Top 5 Trending Finance Courses In 2023

Let’s get one thing straight first. There are no shortcuts to success in the finance industry. You have to put in the time, effort and due diligence before you reap the fruits of your hard work. There are more career opportunities, job openings and growth prospects in the finance industry than ever before. However, it comes with high expectations, more challenges and severe competition. Having said that, there are some quick methods to help you achieve your goals. Five short-term finance courses that pave an easier path for you on your professional journey. These courses are curated as they offer the maximum learning experience in a minimum amount of time. They are highly regarded in the field, look good on your resume and give you the edge you need to get recruited. 

So if you can’t do a two-year, full-time MBA or an intensive long-term finance certification, that’s fine. Here are five finance certifications that can be completed in a short time, and still benefit your career in the long run. 

The advantages of doing a short-term finance course 

1. Can be done alongside a job or a college degree 

A short-term finance course is perfect for those professionals or students who are pressed for time but believe in making every minute count. If you are a working executive, a finance course can boost your chances of getting promoted or recruited without giving up your current job. College undergraduates and post-graduate students save valuable time by combining both academic courses. So when you graduate, your resume is already quite impressive. In today’s competitive world, you need to do whatever it takes to stay two steps ahead of the others who are vying for the same job positions. 

2. Upgrade your skills without any downtime 

The only thing predictable about the finance sector is that it is constantly evolving. Yesterday, the industry followed a specific set of accounting principles. Today, there is a shift to more internationally accepted standards such as the IFRS. You don’t want to lose out by being behind the times. You have to be on top of your game in this line of work. Some finance courses are quick to finish and get up to speed with the rest of the world.

3. Offers an understanding of the finance industry 

If you are a commerce student uncertain about your future, a short-term finance course can offer you some perspective. You can gain valuable insights, understand significant concepts and get a feel of what is expected of you. It is good exposure and can help you decide if this is the field for you without wasting too much of your time. 

4. Gives your resume more punch 

If you are worried that your commerce degree won’t impress recruiters, then any of the five short-term finance certifications below will rev up your CV. A financial modelling course or CFP qualification can make you a candidate that gets called in for an interview. 

Read – How to build a career in finance industry

Top 5 Short-term Finance Courses 

1. Financial Modelling

If there is one tool that can enhance your career as a finance professional, it is financial modelling. It is an efficient spreadsheet software that helps to organise company data to analyse performances or make growth predictions. Every company in the world uses this method, and if you don’t know it well, it could affect your hiring chances. Financial modelling requires advanced knowledge of MS Excel and effective analytical thinking abilities. A finance course can help you learn the tools you need. If you have this skill in your arsenal, you will go far in your career.

Financial Modeling Course Details:

• The program is for a duration of 3 to 6 months 
• Fees are in the range of Rs 25 to Rs 30,000
• The syllabus includes core finance knowledge, problem-solving techniques and different types of models

Eligibility Requirement: 

• Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for this finance course— students from any academic stream or working professional

Career Prospects: 

Financial modelling professionals can work in many positions in the following areas: 

• Investment banking companies
• Credit rating agencies 
• Merger and acquisitions department 
• Project finance
• Financial analysis

Salary Details:

Professionals with financial modelling training can earn around Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs a year

Click to know more about Proschool’s financial modelling course 

2. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

It is not unusual to find international companies merging or global corporations doing business around the world. The corporate arena is connected worldwide and this phenomenon has led to many countries adopting a standardized set of accounting codes. The IFRS is a global framework used across the planet in various industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, real estate, retail and FMCGs. The universal accounting standards ensure uniform reporting and prevent discrepancies and irregularities from cropping up during a major, multi-national business deal. As India slowly moves towards adapting to the IFRS, companies will require competent specialists to help them make the transition. This is one of the finance certifications that could prove very lucrative in the long run.

IFRS Course Details:

• It is a 3 to 6-month program
• Fees are in the range of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000
• The syllabus includes core finance knowledge, problem-solving techniques and different types of models

Eligibility Requirement:

• The finance course is open to graduates, accountants and trained professionals 

Career Prospects: 

The IFRS course offers one of the most rewarding finance certifications in India. The demand is steadily increasing as more companies are moving towards internationally accepted standards. Over 100 countries have incorporated the IFRS, and India is joining them. You can work with many companies such as Infosys, Tata Motors and Wipro. 

It is an exciting time for IFRS-certified accountants. 

Salary Details:

After completing this short-term finance course and depending on your area of specialty, you can earn between Rs 3.00 lakhs (starting salary) to Rs 21 lakhs (when experienced). 

Find out more about the IFRS course at Proschool here

3. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 

To an outsider, the investment services industry may seem overwhelming and chaotic. However, if you take a quick, short-term finance course such as the CFP, you are well equipped with the skills and tools to be successful in this complex field. 

The world of personal planning is growing as more Indian are becoming savvy about their finances. Banks and other financial institutions are also aware of this increasing need and are always looking for certified financial planners (CFPs) to join their teams. 

It is one of the best, globally recognised finance certifications and will help you make your mark as a prominent finance planner. 

Short-term finance course details:

• The duration varies between 6 to 9 months (especially if you study with a coaching institute)
• The fees are around Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000
• There are three exams for specialised certifications in the course 
  • Investment planning 
  • Retirement and tax planning
  • Risk management and estate planning
• There is a final CFP specialisation exam as well

Eligibility requirement:

• You can apply if you have cleared your 12th year (any stream will do) 
• However, commerce students are preferred 

Career prospects: 

• CFP professionals are highly qualified to work in several sections of the investment advisory industry. They can apply for jobs in 
  • Personal finance
  • Insurance agencies
  • Tax planning services
  • Wealth management

Salary details:

• A CFP professional has an average income of Rs 5 lakhs a year 

To know more about the CFP course at Proschool, visit here

4. NCFM

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) offers the NCFM course, one of the best finance courses for specialising in capital markets. Certain designations even require professionals to hold this qualification before applying for the position. The NSE academy offers many modules in the NCFM program, with levels ranging from beginner, mid-level and advanced. You can train in finance-specific areas like capital markets, debt markets, derivatives segments and banking management. It is a very good stamp to put on your resume and is doubly effective when done with other finance certifications such as CFA, MBA or CA. 

Short-term finance course details:

• It is an online program 
• The duration is 3 months or more (depending on which and how many modules you take) 
• Fees are Rs 10,000 onwards 

Eligibility requirement:

• You need to complete your 12th-year exams from a recognised college

Career prospects: 

There are a host of positions you can apply for after obtaining an NCFM certification. Some of the areas are:

• Equity dealer
• Relationship management 
• Stock brokerage 
• Risk management 

Salary details:

• It varies according to which certifications you have done

5. CFA level 1 

As one of the most prestigious finance certifications, the CFA course is highly intensive and rigorous. However, many professionals have completed level 1 and then moved on to find rewarding jobs. If you only finish the first level, it becomes a quick, short-term finance course while you work or study alongside. Level 1 commands a lot of respect in the industry because it teaches a high-quality syllabus and industry-relevant skills.

Short-term finance course details:

• You can complete level 1 within six months 
• The curriculum has ten subjects which include topics like financial statement analysis, equity investments, economics and derivatives 
• The subjects are the same in all three CFA levels

Eligibility requirement:

• You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised college to do this finance course
• You have worked for over 4,000 hours in a relevant field 
• A working, international passport is needed to apply for the CFA 

Career prospects: 

• You can join many entry-level positions at some of the biggest finance companies, such as ICIC Bank, JP Morgan Chase and Axis Securities.
• Some of the job profiles are: 
  • Equity research analyst 
  • Credit analyst 
  • Investment banking associate 

Salary details:

• You can take home a salary package of around Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 6 lakhs a year

Check out more information about CFA level 1 at Proschool

Why you should study with IMS Proschool 

As one of India’s finest coaching institutes, Proschool enjoys an impressive success rate and reputation in the corporate industry. The establishment is known for teaching students to become experts in finance courses such as CFA, IFRS, financial modelling, ACCA and others. Here are a few reasons how Proschool can make a difference in your career: 

• The school uses the active learning methodology to teach students more effectively 
• The faculty comprises educated and experienced industry professionals with a genuine interest in teaching 
• The institute also offers many different types of learning resources, such as mock tests, study prep books and over 2,000 practice papers
• Each student receives personalised attention so all doubts are cleared and core concepts are reinforced 
• Proschool has a 100 per cent placement program for all individuals who clear their courses
• Students also benefit from recruitment training, as they learn about resume writing and interview techniques 

In conclusion

If you lack the time or inclination to do any of the long-term, full-time finance courses, that’s fine. The trick here is to work smart, not work hard. Enrol yourself in any of the short-term finance courses listed above. These five finance certifications are power packed with the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career. Once you complete your certification, there will be a whole world of opportunities waiting for you.

Want to know more about Finance Courses

FAQs

1. What is the best finance course?

Answer: The “best” finance course really depends on your career objectives and current skill set. If you’re aiming for a comprehensive understanding with a global perspective, courses like CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) are top picks. For those inclined towards analytics and data handling, Financial Modelling could be a game-changer. Remember, each course has its unique strengths and caters to different career paths in the finance world.

2. Is finance a good career?

Answer: Absolutely! Finance is not just a good career; it’s a dynamic and rewarding one. With the constant evolution of markets and the global economy, finance professionals are always in demand. Whether you’re interested in investment banking, financial planning, or corporate finance, this field offers robust career growth, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the business world.

3. What is the highest salary in finance?

Answer: Salaries in finance can vary widely based on your role, experience, and the company you work for. Typically, roles in investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds can offer some of the highest salaries, sometimes going up to several crores annually for senior positions. However, it’s important to note that these high salaries often come with long hours and intense work environments.

4. What is the easiest finance course?

Answer: “Easiest” is subjective, but if you’re looking for something less intensive yet valuable, consider starting with a basic course in Financial Management or an introductory course in Accounting. These courses provide a solid foundation without overwhelming you, making them great starting points for a career in finance.

5. How do I start studying finance?

Answer: Starting a study in finance is all about direction and commitment. Begin by identifying your areas of interest within finance, be it investment banking, financial analysis, or planning. Then, select a course that aligns with your interest and career goals. You can opt for online courses, certifications, or even a degree program. Don’t forget to supplement your learning with real-world experience, like internships or part-time jobs in financial firms.