Career as a Financial Manager

Typical Jobs: Controller, finance manager, treasurer, cash manager

Typical Work
Financial managers usually are accountants or work in cooperation with accountants. Financial managers can oversee the preparation of financial statements, direct financial goals, prepare and evaluate budgets, control investment of funds and risk management with investing. Also they are often in charge of cash flows, raising capital, company expansions, mergers and acquisitions, lending, determining credit ratings and any other work that has to do with the finances of an organization. Banks, venture capitalists, investment firms, accounting firms, government or small to large companies all hire financial managers.

Education Needed
At minimum you will need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration or economics to become a financial manager. A Masters or graduate degree is an asset. To reach an executive level experience is key. There are also numerous designations that one can obtain as a financial manager they vary by country due to the different certifying organizations. Typically you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree then work in a related field for a minimum of two years, while at the same time completing in class learning, tests and assignments. Once you receive this designation it is usually easier to obtain a higher paying position. As a financial manager you will undergo life long learning as the rules and regulations of the field changes so rapidly you will need to change to meet them.

Top business Schools (Finance)
Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Northwestern (Kellogg)
Harvard
MIT
INSEAD (France)
London Business School (UK)
Ivey (London, Ontario, Canada)

Skills and Interests
You will need to posses strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with others inside and outside of your company, strong analytical skills in the field of finance, some knowledge of accounting, problem solving skills, creativity and a knowledge of global trade and investment. Interests should include, investment, the business world, the global market, working with large teams, management, and computers.

Salary Range
Financial managers are typically very well paid. The range is $39,000-$142,000

Associations and Organizations:
Canadian Finance and leasing association http://www.cfla-acfla.com
American Finance Association http://www.afajof.org/

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