Financial manager or director - career development

As a financial manager or director, you’ll be responsible for financial planning, delivering financial reporting and contributing to corporate finance policy. Read on to find out more about working as a financial manager and director, what it might involve and what you can do to get a role.

Find out how you'll build skills and experience below.

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How will your financial manager or director career progress?

Financial managers enjoy career paths that may lead to senior positions and high salaries across major organisations.

Your first role in the sector might be a non-managerial position, such as a financial analyst or accountant. With experience, you might move into managerial roles such as a team leader or account manager. Eventually, you may be able to access finance director or CFO positions. A willingness to change roles and location will normally help you gain promotions.

Self-employment might be possible for experienced managers who are looking to start their own business, usually as a consultant.

What opportunities are there for career development?

Qualifying as an accountant is a common professional development step for those looking to work as a manager in the financial sector. Chartership with an accounting body is a great way for experienced financial managers to highlight their professional abilities.

Graduate schemes are another way to access structured training and experience after university.

On the job training and strong performance in your roles will help you build the expertise you’ll need to take on more responsibilities.

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