Finance & Investment

Finance Manager

SOC 11-3031.00 · ESCO 1211 · OSCA 111231

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for an organisation, ensuring cash flow remains healthy and providing critical financial insights to leadership for strategic decision-making. This role involves managing financial operations, conducting analysis, and developing strategies to improve financial performance and mitigate risks.

Crucial for an organisation's financial health and strategic direction, enabling informed decision-making, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving profitability and sustainable growth.

On the job

  • Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support strategic planning
  • Prepare and present financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
  • Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost reduction or revenue growth
  • Manage cash flow, monitor financial performance, and ensure compliance with financial regulations
  • Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, overseeing their daily activities and professional development
Finance Manager at work

Tools & technology

Microsoft ExcelSAP ERPOracle FinancialsQuickBooksTableau

Average salary

$125K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$90K Bottom 10%
$170K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

Typically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; an MBA or professional certifications like CPA or CFA are often preferred.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Finance Manager
Director of Finance
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CURRENT ROLE

Finance Manager

Finance & Investment

ADJACENT MOVES

Controller
Financial Analyst (Consulting)
Financial Analyst
Accountant
Senior Accountant
Budget Analyst

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

E

enterprising · ECS

People who enjoy leading, influencing, and making strategic decisions, combined with a strong aptitude for organizing, analyzing detailed financial data, and collaborating effectively with others, tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Methodical

Approaches financial tasks with precision, order, and a strong adherence to established procedures and regulations.

Decisive Leader

Comfortable making important financial decisions, influencing stakeholders, and guiding a team towards financial objectives.

Calm Under Pressure

Maintains composure and clear thinking during periods of financial scrutiny, deadlines, or unexpected challenges.

Collaborative

Works effectively with cross-functional teams and communicates complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Analytical

Enjoys delving into data, identifying patterns, and using financial information to solve problems and inform strategy.

Best for

  • Individuals who enjoy leading and shaping an organisation's financial strategy.
  • Professionals who thrive on detailed financial analysis and reporting.
  • Those who are adept at managing teams and communicating complex financial information effectively.

Watch out for

  • The role involves high levels of responsibility and accountability for an organisation's financial health.
  • Requires continuous learning to stay updated on financial regulations and market changes.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Finance Manager — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Team Standup & Prioritization
Budget Review & Variance Analysis
Meeting with Department Heads
Financial Model Updates
Tue
Cash Flow Forecasting
One-on-One with Finance Analyst
Strategic Planning Session Prep
Consolidated Financial Report Review
Wed
Executive Leadership Briefing
Follow-up on Action Items
Risk Assessment & Mitigation Planning
Process Improvement Initiatives
Thu
Market Analysis & Economic Outlook
Vendor Contract Negotiations
Team Training & Development
Ad-hoc Financial Analysis Request
Fri
Compliance & Audit Preparation
Finance Team Meeting
Industry News & Professional Development
Weekly Performance Review & Planning
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

Does Finance Manager fit you?

Measure your personality and interests, then see how this career ranks against 1,300+ others — for you personally.

Take the free assessment →