What jobs can you get with a commerce degree?

What do Google, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon have in common? UQ Bachelor of Commerce graduates.

Commerce degree careers aren't solely born from banks or leading accounting firms. An undergraduate degree in commerce can land you a position with some of the most forward-thinking and exciting companies around the globe.

Gone are the days when commerce degree jobs meant gaining entry into one company and working your way up to management over decades, then onto retirement. Today’s commerce graduates are adaptable creative and critical thinkers, ready to pursue opportunities, expand their networks, and lend their expertise to a variety of industries.

So, if you’re wondering ‘what does a commerce degree lead to?’, let’s have a closer look at some of the exciting career opportunities that could be at your fingertips as a graduate in this high-flying field.

Explore your future career in commerce:

• Business systems analyst
• Business data analyst
• Auditor
• Finance manager

Business systems analyst

A business systems analyst uses both business and technical expertise to analyse a business and its requirements and solve problems to improve the efficiency of a business’s operations.

What does a business systems analyst do?

A business systems analyst’s daily responsibilities include:

• combining business processes and technology solutions
• mapping a business’s computer systems and processes
• designing or recommending new systems to adopt
• monitoring performance and work across multiple teams to achieve efficiencies
• collaborating with multiple departments to understand operational needs.

Business systems analyst skills

The role of a business systems analyst combines strategy and expertise, and therefore needs the following skills:

• an analytical mind
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to think outside of the box
• initiative
• strong written and verbal communication
• software development knowledge
• an enthusiasm to stay up to date with the latest technologies.

Information sourced from Pay Scale, Your Career and Labour Market Insights.

Business data analyst

When companies have access to relevant, valuable data, they can make better quality decisions that fuel processes and strategic actions. Business data analysts help to collect, interpret and present this data.

What does a business data analyst do?

Business data analytics jobs often involve the following responsibilities:

• collecting and analysing data on customers to better understand consumer motives
• mapping trends in customer behaviours
• recommending changes to products or services and recognising opportunities for growth, based on data findings
• using data insights to assess the productivity of company processes and suggest ways to cost-effectively improve these, in collaboration with the business systems analyst
• closely monitoring competitor behaviour to make data-driven recommendations that will help the company get ahead in the market.

Skills of a business data analyst

Business data analysis requires the following skills:

• attention to detail
• confident and clear reporting skills
• the ability to transform complex data into easily digestible insights
• competency in database and information management
• strong grasp of mathematical and statistical concepts
• fluency in emerging technologies.

Auditor

Auditors are professionals who verify whether information in a financial report reflects the true financial position of an organisation following auditing standards set by regulatory and governing bodies. They can work internally within organisations, or externally, providing independent annual audits for commercial companies or those within the public sector.

What does an auditor do?

The day-to-duties of an auditor include:

• ensuring reporting is free from error (accidental and intentional) that could be fraud
• confirming all assets are properly recorded
• checking profits and losses are assessed accurately
• considering any economic or industry issues that could influence the business in question during the reporting period
• providing advice to management about the quality of corporation governance and risk management procedures/controls
• suggesting measures to reduce costs or improve profits.

Auditor skill set

To be an auditor, you’ll need the following skills:

• integrity
• objectivity
• attention to detail
• the ability to identify and manage risks
• problem solving skills
• business acumen
• strong organisational and project management skills
• investigative and critical thinking skills
• the ability to question one’s own judgements to consider all perspectives.

Finance manager

A finance manager oversees the finances and financial health of an organisation. To secure a finance manager position, you will often need upwards of 5 years of experience in other business and finance-related roles, including but not limited to, accounting, auditing, financial analysis and risk management. Many finance managers undergo postgraduate studies, but it is possible to secure a position in this area with relevant experience.

What does a finance manager do?

The duties and responsibilities of a finance manager include:

• reviewing analytical data
• budgeting an organisation’s costs
• monitoring cash flow and projecting future profit
• preparing reports
• strategic planning for an organisation’s financial goals
• managing financial risks
• directing investment activities by analysing market trends
• offering financial insights to support management in making decisions to ensure the company’s future viability.

Finance manager skills

To excel as a finance manager, you will need the following skills:

• attention to detail
• excellent communication skills
• confident stakeholder management skills
• analytical reasoning capabilities
• the ability to be forward-thinking
• effective leadership
• knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements
• adaptability.