Finance Managers assist companies with their financial responsibilities. They oversee accounting and finance departments while assessing staff and reviewing budgets. Finance Managers work in almost any business industry such as banking, telecommunications, and working for conglomerates and multinational companies.
Their responsibilities are dependent on the size of their company. They might perform more hands on day to day financing or more analyzing, managing and controller duties. Finance Managers may also perform a number of other responsibilities. They may act as finance controllers, treasurers, credit managers, finance officers, international banking managers, risk assessors, insurance managers, or risk managers. Finance is a demanding industry and Finance Managers work long hours due to their varied responsibilities.
A Finance Manager usually performs any of the following tasks:
• Interpreting financial data
• Forecasting of financial trends
• Advising clients
• Recommending financial changes and adjustments
• Developing procedures
• Making future financial plans for the business
• Conducting investigations and studying material
• Investigating competitors
• Keeping up to date of market trends
• Implementing best means of cost reduction
• Coaching finance staff
• Assisting internal and external auditors
• Overseeing accounting responsibilities

• Highly technical expertise in finance
• Effective comprehension, listening and communication skills
• Speaking a foreign language
• Methodical thinkers
• Quickly understanding financial applications
• First rate organizational and leadership abilities
• Good networking skills
• Good business acumen
• Being able to resolve issues creatively
• Keen team players

Employers expect Finance Managers to have a Master's Degree in Mathematics, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or Economics. Finance Managers typically have an excellent aptitude for numeric and financial tasks. Managers must keep their skills up-to-date by attending workshops, seminars or continuing their education.
Many of these professionals also have professional certifications such as a CPA, and are members of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. Some employers hire managers who have a good record of accomplishment and experience working in a financial capacity.