Corporate Financial Management
Many of the major decisions in a business are driven by financial analysis. These include how much capital needs to be raised and the sources to use, how to allocate it within a business, the optimal amount of leverage and liquidity, how to improve a business’ profitability and return on its capital, how to quantify and hedge financial and business risks, and whether to pursue large projects, contracts, acquisitions, mergers and/or divestitures. The object of the Corporate Financial Management Option is to equip students with the analytical tools and skills used in the various types financial decisions made by businesses. Students can also utilize those same skills in the public sector as well as with employers such as investment banks and consulting firms.
Student Competencies:
- Understand and apply the concepts of financial analysis and valuation
- Be able to utilize financial accounting data to analyze businesses and their cash flows
- Understand how business are financed and how to optimize the use of capital
- Understand how international issues impact financial decisions
- Understand how to use financial instruments to hedge financial risks to businesses
- Be able to use Excel to construct financial forecasts and model future financial results
Experiential Learning:
- Students can apply their knowledge of finance and accounting as members of BASIS and SEED, Virginia Tech’s student-managed investment funds
- Students can become part of a startup business through the Entrepreneur Club and the programs associated with the Apex System Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Targeted Skill-sets:
- Interest in becoming part of a businesses and contributing to its profitable growth
- Strategic thinking combines with quantitative analysis
- Ability to organize and analyze data to solve problems
- Ability to make data-based decisions and apply them in a variety of real-world settings
Example Careers:
- Corporate and public-sector financial planning, budgeting and analysis
- Corporate treasury (cash management, financing and lender relations)
- Contract and project analysis
- Corporate risk management and hedging
- Consulting
- Investment banking