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Day: March 2, 2023

How does a CMA course add value to your career?

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Are you an aspiring accountant, finance professional or business leader looking to take a career in management accounting to the next level? If yes, then a CMA certification may be the missing piece to your career puzzle. 

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized professional certification designed to enhance your knowledge, skills, and credibility in management accounting and finance. This blog will explore the benefits of a CMA course and how it can add value to your career.

certified management accounting course

The certified management accounting course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to succeed in today’s complex business environment. The course covers various topics, including financial planning, analysis, control, decision-making, performance and internal control, risk management, and governance. 

The Certified Management Accountant course can add tremendous value to your career. By obtaining a CMA certification, you can demonstrate your expertise in accounting and finance, which employers across different industries highly value. 

The CMA course also provides opportunities for skill acquisition and development, career advancement, and networking. By preparing for and passing the Certified Management Accountant exam, you can become an essential asset to your organization.

Advantages of Having Certified Management Accounting Course Certification

One of the most significant advantages of having a CMA is that it adds much value to your career. The Certified Management Accountant course showcases your deep understanding of accounting and finance, which employers across industries highly value. 

Here are some other advantages of having a CMA certification:

Business Appeal: With the CMA, you will be better equipped to make strategic business decisions that help drive growth and profitability for your organization. Employers will value your expertise in finance and accounting, and you will be seen as a valuable asset to the organization.

Global Opportunities: Certified Management Accountant certification is recognized globally, providing opportunities to work in different countries and industries. This certification gives you an edge in the job market and will be valuable to employers across other regions.

Growth Opportunities: The CMA course provides opportunities for growth in your career. The CMA certification equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, whether you want to advance the corporate ladder or take on new challenges.

Value as an Employee: The Management Accountant certification shows that you are committed to your profession and have invested time and effort to enhance your skills and knowledge. This makes you a valuable asset to your organization, and you will likely be seen as a strategic partner rather than just an employee.

How Does the CMA Course Add Value to Your Career?

Now that we have looked at the advantages of a Certified Management Accountant course, let us explore how it adds value to your career.

Professionalism and Career Relevance: A CMA certification shows dedication and professionalism in your field. With this certification, you can demonstrate a strong grasp of accounting and finance, increasing your relevance and value.

Strategic Business Acumen and Decision-Making Skills: The CMA course equips you with strategic business acumen and decision-making skills. This certification provides the tools and knowledge to analyze financial data and make decisions that drive business success.

Validation of Competencies and Knowledge: Management Accountant certification validates your competencies and knowledge in accounting and finance. It shows that you have the skills and expertise needed to succeed, and employers can trust your abilities.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: The management accountant course offers networking and teamwork opportunities with other industry experts. You can join the IMA and attend conferences and events to meet other professionals and learn about the most recent developments in accounting and finance.

Discover a Career in Management Accounting with Imarticus Learning

The certified management accounting course gives students valuable knowledge of management accounting. Additionally, all students will receive additional advanced Excel and financial modeling instruction, giving them all practical, real-world experience and complete job-ready.

Course Benefits for Learners:

  • The learners can work for Fortune 500 companies and pursue global management and accounting careers.
  • Students will be equipped to collaborate with leading names in the financial sector, accounting, consulting, and MNCs in various industries.
  • The Certified Management Accountant course offers a thorough pre-placement boot camp, resume-writing assistance, and interview coaching.
  • We offer placement assistance, guaranteed interviews with top companies, and training in soft skills.

6 Chief Operating Officer Roles and Responsibilities

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, a COO holds utmost significance in any organisation. They stand to be more demanding than ever. A Chief Operating Officer (COO) ensures that an organisation operates effectively by running its operations, simplifying supply chains, and implementing strategic plans. According to research, Opportunities for Strategic COOs exist globally, with major financial hubs such as New York, London, Singapore, and Hong Kong offering numerous positions.

This blog explores the key responsibilities of a COO in the domains of supply chain and operations. We’ll also discuss how advanced training programs, such as the IIM Raipur Executive Certificate Programme, can help aspiring COOs excel in their careers.

What Does a Chief Operating Officer Do?

The Chief Operating Officer is one of the key positions in any organisation. As an implementor of a business strategy, the COO needs to ensure that operations are efficient while still driving organisational growth. Deep knowledge in supply chain and operations management with leadership abilities must empower teams to work toward attainment of corporate objectives.

Why does the role of a COO matter?

  • Operational Excellence: The COO will ensure that the organisation performs at an optimal level.
  • Strategic Alignment: The COO will enable the CEO by creating actionable goals that bring a shared vision to life.
  • Leadership: The COO will create innovation and collaboration culture across teams.

Key Chief Operating Officer Roles and Responsibilities

  1. Propelling Operational Strategy

A Chief Operating Officer would formulate strategies which might be useful in optimising the company’s operational performance and work toward their implementation. They would work with other executives to establish the organisation’s performance metrics and align its operations to streamline the work.

Focus Areas:

  • Process optimisation
  • Optimisation of resource use
  • Reduce risk 

  1. Manage Supply Chain

The most important supply chain function that falls under the COO role is the smooth movement of goods and services. It includes all procurement, logistics, and inventory management.

Focus Areas:

  • Vendor management
  • Inventory optimisation
  • Cost-cutting initiatives

  1. Improving Operational Effectiveness

Efficiency lies at the core of the COO roles in operations management. COOs detect bottlenecks and work on solutions to make operations more productive and minimise costs.

Focus Areas:

  • Workflow automation
  • Teamwork
  • Performance metrics

  1. Leading Technology Integration

In the modern digital landscape, the COOs need to be leaders for integrating technology into operations. This would translate into data-driven tools for supply chain and operational analytics.

Focus Areas:

  • Digital transformation
  • Supply chain analytics
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

  1. Cross-Functional Teams Management

A COO is a department interface. It helps ensure that teams work towards organisational goals. Communication and conflict resolution skills are important here.

Focus Areas:

  • Team alignment
  • Leadership development
  • Stakeholder engagement

  1. Compliance and risk management

The key responsibilities of a COO includes ensuring that operations are adhered to regulatory standards and maintaining risk proactively. 

Focus Areas:

  • Compliance with regulatory standards
  • Risk analysis
  • Crisis management

Importance of Training for Chief Operating Officers

The dynamics in the business world are changing, and so is the need for COOs to be responsive to trends. Chief Operating Officers must balance strategic decision-making with operational efficiency with leading diverse teams. Effective training equips COOs with the tools, skills and mindset needed to navigate this complexity and drive organisational success. Professional training is indispensable for Chief Operating Officers.

IIM Raipur Executive Certificate Programme for Strategic Chief Operations Officers

Tailormade C-suite Training

This 10-month program covers fully the scope of the tasks of the COO responsibilities in supply chain and operations management and it is the best supply chain and operations training program. The learners get a strategic view on the design and development of the supply chain.

SCM Globe Simulations

The learners in this course get a close-up exposure to supply chain modeling and decision-making experience. They gain a comprehensive understanding of supply chain design, development, and management.

CXO Masterclasses

Learn from seasoned CXOs who share their expertise on leadership, strategy, and problem-solving with you. These masterclasses are essentially practical tools to navigate through the complexities of the COO role.

Campus Immersion

The programme includes campus immersion experience at IIM Raipur. It allows participants to network with their peer group and distinguished faculty members.

IIM Raipur Executive Alumni Status

The graduating candidates are also given the chance of taking the executive alumni status at IIM Raipur that offers privileged access to exclusive resources and other events and networking activities similar to this

Building Your Social Net Worth

The course will give a person-to-person connection to industrial leaderships and peers from a variety of backgrounds where the attendees can build their networking.

FAQs

What is the core responsibility of a Chief Operating Officer?

A COO is at the helm of operational strategy, supply chain management, efficiency, incorporation of technology, management of teams, and risk avoidance.

How do COOs improve supply chain management?

COOs make procurement, logistics, and inventory processes streamlined and cost-efficient.

What are the skills that a COO needs?

Key competencies include strategic thinking, leadership, operational management, technological prowess, and risk assessment.

Why should I take up a training program for COOs?

The training course teaches one all the knowledge and experience needed to work well in this challenging job. It provides a healthy enhancement level in one’s career, as well as elevates leadership skills

How does the IIM Raipur Executive Certificate prepare one to become a COO?

The IIM Raipur Executive Certificate Programme integrates strategic knowledge with hand-on learning and networking experience to empower professionals for COO.

Conclusion

Chief Operating Officer is a much-needed role in the corporate world today. COOs are now playing a very critical role in the organisational setup from managing supply chains to driving operational excellence. For this role and to shine with excellence, the right stepping stone is taking specialised training courses such as the IIM Raipur Executive Certificate Programme for Strategic Chief Operations Officers. The program’s curriculum, including world-class faculty and unmatched networking opportunities, will help develop tomorrow’s leaders. Be challenged by playing the role of a COO and be that strategic leader your organisation needs. The future of operations management awaits!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Full Stack Developer Resume in 2023

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

With technology holistically running our lives, the world of development is consistently in demand for experts in this field. Full stack developers have the prerequisite skillset for both front- and back-end development of web pages and applications. Companies are constantly on the lookout for talent to ideate, design, build, and launch websites and apps to help businesses garner revenue. 

These days, many students and graduates are turning to full-stack development as a career choice because of its lucrative opportunities in the job market. Here is a detailed guide to help you become a full stack developer if you are an enthusiast.

Why are full stack developers in demand?

Full Stack Development Course

The world’s reliance on technology has created a constant demand for innovative software and dynamic websites. Full stack developers are involved in building advanced websites and applications that cannot be built with just markup language. Some of the main reasons why full stack developers are in demand have been elucidated below:

  • Dynamic skill set: A full stack web developer or app developer is an asset to any web development team. They come with adequate technical knowledge and a diverse skillset to work on varied projects. They also have a strong understanding of database technologies as well as client- and server-side development and have experience working with various programming languages.
  • Front end and back end knowledge: Full stack developers are well-versed in front-end programming (Javascript, HTML, and CSS) and back-end programming (PHP, Node.js., Ruby on Rails).
  • Cost efficiency: Hiring a full stack developer with a dynamic skillset is much more cost-effective than hiring an entire team of various specialists. Secondly, it takes significantly lesser money if there is only one individual to train. Thirdly, companies don’t have to invest in additional infrastructure to accommodate different teams.
  • Faster development: Being skilled in both front end and back end knowledge, a full stack developer can build applications and websites faster than traditional developers. Full stack developers can also provide a more comprehensive perspective while handling a project and identify problems and areas that have the potential to improve.
  • Higher value: Due to their higher responsibility levels in a company, full stack developers are more valuable as an asset. They are tasked with managing every facet of a website or application, from user interface to database.
  • Quicker bug fixes: A full stack developer is adept in coding a web application from the beginning to its completion. This enables them to quickly identify bugs and resolve them with immediate effect instead of waiting for a separate developer to fix them.
  • Adaptability: Companies have a high demand for full stack developers due to their high adaptability when it comes to working with numerous forms of technology. With their in-depth knowledge, they can switch between back- and front-end operations with ease.
  • Management skills: With businesses constantly striving to expand an online presence, they are in need of developers who can manage every facet of website development. Full stack developers can work in many roles in a team. This makes them valuable assets in any company.

6 key steps to building a strong full stack developer resume 

Step 1: Learn the basics of web development

Learning the basics of web development and its workings is key to becoming a full-stack developer. 

Step 2: Learn HTML and CSS

Being adept in these two languages is key to mastering the front end. Although they are primarily used in scripting static websites, strengthening the basics can help you venture into modern styling methods like Bootstrap, SCSS, Tailwind CSS, and more. 

Step 3: Learn the basics of JavaScript and DOM manipulation

Learning HTML and CSS will ease you into learning JavaScript and DOM. Although it might seem intimidating initially, opt for third-party plugins or APIs to make innovative web pages when starting out. However, before moving on to JavaScript, make sure that you have adequate practice in developing simple dynamic web pages. This will help you strengthen your basic knowledge to make the next step easier to grasp. You will also need to familiarise yourself with jQuery for advanced understanding.

Step 4: Choose an appropriate front-end stack

Choosing a front-end stack suited to your preference is the next big step. You can choose JavaScript-based front-end stacks like Vue, React, or Angular. Hone your skills with adequate practice.

Step 5: Choose an appropriate back-end stack

The last and most important step is choosing your back-end stack for back-end development. You can start with the Express.js framework and Node.js. Back-end scripting is integral for the smooth functioning of a project and therefore, requires critical thinking skills. PostgreSQL and MongoDB are also popular choices. 

Conclusion

The continued demand for full stack developers will create a surge in job opportunities. With their well-rounded skills and ability to work on multiple kinds of projects, companies will always have open job positions for individuals with the required expertise. To carve out a successful career in full stack development, you will need to have in-depth knowledge of data structures and algorithms and also open-source automation systems like Kubernetes. 

To kickstart your career as a full stack developer, you can opt for the Full Stack Development programme. Offered by Imarticus, this course is a job-assured programme designed by industry experts aimed to upskill you with a detailed understanding of front- and back-end development. 

Top data science and ML challenges in 2023

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Data science and machine learning (ML) have become key determinants of business success. While data science deals with collecting, analysing and drawing meaning from data, machine learning focuses on building models that use data to make informed predictions. Data science involves various fields and techniques, including machine learning. Data scientists use ML models to improve data analysis and forecasts. 

Data Science Course

Data science and machine learning courses have become increasingly popular, with the demand for skilled professionals rising. In addition to having the relevant knowledge and skills, data scientists and ML experts must be quick to identify challenges and tackle them. 

This article will look at the top data science and ML challenges and how professionals can deal with them.

What are the major challenges faced in this field?

Let’s discuss some significant challenges data science and ML professionals face.

Data preparation

Collecting, organising, cleaning and analysing data is extremely tedious. Different platforms require the data to be stored in specific formats using various codes. One has to keep in mind that there should be no change in the original dataset while the analysis is being carried out. This is a major data science challenge.

Lack of appropriate data

The unavailability of proper datasets can often turn out to be problematic. Too small a dataset can result in sampling bias. To predict future performances based on past information, efficient datasets are necessary, and the inability to extract such data can often become a challenge. 

Incomplete dataset

Complete and balanced data is necessary to build machine learning models,  However, if an incomplete dataset is used, it might lead to inaccurate predictions and erroneous conclusions.

Missing values

If a dataset has a lot of missing values, then it becomes difficult to work with the data since many programming languages fail to give accurate results in this case. A non-stationary dataset might pose a challenge since it becomes complex to work with.

Data protection

The threat of cyber-attacks calls for secure data storage to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. Due to some organisations’ stringent data protection measures, accessing it becomes difficult for data scientists. Even after accessing, working on this data while conforming to these additional restrictions often becomes challenging for them. 

Data inaccuracy

If a model has been built with incorrectly labelled data, then it will certainly give incorrect results once new information has been incorporated. Therefore, ensuring the accuracy of results using proper data labels and variable types often proves quite daunting.

Data inconsistency

Consistent data is a must to build an appropriate machine learning model. Any inconsistency in the data can lead to false conclusions. Thus, the data should be free from bias and there should be no inaccurate data sources when building ML models. 

How can these challenges be tackled?

Several measures can be taken to tackle the challenges that have been discussed above:

  • Setting a definite target 

Setting the primary purpose behind the data collection and analysis is essential as it will help to make the process more precise and focussed. Once the research question has been defined, it becomes easier to carry out data operations and derive insights.

  • Cleaning the data to minimise errors

While cleaning the data, it is essential to reduce errors as much as possible, omit missing values or substitute them with other appropriate values and eliminate duplicate observations. It is also vital to detect unnecessary trends and anomalies in the dataset. 

  • Checking the linearity of data

It is crucial to check for non-linear relationships in the collected data and make them linear if needed. Checking data linearity will provide information on whether the data is sufficient or if some more variables need to be included.

  • Efficiently managing data

Efficient data management and integration tools must be utilised to ensure the availability of appropriate data required for the study. Data must be collected from reliable sources and appropriately sorted.

  • Implementing data governance

Data management and model governance processes must be set up to improve model performance, precision and accuracy. If required, regular model re-training is a must by setting up relevant tools and processes. 

Conclusion 

There are many challenges one might encounter in this field. However, it does not deter aspirants from pursuing data science and machine learning courses to join this thriving industry. In addition to imparting theoretical knowledge, these courses encourage hands-on experience working with various tools necessary to tackle these challenges successfully.

 If you are interested in data science and machine learning, then check out the Imarticus IIT Roorkee data science course. The 5-month certificate programme in data science and machine learning is designed by eminent IIT faculty members. It will teach you the fundamentals of data science and machine learning while training you to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. 

How to Become A Supply Chain Professional: A Guide

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

A supply chain is a system of facilities and transportation channels. It coordinates the purchase of raw materials, their transformation into intermediate and completed goods, and their distribution to the end customers. 

Notably, supply chain management (SCM) is the process of overseeing the flow of products and services – from sourcing raw materials to final products.

As businesses have become more globalised and competitive, the demand for supply chain management professionals has also shot up. 

To become supply chain professionals, aspirants must have specific skills and relevant educational qualifications. This article will address everything you need to know about becoming a supply chain professional. 

What is supply chain management?

At a fundamental level, supply chain management controls the flow of information, materials, and finance for a product or service. It takes care of everything – from purchasing raw materials to delivering the final product to its destination.

The concepts of supply chain and logistics sometimes need clarification. Logistics is a subpart of the supply chain. 

best supply chain management and analytics training

SCM systems nowadays are digitally created and encompass the handling of materials and software. This happens for all parties involved in creating products and services.

Getting the material, supply chain planning, product lifecycle management, logistics, and order management are all integral steps of a supply chain.

Whether strategic or tactical, material procurement falls under the responsibility of supply chain managers. They keep the inventory under control by keeping track of material availability and when it will be used. Additionally, they plan shipping routes and merge cargo whenever feasible.

Responsibilities of a supply chain manager

A supply chain manager has a wide range of responsibilities. Some of them are listed below:

  • Design the supply chain strategy for the company
  • To spot problems, analyse data from shipping and delivery
  • Keep an eye on logistics to make sure everything goes well
  • Proper upkeep of the records and inventory
  • Find reasonable solutions for supply chain problems
  • Fix any issues that arise (such as delays during delivery or accidents)
  • Oversee and encourage a group of supply chain employees
  • Enhance the effectiveness of the supply chain overall and search for any potential process innovations
  • Build connections with manufacturers, both new and old
  • To achieve sustainability goals, consider the supply chain’s environmental impact

Steps to follow to become a supply chain professional 

There are three ways in which you can become a supply chain professional. They are as follows:

Path 1:

  • Step 1 – Complete your 10+2 level education from any recognised board 
  • Step 2 – Pursue a BBA degree 
  • Step 3 – Pursue an MBA in logistics and supply chain 

Path 2:

  • Step 1 – Complete your 10+2 level education from any recognised board 
  • Step 2 – Pursue a B.Tech or B.E. 
  • Step 3 – Pursue an MBA in logistics 

Path 3: 

  • Step 1 – Complete your 10+2 level education from any recognised board 
  • Step 2 – Pursue a bachelor’s degree in any relevant field 
  • Step 3 – Get certification in supply chain management

Salary of a supply chain professional 

The average salary of a supply chain manager is Rs 13.1 LPA. It ranges between Rs 4.4 LPA and Rs 25 LPA depending on your experience, position, company and workplace. 

Skills necessary for a supply chain professional 

To become a successful supply chain professional, you must work on your skill set and education. Here are some skills and qualities a supply chain professional must have: 

  • Strong communication abilities

These professionals collaborate with several divisions in their organisation and suppliers to get a product manufactured and delivered to customers. Therefore, supply chain specialists must be effective communicators to promote collaboration and cooperation.

  • A strong moral sense

A supply chain professional, like any other business leader, must have a solid moral compass and be able to demonstrate it to peers and business partners. They must be fair to all participants in the supply chain.

  • Dedication to excellence

Customers will not do business with any company that produces inferior quality goods. A supply chain expert must hold his business to the highest standards to ensure success.

  • Time management

Every employee must be able to do tasks quickly and supply chain professionals are no exception. Anyone who works in the supply chain has a full day of commitments. Therefore, they must be skilled at balancing them all.

  • Tech expertise

The supply chain has been dramatically shaped by technology. Professionals in the supply chain must stay up-to-date on new advancements and be prepared to discuss how they could benefit the organisation.

Conclusion 

A professional overseeing the entire supply chain of a company, from raw material sourcing to the final production, is known as a supply chain manager. An essential part of business success, supply chain professionals ensure the continuity of delivery pipelines to meet market demand and enhance sustainability. 

To become a supply chain professional, consider enrolling in the Chief Supply Chain Management course offered by Imarticus in collaboration with IIM Raipur. The 10-month executive certificate programme incorporates live online classes and campus immersion to train professionals for senior supply chain management roles.

Capital Budgeting and the Role of CFOs

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

A chief financial officer (CFO) is one of the highest-ranking finance practitioners in a company. Any business stands upon its financial plans and strategies, which in turn fall on the shoulders of a CFO. In addition to being the financial supervisor, they actively advise the CEO and other directorial board members on business functioning and strategies.

Steering the wheels of financial leadership in any business, a Chief Financial Officer takes care of the financial health of a business. Their responsibilities are expansive, including but not limited to cash flow management, merger or acquisition planning, capital analysis and capital budgeting. 

In this article, we will understand the role of the CFO in the capital budgeting of a business.

Assessing, planning and deciding: What is capital budgeting? 

Simply put, capital budgeting involves identifying and evaluating different potential investments and choosing the ones with the highest returns. A project is assessed based on the cash outflow it demands and the cash inflow it generates.

chief financial officers course

In general, a business invests in projects with a profit scope. However, when there is a limitation in the budget, it has to assess different ventures and choose the one which scores highest on return benefits. 

An example of a decision based on capital budgeting would be to invest in guest posting on high DA websites to reach the company’s SEO goals instead of hiring an in-house marketing team. 

To explain this in lay terms, let us consider another example. Your laptop has stopped working. Given your budget, you can buy or rent a new laptop or repair the old laptop. 

You realise that your laptop is just one year old and repairing it will give you the best ROI on the investment you already made on your old laptop. So, the best option would be to repair your old laptop instead of the other options that negate the ROI of your old laptop. 

To invest or not to invest, that is the question: Significance of capital budgeting

A bad investment is as bad as running into debt, if not worse. Prudent investment decisions are necessary for a company to stay on top of its profit-making game. To make sure every investment is worth it, capital budgeting is indispensable. Here are some of the functional significances of capital budgeting: 

  • Profit above all

As discussed earlier, the primary purpose of capital budgeting is selecting the most profitable projects amongst a pool of potential investments. 

  • Capital outflow management

Capital budgeting puts a rein on investments by planning the outflow required and the period for which it will be necessary. Many projects might need investments over a shorter tenure, which may be selected over long-term expenditure projects.  

  • Evaluating fund sources

The funding for a project is often outsourced. Evaluating the right source of financing that is most appropriate and profitable for the business is a part of the capital budgeting process.

  • Preventing debts

When the funds are outsourced, a wrong investment that cannot gain minimum revenue to cover the investment amount might drag a business into debt. Every investment is irreversible, and thus, analysing it minutely before giving the green light to it is crucial to prevent any potential debts. 

Judgements and decisions: Role of CFO in capital budgeting

Shouldering all financial responsibilities, a CFO supervises the entire capital budgeting process involving a series of decision-making situations. It has many functions beyond the simple selection of projects because each project has a holistic impact on a business. Therefore, a CFO supervises the process and makes big decisions. 

  • Setting the investment budget and profit benchmark: A CFO has the final say in forecasting the capital required for an initial and overall investment in a project. This ensures that the entire amount is sourced and ready and a workable target is selected for the income profit from that particular project.
  • Increasing company ranking: A CFO churns out the highest profit possible and this gain helps the company go up the ladder of corporate competition.
  • Supervising each step: There are five main steps in the capital budgeting process – identifying projects, assessing their profitability potential, finalising the project and its budget, setting a target return and reviewing the financial performance. A CFO takes care of everything involved in each of these steps.  

As a financial supervisor, a good CFO excels at financial leadership and ensures the smooth functioning of all financial operations and the fulfilment of targets.

Conclusion

Capital budgeting is a prominent part of finance and budget management. With careful consideration of the right investment opportunities, the finance of a business will stay intact.

As a strategic financial counsellor, a CFO has to be on top of the economic functioning of the company. Sound financial decisions made by a CFO builds a company’s success story.

If you are trying to get a grounding in all the skills that a prudent CFO needs to run the financial management of a business, then check out Imarticus’ Postgraduate Certificate Programme for Emerging CFOs. The 12-month course incorporates live online classes and campus immersion to train emerging CFOs with the required professional skill set to ace their job profile requirements. 

Emerging technologies in Fintech: Decoding the “tech” in Fintech

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Fintech is the gateway to automated financial services. It assists businesses and customers alike. Technological assistance for financial operations includes machine learning, internet of things (IoT), blockchain, digital currency, cloud computing, and more.

Fintech course

Before delving deeper into the intricacies of technological advancement, it is crucial to know what fintech is all about. Automated banking, cryptocurrency, investment, trading, and loans fall under the realm of fintech. Anything that involves moving funds with technological aid can be considered under fintech. 

This industry is not new but has evolved rapidly over recent years. Flexibility is critical to more contemporary fintech propositions, as more platforms are trying to mould themselves to the customer’s needs. 

The revenue generated by fintechs is expected to reach 188 billion euros by 2024. Keeping in touch with the latest technology and what it has to offer can ensure a healthy financial return in the near future. 

Take a look at the top five emerging technologies in fintech. 

Blockchain

While blockchain might come across as a dated technology, it is constantly evolving.

Blockchain simplifies financial transactions, secures them, and makes banking more accessible. 

It can be applied for more consumer-friendly applications related to banking. Blockchain as a Service or BaaS is used to develop third-party services to operate services related to it. BaaS handles the complexities of technology while the client focuses entirely on the operation. Companies are slowly catching up on the advantages of progressive blockchain technologies. 

Blockchain offers transparency, making it possible to track each transaction to its source. Additionally, any change in the record is virtually impossible without changing subsequent blocks. Thus, the chances of committing fraudulent activities are almost negligible. It is heavily utilised for cryptocurrency transactions. 

Cloud Computing

Security is foremost in any financial situation. Cloud computing excels at securing your financial data with increasing risks associated with more significant transactions. Unlike local servers, it provides de-centralised data storage, significantly reducing the risk of data theft. 

Cloud computing offers geographically flexible cloud storage to reduce the risk of data loss and aid data migration in case of disruptions. Developers have worked on  technology to create self-service applications that are easily accessible and resourceful. 

It is cost-effective and provides data on demand. This greatly empowers clients who prefer micromanaging their organisation’s resources instead of a dedicated department. Clients may also take advantage of the global network that cloud computing offers. 

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a familiar name in the realm of fintech. However, its increasing popularity is eventually steering it toward the mainstream market. Areas with unstable finances opt for cryptocurrencies. 

The use of cryptocurrency involves going through a secure process involving blockchain, reducing common hazards like fraud and data theft. Its decentralised data collection system is a great way to monitor and track transactional records. 

According to Fortune Business Insights, cryptocurrency is estimated to have a growth rate of 11.1% in the 2021-28 window. It is evident that cryptocurrency is set to dominate the market in the coming years. 

AI Trading and Investment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually taking over fintech. It is a boon for stock market newbies as it provides a secure and convenient trading experience. Artificial intelligence has become an indispensable tool for predicting the market and pointing toward the right investment opportunities. 

Increasing instances of mobile trading applications have paved the way for accessible trading opportunities. Artificial intelligence almost instantaneously analyses several thousands of data to provide recommendations before investing in a stock. It easily outshines human capacity for stock market analysis with the sheer amount of data processed. 

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, popularly known as IoT, is a network of devices that share data with each other. This includes devices that can collect data with minimum human intervention. IoT includes cloud computation, machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

IoT helps to collect and monitor the huge influx of data involved in banking and finance. It uses its vast network and sensors installed in its devices for convenient contactless transactions. IoT also secures data and detects malware or phishing attempts. In a nutshell, IoT delivers convenience with security, a desirable combination. 

Fintech is moving towards a more secure, convenient and contactless mode of fund transfer. The technology employed strives to make financial management more accessible to the public with an attempt at transparency. 

Conclusion

Imarticus has collaborated with the finest academic partner to offer the best fintech certification course.

SP Jain Fintech certification empowers you with hands-on training and case studies. Decode the technological side of fintech with an extensive curriculum and specialisation in automated technology. This course covers all the critical aspects of fintech and gives students access to Imarticus’s premium fintech community. Students can also experience the perks of an SP Jain alumni status with a taste of global learning. 

SOC Expert: Everything You Need to Know About The Cybersecurity Analyst Role

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

With the increasing number of threats online, organisations are now building robust SOC teams to safeguard their data from the outer world. This is because most of the company data is stored online for easy access. Hence, the demand for SOC experts is on the rise. 

In this article, let’s dive into understanding the job responsibilities and skills required to become a SOC expert and how they have come as a boon to the cybersecurity community. 

Who is a SOC analyst? 

The full form of SOC is Security Operations Centre. A SOC team is a centralised team within a business that monitors threats, incidents, and suspicious illicit activities 24 hours a day. The SOC analyst team takes immediate action to mitigate these threats from their roots. They also provide remediation efforts to avoid such mishaps in the future. 

A SOC analyst uses the SIEM tool to monitor cybersecurity threats. This tool captures logs from a variety of servers to monitor real-time threats. The tool is also responsible for identifying unusual behaviours throughout the networks based on these logs. Once a suspicious activity is logged, the tool takes necessary actions to report this issue for further investigation. 

Job roles of a SOC analyst

In simple words, the job role of a SOC analyst entails monitoring and auditing a company’s cyber threats. But other than that, there are much more responsibilities of a SOC analyst to look out for. They are: 

  • Surveillance of systems of the organisation: Primarily, the main job role of a SOC analyst is monitoring the network infrastructure of the organisation. This includes monitoring applications, networks, logs, and cloud data for any irregularity that might hint at a breach.
  • Mitigate security threats in real-time: When the SOC analyst identifies a security threat, the threat is passed to the team to determine its causes to take up preventive measures.
  • Respond and investigate the incidents: The SOC analyst of an organisation not only protects their network from threats but is equally responsible for investigating the threat and reporting it to authorities if necessary. Once the investigation is complete, the SOC analyst gathers data about the cyber threat and plans effective prevention.
  • Collaboration with team members for implementing preventive measures: SOC analysts have to possess the soft skills of being able to collaborate with team members to ensure server safety. This procedure would include implementing new systems or updating the old ones if deemed necessary.
  • Know the latest security threats: SOC analysts should always have a dynamic approach to combat threats by educating themselves on preventive measures. They should have the capability to act in an agile manner before any potential issue becomes a threat to the company.
  • Actively participating in security audits: The SOC analyst has to be a team player. Hence it is pivotal that they take part in security audits. This not only helps in upgrading and maintaining the organisation’s security but also helps to identify the vulnerability of the servers before the hackers exploit them. 

Skills required to become a SOC analyst 

Being a SOC analyst is exciting, but is a challenging process. Here are some requirements that would help the candidate take a leap and become an effective analyst. 

Education and certification 

cybersecurity course

The candidate can have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other STEM-related subjects to become a SOC analyst.

The candidate can also take up a cybersecurity course as well to become a SOC analyst. 

Along with this, getting these few certifications can also help the candidate to get a job in leading organisations easily.

Certificates like CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, and Certified SOC Analyst certificate would help the candidate to be ahead in the race. 

Essential skills 

A SOC analyst has to be well versed in certain technical and soft skills that would facilitate them to switch companies in the future based on their skill set. Let’s take a look at those skills. 

  • Technical Skills: The candidate should have ample knowledge about intrusion detection, ethical hacking, incident response and risk management to work in an organisation. This would help them to protect the organisation from the vulnerabilities of a cyber-criminal.
  • Soft Skills: The SOC analyst has to possess the necessary problem-solving skills, and organisation skills with agile thinking to facilitate the growth of themselves and the organisation. These skill sets would not only facilitate them presently but would also come in handy when they take up leadership roles in the future. 

Conclusion 

The job of a SOC analyst is proven to be cumbersome and challenging. However, the career progression of a SOC analyst is substantially efficient and a candidate can perform leadership roles in no time. 

If you have finished a cybersecurity certification, or want to upgrade your cybersecurity skills, check out Imarticus Learning’s Postgraduate Program in Cybersecurity. This course will provide you with 100% job placement and teaches you in detail about information security and cloud security. The curriculum is based on real-life experiences that would prepare you for the corporate world. 

For more details, check out the website right away! 

5 Cyber Security Career Paths in 2023

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

In the past few years, cyber security as a career path has increased in value in leaps and bounds. As the world’s dependence on the internet increases, it is now more crucial than ever for conglomerates to ensure their online safety. This has resulted in huge demand for cyber security professionals across all industries leading to great job opportunities in the field. In 2023, you can have a bright career in cyber security. 

But what is the perfect career path for you?

cybersecurity courses

There are many options for a career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. It can be confusing for students to decide on a career. Depending on your interests and skills, you can choose from any of the following career paths that are going to be impactful in 2023 and beyond. 

5 best cyber security careers to look out for in 2023 

Cyber security has been a well-paid and sought-after job for a few years. There has been no greater time to become a cyber security professional than now. 

Security Architect 

The main job of a Security Architect is to keep an organisation safe from any digital threats. They have to create and update strategies and manage security projects for the company. They are also responsible for analysing all threats and ensuring the security system is up-to-date. 

To become a Security Architect, besides cloud security and software skills, you will also need experience. As it’s a high-ranking job, you can start with an entry-level cyber security job like IT Auditor or Cyber Security Analyst. You can also improve your chances by getting a cyber security certification. A professional certification can land you a high-paying job in leading companies. The average base salary of a Security Architect in India is about ₹21,99,761 per annum. 

Malware Analyst 

The position of a Malware Analyst is gaining more popularity in the cyber security domain. Malware Analysts are mostly responsible for examining an incident after a digital threat has already occurred. They analyse and examine the nature of these various threats and develop tools that will protect the company data from similar threats in the future. 

Apart from a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Cyber Security, you will also need some background as a developer or programmer to become a Malware Analyst. Getting a professional certification and garnering experience will also boost your chances of landing a high-paying job. The average base pay for a Malware Analyst in India is about ₹6,00,000 per annum. 

Cloud Security Specialist 

With the growing dependence on cloud-based operations, it is no wonder that Cloud Security Specialists are in demand right now. As the name suggests, their job mainly entails ensuring that cloud server data are safe. This is done by implementing safeguards and observing any intrusions in the networks. 

Besides a bachelor’s degree in a related field and experience as a cloud security professional, an AWS security specialist course can also help you bag a stellar job in the domain. The average base salary of a Cloud Security Specialist in India is about ₹18,50,000 per annum. 

Computer Forensics Analyst 

One of the most exciting cyber security jobs is that of a Computer Forensics Analyst. They are tasked to accumulate and analyse all data related to illegal online activity and cyber attacks. They also offer digital assistance during crime investigations. 

It is not easy to become a Computer Forensics Analyst as not only do they need technical knowledge of their field but also have a fairly broad knowledge of the law. After completing your bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can start as a beginner-level cybersecurity professional. A related course, such as the CCE and the CFCE, can help you. The average base salary of a Computer Forensics Analyst in India is about ₹7,00,000 per annum. 

Cyber Security Engineer 

A Cyber Security Engineer’s main job is to ensure that all the systems, data, and networks within an organisation are working perfectly. They do this by designing and maintaining security measures and systems throughout the organisation and running penetration tests to ensure their safety. 

A basic bachelor’s degree in a related field and some experience can land you a job as a Cyber Security Engineer in a few years. You can also enhance your chances by completing an ethical hacking certification course. The average base pay of a Cyber Security Engineer in India is about ₹6,88,534 per annum. 

Conclusion 

The future of cyber security is bright, with several opportunities available even for beginners in this field. Becoming a high-paying professional takes little time as compared to other fields. 

If you want to make a mark in the field of cyber security, the Imarticus and IIT Roorkee Advanced Certification Programme in Cyber Security can help you realise your dream. With the help of live online training and an industry-related curriculum, this course will make you a master of cyber security in 6 months. 

How big data Analytics can help in improving Network Security

Posted on by Imarticus Learning

Every day, the information generated and stored by companies worldwide is increasing in volume and complexity. With this arises a need for tools to protect this vulnerable data from data breaches and exploitation by cybercriminals.

Can big data analytics strengthen network security and save the day? Read on to find out.

What is big data analytics?

Big data refers to highly variable, complex data generated at a high volume and high velocity. The analysis and interpretation of big data are known as big data analytics.

With the boom in digitalisation and cloud computing, hundreds of terabytes of data are generated and utilised daily. Extracting useful information from data of this size is tedious with traditional SQL (Structured Query Language) tools. Here’s where big data analytics comes in. 

Frameworks like Hadoop and databases such as MongoDB, Cassandra, Vertica, and Apache HBase make complex data management quicker and simpler. Searching for specific events within large datasets can be completed by such frameworks in minutes.

Applications of big data analytics

Big Data Analytics Courses

Big data analytics helps store and maintain data, detect patterns and trends in real-time, predict future events or problems, and nullify abnormal or malicious activities in vast networks.

Some sectors where big data analytics finds wide applications are:

  • Finance and banking
  • Business and e-commerce
  • Public welfare and governance
  • Healthcare 
  • Communication
  • Energy
  • Entertainment and media

Network security and its challenges

Protocols, policies, and practices designed to keep data safe from cyber attacks and security breaches are part of network security. It aims to detect, prevent and nullify misuse, denial of access, unauthorised modification, or data extraction.

Network security uses physical and digital methods to secure confidential and sensitive data. Biometrics, firewalls, VPNs, and sandboxing are various types of network security. 

As databases expand, monitoring big data with traditional SQL tools becomes unreliable. Downsides of traditional analytics include frequent false positives, cyber attacks, privacy breaches, phishing, malware, and other network security threats.

Other challenges faced by network security are:

  • Breaches at admin or high clearance levels
  • Lack of vigilant monitoring in open network structures
  • Inability to process high amounts of data in real-time
  • Deliberate or accidental breaches by humans or bots
  • Stealing confidential data through hacking or identity theft

How big data analytics can be the solution?

Storage and maintenance of big data

High-volume non-relational data can be collected and stored on NoSQL databases such as Apache HBase, Cassandra, and MongoDB. These databases use platforms like Hadoop to organise variable and unstructured data.

Identification of anomalous patterns in real-time

Employees are responsible for a majority of network security breaches. These leaks may be accidental, but deliberate breaches may be minor and go undetected for long periods.

Big data analytics can monitor real-time changes in regular data flow patterns. Data from sensors monitoring user credentials can detect unauthorised log-ins and reveal botnets or APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats).

Predictive assessment of network integrity

Tools used in big data analytics can perform predictive analysis of the errors that can occur in the system. NoSQL frameworks can reveal the pitfalls in network security, which can then be patched before hackers discover them.

Prompt retrieval of information from networks

A case study by Zion Bancorporation was able to draw a comparison between the processing speed of data by traditional and big data analytics. Traditional SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools took 20 minutes to 1 hour to process data collected over a month. It took a Hadoop-based tool only about a minute to do the same. 

This case study shows the ability of NoSQL tools to process data at high speeds that could detect and barricade gaps in network security.

Analysis of datasets to identify past breaches

When breaches in the system occur, companies often fumble to find what exactly caused it. The sheer volume of big data often makes finding a fault in the network a hassle. With big data analytics, a detailed assessment of stored data can be performed within minutes, assuring prompt responses to cyber attacks.

Conclusion

Advancements in big data analytics have the potential to become an indispensable tool in bolstering network security. There is a rising demand for big data analysts to protect and secure sensitive data.

A career in big data analytics and network security is one click away with the advanced certification programme in cybersecurity from IIT Roorkee. The practical approach of this course aims to equip you to deal with cyber attacks and protect vulnerable networks. It is also a comprehensive guide to ethical hacking, social engineering, encryption, and data forensics.

Enrol now to begin an exciting career in cybersecurity today!