Hope I can help a little mate.
I'm originally from the states but am currently in the MSc Finance program at the London School of Economics. I'm doing the program part-time as I currently work full-time in strategy/biz dev for a second phased start-up.
I've just completed my exams for the first year and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the program. The core classes gave a brilliant overview of Corporate Finance and Asset Markets, and the year two courses are supposed to get even more tecnhical.
As for job prospects, I'm looking to transition into firmwide strategy w/in an ibank afterwards. I think my current work experience, combined with the MSc Finance will be a perfect fit.
As for schools in the states, I've heard Princeton is the way to go for this speacilized degree. If you're willing to venture to London, I would certainly look at the LSE program as well as the LBS program. Both are very good and place well. If you choose to apply to LSE, you should apply to various Finance related Masters as the MSc Finance full-time only accepted 40 out of 1500 applicants this past year.
In my honest opinion (and I'll know more next year!), the MSc Finance from a top school will place just as well as an MBA. This is certainly the case in Europe, and I believe (and am hoping) it will be equivalent for Finance related fields in the states.
If there are any specific questions you have, please let me know.