Computational Finance is the New Finance
By Marc Gordon - March 18, 2023

A recent breakthrough in the finance world is a new field emerging from within, namely computational finance. Computational finance is one of many highly technical skills used in the financial industry. The computational side of the profession is more concerned with algorithms, modeling, and the computer software that drives the majority of the modern financial world, whereas the majority of the finance sector is concerned with actually making transactions that range from stock trades to corporate acquisitions. This indicates that individuals who work in this area of finance frequently have a variety of educational backgrounds, including those in computer science, information systems, business administration, and finance.

One of the most fiercely competitive job markets in the United States is the finance industry. There is no exception on the more computational side of the sector, where candidates frequently face competition from several hundred candidates for each position and are evaluated equally on their experience and academic credentials. Most applicants have typically studied either computer science or finance as a major in college because this particular field is so intertwined with both sophisticated computing and money. The candidates with the best qualifications and the highest chances of landing the position typically hold dual Master of Science degrees in finance and computer science.

Pedigree also matters. Ivy League graduates or those who rank in the top 20 finance programs nationally or internationally are sought after by many of the largest financial firms. However, for smaller businesses, experience weighs more heavily than pedigree. The reasons experience and academic standing are so highly desired in this specific career are due to the enormous stakes involved: Financial ruin could result from one poor algorithmic programming decision for individuals, retirement services, equities, businesses, and many other stakeholders. It’s crucial that the personnel engaged can complete the task competently and correctly.