success in this field requires strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and often advanced qualifications such as an MBA or CFA.

3. CFO

For those aspiring to the highest levels of leadership, the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) represents the pinnacle of corporate finance careers. CFOs are responsible for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and partnering with CEOs and boards to shape business strategy. They also oversee performance measurement, risk management, and compliance. Entry-level finance executives typically earn $97,000, while experienced CFOs in larger organizations can command salaries of $166,000 to more than $246,000.⁴ The position demands not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

4. Treasury Management

Treasury management is another critical function in corporate finance. Treasury managers ensure adequate liquidity for operations, oversee debt and investments, manage risk through hedging, and maintain strong banking relationships. The average yearly salary for treasury managers in the U.S. is $105,672, with the highest-paid treasury managers earning over $139,000.⁵ Professionals in this area often pursue the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) credential to strengthen their expertise.

5. Equity Research

Equity research offers another compelling option for those who enjoy analysis and market insight. Equity research analysts study industries and companies, create valuation models, and deliver investment recommendations to clients. Their work often culminates in detailed reports and presentations. The average base salary for an equity research analyst in the U.S. is $136,292, with salaries up to $223,798 for the largest companies, such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Fidelity Investments, and J.P. Morgan.⁶ Equity research directors and managers could make even more. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly valued in this field, alongside advanced financial modeling and communication skills.

How an MBA in Finance Provides Career Advantages

While it is possible to build a successful career in corporate finance with a bachelor’s degree, earning an MBA with a Finance Concentration can provide a significant competitive edge. An MBA in Finance equips graduates with advanced knowledge in areas such as corporate strategy, risk management, and global financial markets, but it also emphasizes leadership and decision-making skills that are critical for advancement into higher-level roles.

One of the most important advantages of an MBA in Finance is accelerating career progression. Many organizations fast-track MBA graduates into leadership development programs or management roles, bypassing years of incremental advancement. MBA degree holders often move more quickly from analyst or associate-level roles into positions that involve managing teams, overseeing budgets, and contributing directly to company strategy. This is particularly evident in MBA finance jobs such as corporate development manager or finance director, where an MBA signals readiness for greater responsibility. An MBA also offers advanced preparation for industry-relevant certifications.

The salary advantages of an MBA are also substantial. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) projected that the median starting salary for MBA graduates at U.S. companies in 2024 was $120,000, which was $30,000 higher than experienced candidates hired directly from industry and $50,000 more than bachelor’s degree holders.⁷ Plus, employers across sectors said they are most likely to hire MBAs over other candidates.⁷ Data from the GMAC shows that an MBA is an invaluable credential for those seeking management opportunities.

Beyond salary, an MBA in Finance prepares graduates for entrepreneurship and global finance careers. Many alumni use their MBA training to launch startups, manage venture capital funds, or transition into international finance corporation careers that involve cross-border mergers and investments. The degree offers a strong foundation in both the technical and administrative skills needed to succeed in highly competitive financial environments.

How to Advance in Corporate Finance Careers

Careers in corporate finance offer exciting opportunities for investment banking, corporate development, treasury management, equity research, and executive leadership. These roles not only provide competitive salaries and long-term career growth but also give professionals the chance to shape the financial future of organizations in every industry. The strong demand for corporate finance professionals, combined with the field’s high earning potential, makes it one of the most attractive career paths in business today.

For those who want to maximize their potential, pursuing an MBA with a Concentration in Finance provides a decisive advantage. The degree offers a fast track to leadership roles, significant salary increases, and access to careers that span industries and borders. At the University of Northern Colorado, the online MBA in Finance is designed for working professionals who want to advance without pausing their careers. The program combines academic rigor with real-world applications, preparing graduates to take on high-paying roles such as financial director, treasury manager, or even CFO.

With its flexible format, expert faculty, and emphasis on career readiness, the UNC MBA in Finance is a powerful investment in your professional future. You’ll expand your knowledge of financial industry fundamentals and prepare to join the ranks of market-moving investment bankers, asset managers, equity researchers, and more.

Earn Your MBA in Finance Online

Sources

1. “Average Investment Banker Salary.” October 12, 2025. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Investment_Banker/Salary
2. “Investment Banker Salaries.” April 18, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/us-investment-banker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,20.htm
3. DeChesare, Brian. “Corporate Development Careers: The Definitive Guide.” MERGERS & INQUISITIONS. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://mergersandinquisitions.com/corporate-development-careers/
4. “Average Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary.” October 21, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Financial_Officer_(CFO)/Salary
5. ZipRecruiter®. “Treasury Manager Salary.” October 29, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Treasury-Manager-Salary
6. “Equity Research Analyst Salary in United States.” October 26, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career/equity-research-analyst/salaries
7. Graduate Management Admission Council™. “2024 Report: Corporate Recruiters Survey.” Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2024-corporate-recruiters-survey/2024_gmac_crs_report.pdf?rev=43588bfef9a549af9bb00a432a3d7b06