Career opportunities
A Finance degree opens doors to a wide range of rewarding, well-paid careers. Finance professionals are in demand across virtually every sector, from government and education to banking, insurance, and global investment firms. Otago graduates are known for their strong analytical skills and global competitiveness, with many building successful careers in New Zealand and internationally.
Career options include:
- KiwiSaver fund manager
- Equity analyst
- Investment banker
- Merger and acquisition specialist
- Foreign exchange trader
- Private equity analyst
- Commodities trader
- Asset wealth management
- Private wealth management
- Commercial banking
- Consulting
- Risk analysis and risk management
- Stock broker
- Chief investment officer
- Asset portfolio management
How you will learn
Finance at Otago is delivered through a dynamic mix of lectures, tutorials and interactive computer laboratory sessions that are designed to build both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
Learning activities enhance student engagement via essays, equity analyst reports, case studies, Bloomberg computer lab sessions, Excel skills, group projects, presentations, and exams.
Assessment is designed to develop analytical thinking, communication skills, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
Background knowledge in economics, accounting, mathematics, or statistics is helpful, but not required. Students need to have an interest in how money works – and in making informed decisions that add value over time.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Commerce along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Finance
Explore postgraduate study in Finance at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a support...
I chose Otago for its strong academic reputation, practical and career-focused Finance and Accounting programmes, and its relationships with industry-leading firms. The teaching quality, supportive learning environment, and exposure to real-world applications have all exceeded my expectations and confirmed I made the right choice.
Benjamin Wilson
Studying for a Bachelor of Commerce (Major: Finance, Minor: Accounting)
One project I particularly enjoyed was the Impact Investment Pitch in FINC 320. Our task was to design an investment that delivered both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes. I found it rewarding to think beyond traditional metrics and develop a proposal that aligned with broader sustainability goals. It challenged us to think creatively while still applying solid financial reasoning.
Ella Lawson
Ngāti Pāhauwera
Studying for a Master of Business (Finance), Bachelor of Commerce (Major: Finance, Minor: Accounting)
Globally respected, industry connected
Study Finance at Otago and set yourself apart with a world-class education that combines real data with modern portfolio investment strategies, academic rigor, and a global perspective of corporate finance principles.
- High-quality teaching by industry experts and leading researchers
- Access to our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Markets Lab – one of the largest academic trading labs in New Zealand
- Learn through the use of real-time data and case studies
- Internationally recognised programme with exchange opportunities
- Graduate with the skills and experience to make a difference in the workplace
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data | 18 |
| BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making | 18 | |
| BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems | 18 | |
| FINC 102 Business Mathematics | 18 | |
| BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy – must normally be taken in first year of study | 36 | |
| 200-level | FINC 202 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | 18 |
| FINC 203 Financial Data Analysis | 18 | |
| FINC 206 Fundamentals of Corporate Finance | 18 | |
| 300-level | FINC 302 Applied Investments | 18 |
| FINC 303 Financial Management | 18 | |
| Two further 300-level papers, (one must be a FINC paper, and the other must be a FINC, ACCT or ACFI paper) | 36 | |
| Plus | 126 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 126 |
| Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must normally be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: Any student who completed PTWY 111 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 113. Any student who has completed PTWY 112 before enrolling in the BCom degree shall be exempt from the requirement to complete BSNS 114. A candidate completing the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws is able to satisfy the CPA/CAANZ accreditation requirements by substituting:a) LAWS 202, LAWS 203, LAWS 204, LAWS 301 and LAWS 407 in place of BLAW 211 and BLAW 212 b) LAWS 416 in place of ACTP 312. | ||
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making FINC 102 Business Mathematics | 18 18 |
| 200-level | See below | |
| 300-level | Three FINC or ACFI papers above 100-level, including at least one 300-level FINC paper | 54 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
FINC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT299 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| ACFI406 | 2026 | Advanced Financial Econometrics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ACFI525 | 2026 | Governance Issues in Accounting and Finance | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC102 | 2026 | Mathematical Foundations for Finance | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FINC202 | 2026 | Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| FINC203 | 2026 | Financial Data Analysis | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC204 | 2026 | Personal Finance | 18 points | Summer School |
| FINC206 | 2026 | Fundamentals of Corporate Finance | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC299 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC302 | 2026 | Applied Investments | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC303 | 2026 | Financial Management | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC304 | 2026 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC305 | 2026 | International Financial Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC306 | 2026 | Derivatives | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC308 | 2026 | Financial Econometrics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC309 | 2026 | Financial Modelling | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC310 | 2026 | Fixed Income Security Analysis | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC320 | 2026 | Sustainable Investing | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC399 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC502 | 2026 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC503 | 2026 | Studies in Capital Markets | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC505 | 2026 | Mathematical Finance | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| FINC510 | 2026 | Advanced International Financial Management | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC511 | 2026 | Financial Risk Management | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC512 | 2026 | Financial Analytics | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC520 | 2026 | Climate and Energy Finance | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC544 | 2026 | Behavioural Finance | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| FINC598 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| FINC599 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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