Finance is an umbrella term for all activities associated with money, including getting, spending and investing. It also covers the tools and instruments people use in relation to money management as well as the systems and institutions through which these transactions take place.
Money management is an integral component of any society, be it a household or nation. Without it, people would not be able to purchase products or services or for businesses to run efficiently.
Money management involves the allocation of resources under uncertain conditions, with assets priced according to their risk level and expected rate of return. It also encompasses studying how and under what terms funds are distributed between those who have surplus and those in need.
This process is essential, as it enables companies and governments to purchase items they would not have been able to obtain without financial assistance. For instance, if a business cannot afford the purchase of the machine necessary to manufacture its product, financing the purchase becomes essential.
Corporate finance is the study of how to efficiently use funds in order to maximize profits for a business. This includes decisions about raising capital, investing it wisely, and sharing profits among shareholders.
Financial planning is an integral part of this discipline, which involves gathering internal financial information for each department within an organization and producing financial statements that assess an organization’s profitability and liquidity.
The finance department is often accountable for ensuring the organization has enough cash on hand to pay creditors and employees, as well as monitoring expenses and profits to ensure they stay within budget.
Typically, this position consists of a treasurer who manages cash flows and an accountant responsible for accounting. These two positions report directly to the chief financial officer.
Finance not only specializes in finances, but it also studies how economic indicators influence asset prices and money demand. It examines ways to minimize investment risks and how changing interest rates impact a firm’s operations.
Studying finance can lead to a bachelor’s degree in either economics or business administration. Some schools even offer combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these two disciplines, providing students with an opportunity to earn their advanced degree while still in school.
