The job of financial manager is a job in the accounting industry with responsibility for providing advice to clients so that they can make sound financial decisions. You can work independently in the private sector or work with a large firm in this type of job. Your clients could include large multi-national companies and individuals. The roles will vary in scope depending on where you work, but they will be very similar in some aspects of the position. For example, in a large corporation, you may be responsible for making strategic investment decisions, whereas with a smaller company, your duties may involve general accounting duties, such as the collection and analysis of financial reports.
Some of the typical activities that you will perform as a financial manager include the interpretation of financial data related to the overall financial status of a company, making business forecasts and monitoring the performance and efficiency of a company. Risk assessment is an important part o this position, which means you should be knowledgeable about investments, securities and the stock market in general. You will have to keep on top of the competition in terms of their pricing policies ion order to advice the company you work with of any changes that it must make to remain competitive in the market.
You do need to hold at least an undergraduate degree in accounting, finance or business from an accredited university, as well as certification as a CPA. You need a broad knowledge and skill base in business operations and have an analytical approach to your work. Excellent communication skills are essential because you will have to write and deliver oral reports to your clients. You need to have high numeracy skills, excellent interpersonal skills and be proficient at using the computer for word processing and accounting software applications. Other skills include being highly organized and being able to prioritize tasks.
To be qualified to take a position as a financial manager, you should have certification in management accounting in addition to your CPA designation. Engaging in continuing education courses in risk assessment and auditing would also be beneficial as it would demonstrate you have the skill set necessary to take on complicated cases and deal with complex accounting issues. The expertise you gain working your way up the corporate ladder to eventually attain this position is beneficial to you. The skills you attain while working in this position will also prepare you for further advancement in your career if you wish to aspire to other positions such as Chief Financial Officer or Chief Executive Officer.
There are many ways in which you can find postings for the position of financial manager if you do not want to set up your own office and work for yourself. Just about all government agencies and businesses require the services of such a position. Charitable organizations hire professionals to fulfill this role, as do all large corporations. You do need to keep current by reading financial magazines, which also list job vacancies. There are also many such positions posted online.
