6 Jun, 2022
Revised on 25 August 2023
Finance is a varied and rapidly evolving industry. As finance forms the backbone of any organization, the demand for finance professionals is unmatched. However, while there may be a growing demand in the industry, the field of finance remains quite competitive. A master’s degree in finance will not only increase your earnings and bolster your career, but it will also give you a comparative and competitive advantage over your peers in today’s complex and fast-paced world.
With Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance, you will develop specialized knowledge on how to use the functions of finance to create and maximize value in commercial companies and societies. Building skills and expertise in strategic financial management will also prepare you for a wide spectrum of senior executive positions in banking, investment and asset management or a finance function in other non-financial corporations. Moreover, gaining specialized industry knowledge, skills and experience in multiple disciplines will also enable you to more adequately forecast global markets. Furthermore, the program incorporates topics that will prepare and help you to pass the highly sought-after Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Risk Manager (CFRM) and Certified Financial Manager (CFM) exams.
Investing in a master’s degree can define your career path. It is therefore wise to take an informed decision on the wide range of master’s degrees in finance available to you. With courses taught by leading academics in the field of finance such as commercial banking, corporate finance, financial institutions and banking, financial derivatives, financial markets and Islamic finance and banking, Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance is designed to adequately prepare you for future challenges in the dynamic world of finance. Besides focused financial sector knowledge, the program also incorporates the teaching of soft skills such as strategic thinking and analytical skills that complement technical finance knowledge and skills. Acquired knowledge and skills learned can be applied directly on the job and will put you in a good position to manage and lead teams in a competitive global job market. In addition, it is also wise to consider the graduate program learning outcomes. If these are aligned with the skills that employers seek from new hires, recent finance graduates can expect a boost in their employability. Zayed University’s master’s degree program places a high emphasis on this matching being achieved.
Impactful and Lucrative Careers in the Finance Industry
A Master of Science in Finance enables you to pursue careers that will open an array of future pathways for professional growth. Finance graduates are employed in a wide range of industries. Employment opportunities for graduates are across a broad spectrum from government, banks, financial advising/consulting, financial services, real estate, teaching, insurance, valuation and retail management. Potential employers of finance graduates include commercial banks, merchant and investment banks, insurance and real estate companies, brokerage firms, stock exchanges, hedge funds and private equity firms, and the treasury and corporate finance divisions of major corporations. As some students may already be established in a finance career, they can expect improved job prospects and new opportunities for further career progression in the specialized field of finance.
A Master of Science in Finance could help you embark on a successful career in the rapidly expanding FinTech sector. With technology continuing to change the face of the financial services industry, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is seeing a rise in FinTech startups with exponential growth potential in the post COVID-19 era. As per the IBS Intelligence Report, the UAE accommodates FinTech companies on 50% of its total landscape. As the world gears up for new financial trends, FinTech is playing a crucial role in financial services going forward that also will boost future job openings in finance.
Finance Positions in Demand and Salary Expectations
According to the Michael Page Salary Guide and Hiring Insights United Arab Emirates 2023, the following banking and financial services positions are in high demand:
- Investments: Senior Analyst/Associate/Senior Associate Growth Venture Capital & Private Equity
- Chief Financial Officer
- Compliance Officer
- Fund Accountant
- Investor Relations
- Finance Manager - Investments
- Market Risk Manager
- Operations - Middle East Office (Private Equity, Listed Equities, Hedge Funds)
The guide lists financial modelling, investments (senior analyst/associate/senior associate/principal - private equity/international venture capital), senior strategic finance/CFO, compliance and investor relations (listed entities) as the most in-demand skills and experience.
The Michael Page Salary Guide and Hiring Insights United Arab Emirates 2023 lists the 2023 benchmarked average monthly salaries (including basic, housing and transport) for the UAE in the area of banking and financial services. With regards to retail banking, the Head of Consumer Banking can expect an average monthly salary of AED 160,000 while a Head of Wholesale Banking can expect an average monthly salary of AED 147,000. Managing Directors of Investment Banking can expect an average monthly salary of AED 130,000, Managing Directors of Private Equity/Investment Firms can expect an average monthly salary of AED 120,000 while Managing Directors of venture capital/investments can expect an average salary of AED 100,000. A Managing Director of Insurance can expect an average monthly salary of AED 103,000, while a Chief Operations Officer (COO) can expect an average monthly salary of AED 82,000. A Head of Compliance can expect an average salary of AED 75,000 while a Chief Risk Officer can expect AED 95,000. A Chief Financial Officer (Finance and Accounting, Investments/Funds) can expect an average monthly salary of AED 90,000
According to the Michael Page Salary Guide and Hiring Insights United Arab Emirates 2023, the following finance positions are in high demand:
- Commercial Finance/FP&A Managers
- Compliance/Risk/Internal Audit Managers
- Tax Managers
- Business Controllers/Finance Controllers
- Chief Financial Officers/Finance Directors
The Michael Page Salary Guide and Hiring Insights United Arab Emirates 2023 lists the 2023 benchmarked monthly salaries (including basic, housing and transport) for the UAE in the area of finance. The monthly salary expectations for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is AED 70,000 (SME) - AED 90,000 (MNC), a Financial Director AED 55,000 (SME) - AED 65,000 (MNC), and for a Finance Manager AED 32,000 (SME) - AED 38,000 (MNC). A Financial Controller can expect an average monthly salary of AED 38,000 (SME) - AED 42,000 (MNC). A Treasurer can expect an average salary of AED 65,000 (SME) - AED 100,000 (MNC).
Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance does not require candidates to have a background in the field of finance. Admission is open to the following candidates:
- Job seekers with bachelor's degrees who want to enter the workforce after graduation.
- Mid-career professionals who want to make a career change, use the degree for career advancement, enhance their skills in their current positions or pursue a doctoral degree.
Unlock a world of opportunities by exploring the benefits of a Master of Science in Finance and the diverse career paths it can lead you to by contacting the College of Business at +971-2-599-3605 / dgs.recruitment@zu.ac.ae
