Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a finance manager job description.
Finance managers direct financial activities for an organization, corporate branch, or department. This role is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting on financial data to make recommendations to senior management. Their advice forms the roadmap for a company’s business decisions including investments, mergers, acquisitions, and risk management strategies.
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Finance Manager Job Description Template
We are looking for an experienced finance manager to lead our finance team. This role will be responsible for developing our financial strategy and will supervise employees in the preparation of reports, budgets, and forecasts. To succeed in this role, candidates will need top-notch communication, analytical, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work well with other members of the senior leadership team. Must have experience in portfolio and risk management and strong working knowledge of GAAP principles.
Finance Manager Responsibilities
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Create and refine financial strategies, budgets, and goals
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Evaluate financial health and return on investments
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Analyze financial data and prepare reports and forecasts
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Identify cost-saving opportunities and financial risks
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Hire and supervise accounting and finance employees
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Stay up-to-date on market trends
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Ensure legal compliance
Finance Manager Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, accounting, or a related field
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Some employers prefer candidates with an advanced degree, such as a master’s of business administration (MBA)
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Some employers prefer candidates with certifications such as certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or certified government financial manager (CGFM)
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Several years of experience as an accountant, financial analyst, or similar job title
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Previous managerial experience
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Expert-level knowledge of GAAP and International Accounting Standards (IAS)
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Familiarity with accounting, data analysis, and presentation software
Finance Manager Duties And Responsibilities
Establish and Manage Financial Strategy
This role is responsible for managing the financial health of the organization by setting goals and budgets, developing financial plans, and ensuring compliance with laws with legal requirements and regulations. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience procuring funds, developing investment strategies, and preparing financial forecasts. The finance manager serves as the company’s financial conscience, determining prudent investments, ensuring compliance, and brainstorming innovative solutions to problems.
Analyze Financial Data
The finance manager monitors and analyzes financial data. In this role, you will prepare and direct financial reporting, ensure adherence to GAAP principles, and analyze risks and opportunities. This position is also responsible for monitoring market trends and communicating them to the team.
Identify Risks and Opportunities
This role is responsible for using business data analysis and market trends to find opportunities for growth and alternate ways to meet financial commitments. The manager will also look for risks in the company’s current financial strategy. In addition, the finance manager must ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations to minimize legal exposure.
Related: Best Paying Finance Jobs
Manage Finance Team
The finance manager is responsible for attracting, hiring, and managing department staff including accountants, financial analysts, and related positions. The successful candidate will have experience managing teams. Depending on the organization, this may include managing remote or hybrid candidates, possibly across time zones.
Communicate With Senior Management
Advise senior managers, including C-level executives, on business decisions, opportunities, and risks. Present financial data in meetings and seminars. Serve as subject matter expert in financial discussions among leadership and teammates.
If you want to land a finance job, you should start by updating your resume. For help with this, check out our guide to creating a finance resume.
Finance Manager Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $86,311 per ZipRecruiter
Education Required: The minimum education required for finance manager jobs is a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, accounting, or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an advanced degree such as an MBA or certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Number of Jobs: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 730,800 workers held finance manager jobs in 2021, the most recent year for which data is available.
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: The BLS estimates that the number of finance manager jobs will increase by 17% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The Bottom Line
Many different roles fall under the umbrella of finance manager jobs, including controllers, finance officers, and treasurers. Your requirements will vary depending on the job title, industry, and organization. However, this sample job description can help you start the conversation about your needs and expectations.
Ready to hire a skilled finance manager for your team? Post your job ad on ZipRecruiter today and find experienced candidates near you.
