Financial managers oversee the finances of major companies, agencies and other organizations. Along with their teams, they coordinate accounting and produce financial reports, cash-flow statements and profit projections. To comply with various financial laws and regulations, they must pay attention to detail. Aside from working with numbers, financial managers must also help other members of their organization understand their complex reports, which requires significant communication skills.

Financial managers face a competitive job market. Those who can handle international finance and the increasingly complicated world of financial instruments and securities, including derivatives, will be the most marketable to employers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16.0% employment growth for financial managers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 126,600 jobs should open up.

Financial managers usually start by earning a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration. Many also earn a master’s degree in an area like business administration, finance or economics and continue getting financial management training, both on the job and off. According to the BLS, financial managers typically need at least five years of experience working in a related occupation, such as a financial analyst, accountant or securities sales agent. Certifications and licensures are common in the field; financial professionals who work as accountants often become certified public accountants, for example. Because managers have the responsibility of overseeing others, organizations often require them to have management training as well.