For a finance manager career, a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a similar area is the basic requirement. However, with rising competition, a master’s degree is becoming increasingly demanded by big corporate houses. Almost all firms and government agencies have at least one financial manager. The responsibilities vary according to the organization and position. Mostly financial managers supervise the preparation of financial reports, formulate and execute cash-management strategies and guide investment activities.
Finance Manager Career: Educational Qualification
For starting a career in financial management, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration. However, graduates with a master’s degree, especially in business administration, economics, finance or risk management, are preferred. The reason for the preference is that these academic programs groom individuals in:
- Analytical skills
- Latest financial analysis methods and technology
With financial operations being increasingly influenced by the global economy, knowledge of international finance is becoming increasingly important. Proficiency in a foreign language also may be helpful.
Most individuals are promoted to the finance manager position after undergoing formal management training programs offered by companies. One of the companies that sponsors educational and training programs is the American Institute of Banking, which is affiliated with the American Bankers Association.
However, for some finance manager positions, such as bank branch managers, experience is more important than formal education. Banks typically fill branch manager positions by promoting experienced loan officers and other professionals who excel in their jobs.
Finance Manager Career: Skills
For a finance manager career, you require the following skills:
- Interpersonal skills: These jobs involve people management. You also need to work as part of a team to solve problems.
- Communication skills: Financial managers must have excellent communication skills to be able to explain complex financial data.
- Understanding of business: As financial managers need to coordinate extensively with various departments in the firm, they must have a broad understanding of business.
- Creative thinking: Financial managers should be able to think out of the box to resolve complex problems.
IT skills: As a financial manager, you should be comfortable with the latest computer technology.