Finance Manager Jobs Overview
Finance managers are critical to an organization's financial health, success, and growth. They work closely with other departments to ensure financial goals align with the business strategy. As a finance manager, you'll provide valuable insight and analysis to support decisions and develop plans for the company's long-term financial goals. If this sounds like a good career match, start applying for finance manager jobs on Monster.
There are numerous types of roles to consider. For example:
- Corporate finance managers handle a company's financial resources, raise capital, and implement financial strategies.
- Risk management finance managers identify and manage a company's financial risks, such as market and credit risks.
- Treasury finance managers oversee a company's cash flow, forecast cash needs, and implement strategies to optimize cash balances.
- Tax finance managers ensure that a company complies with tax laws and regulations and minimize the company's tax liability through effective tax planning.
- Insurance finance managers oversee a company's insurance portfolio, including selecting insurance policies, negotiating terms with providers, and ensuring that claims are effectively managed.
It's a great time to start looking for finance manager jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 17% increase in new financial management positions over the next decade.
Salaries for Financial Manager Jobs
The median salary for financial managers is $92,828. However, your pay depends on your experience level and employer. Location is typically a key factor as well. For example, companies on the East and West coasts pay significantly more than other parts of the country. In New York City, financial managers earn a median salary of $106,055 per year. In Los Angeles, you can take home around $102,564.
Monster's Salary Tool gives you a general idea of how much you can make in your area. Enter your desired job title and location to see the pay range and ways to boost your value and advance your career.
How to Find Finance Manager Jobs That Fit You
Finding a finance manager job that suits your skills, interests, and career goals requires a strategic approach. Be proactive in your job search and stay motivated and confident during the process. Remember, it may take time and persistence, but we know you can find a finance role that you’ll love.
Analyze the Job Descriptions for Financial Management Jobs
Reading job descriptions requires careful diligence and a focus on understanding the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role. Here are some tips to effectively read a job posting:
- Begin by reading the overview or summary section. This typically introduces the position, including the company's industry, the role's purpose, and any key objectives or challenges associated with the role. This will help you gauge whether the job aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Pay close attention to the list of responsibilities for the finance manager position. Highlight or make a note of the core duties and tasks mentioned. Also, look for specific responsibilities related to financial planning and analysis, budgeting, financial reporting, risk management, and other areas of financial management. Then assess if these responsibilities match your skills and experience.
- Review the qualifications and requirements section. Note the essential qualifications, such as educational background, years of experience, certifications, and technical skills. Determine if you meet these requirements or have transferable skills to compensate for gaps, such as leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Research an Employer’s Workplace Culture
Researching a company's work culture is crucial when considering finance manager jobs. Understanding the work environment, values, and employee experiences can help determine if the company fits your professional goals and preferences.
Start your research by reading through online reviews to get a sense of what current and former employees say about the company's work culture. Look for common themes and pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. Remember to consider the overall trends rather than relying on a single review.
You can also check the company's social media profiles. Companies often share updates, employee stories, and photos that can provide a glimpse into their work culture. Look for posts related to company events, employee recognition, or initiatives that reflect their values and work environment.
Don’t forget to also research a company’s internal events, initiatives, or programs that reflect their work culture. For example, look for employee engagement programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, professional development opportunities, or social responsibility activities. These indicate the company's commitment to employee well-being, growth, and community involvement.
Look for Growth Opportunities
When searching for finance manager jobs, it's essential to consider the potential for growth within a company. To identify opportunities, consider the following:
- Pay attention to job descriptions and titles above the finance manager level to understand the career progression within the company. Explore if the company provides professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, or rotational assignments to foster growth.
- Ask about the company's commitment to employee growth and advancement during interviews. Assess if the company encourages learning and offers ongoing training opportunities.
- Keep an eye on industry trends and seek out companies experiencing growth or expanding their finance functions.
How to Apply to Finance Manager Jobs
When applying for a finance management position, remember to tailor your application materials for each specific job, showcasing your qualifications and aligning them with the requirements of the role. Also, make sure to follow the instructions provided in the job posting and include any required documents.
Update Your Resume
Careers in finance can be highly competitive, so before applying to finance manager jobs, make sure to create a strong finance manager resume to help you rise above other candidates. Strategically place your educational background, technical skills, and certifications on your resume to best display your credentials.
The critical skills that employers look for in finance managers include:
- strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- excellent math and statistics skills
- attention to detail
- good communication and leadership skills
- knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and economic trends
Additionally, make sure to include metrics to quantify your achievements. Once you’ve got a first draft, contact Monster's Professional Resume Writing Experts, who will help you perfect a custom resume that showcases your unique selling points.
Write a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is the first part of your application that hiring managers read, so make it stand out. In the body paragraphs, focus on your relevant experience and skills. Provide specific examples of your accomplishments, such as successfully leading budgeting processes, implementing financial strategies, or improving financial controls.
As a finance manager, you should emphasize your leadership abilities, such as managing teams, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, or presenting financial information to senior executives. Also, highlight your strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Take a look at our financial analyst cover letter sample for more ideas.
Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume and provide additional context and insights into your qualifications as well as prove your enthusiasm for the finance manager role. Customize it for each job application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills that make you a strong fit for the position.
Submit Your Application
Before applying for finance manager jobs, create a free Monster account and upload your resume or use the resume builder. After posting your resume to your profile, make sure it’s visible to employers so they can find you online.
When you're ready to apply for a job, just submit your profile to a prospective employer. Remember to double-check and proofread your application first for any typos and make sure your contact information is correct.
How to Follow Up with an Employer
Following up with an employer after submitting applications for finance manager jobs is a proactive step that demonstrates your continued interest and enthusiasm. Here's how you can effectively follow up:
- Give the employer some time to review the applications and respond. Typically, waiting about one to two weeks after submitting your application is appropriate before reaching out for a follow-up.
- Begin your email by expressing your continued interest in the position and mentioning the specific job title you applied for. Briefly reiterate your qualifications and why you believe you would fit the role well.
- Politely ask for an update on the status of your application. You can mention that you understand the high volume of candidates and want to ensure your application was received and is being considered.
- Maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout the email. Thank the employer for their time and consideration and express your appreciation for the opportunity to apply for the position.
While waiting for a response, continue your search for finance manager jobs and explore other opportunities. Don't put all your focus on a single application, as it's important to keep your options open.
Remember, following up is meant to show your interest and professionalism, not to pressure the employer. The employer may have many applications or a longer hiring process, so always respect their time.
Interviewing Tips for Finance Manager Jobs
Receiving the news that you’ve landed an interview is an important milestone in your job hunt. At this point, your job is to prepare well in advance to increase your chances of success.
How to Prepare for Your Interview
First, research the company to gain a thorough understanding of its operations, financial performance, industry, and competitors. Explore recent news, annual reports, and financial statements. This information will help you identify any specific challenges or opportunities the company may be facing.
Expect to answer some technical and behavioral interview questions for finance manager jobs. Prepare specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and your approach to managing financial challenges. Ultimately, you want to show how you'll help your employer reach their financial goals.
As a finance manager, you know how important metrics and data are in your field, so use numbers to prove that you deliver results when discussing your achievements. Then, browse the most common interview questions and practice your answers before your big day.
Follow up After the Interview
Following up after a job interview is a professional way to express your continued interest and gratitude. Here's a guide on how to effectively follow up:
- Within 24 hours after the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to each interviewer. Express your appreciation for their time and the opportunity to interview.
- Refer to specific points discussed during the interview to show you were actively engaged. Mention something you found particularly interesting or valuable from the conversation. Personalization demonstrates your attentiveness and reinforces your genuine interest in the role.
- Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention that you are even more excited after the interview and looking forward to the next steps in the hiring process.
- Keep your follow-up email professional and concise. Avoid being overly casual even if you felt you had a great rapport at the interview.
- After sending your follow-up email, be patient and allow the employer time to decide on the next steps. Avoid sending multiple follow-up emails in a short period, as it may be perceived as pushy.
What to Do When You Get an Offer
When you receive a job offer for a finance manager role, there are several steps you can take to be sure you make an informed decision and effectively handle the situation. First, carefully review the job offer letter or email to understand the terms and conditions of employment.
Take time to assess the salary, bonuses, and other financial benefits offered. Consider how the compensation package aligns with your expectations, industry standards, and the cost of living in the location where the job is based.
You should also evaluate the benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, and other perks. Consider what the value and relevance of these benefits is to your personal and professional needs?
You want to be happy in your new job, so it’s crucial to assess the work-life balance offered by the position. Evaluate the expected workload, flexibility, and potential travel requirements. Does it align with your personal and family commitments?
If you feel that certain aspects of the offer can be improved, you should negotiate with the employer before accepting. Be prepared with specific reasons to support your request and maintain a professional and respectful approach during negotiations.
Finance Manager Career Paths
Deciding on your career path as a finance manager requires carefully considering your skills, interests, goals, and opportunities. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
- Conduct thorough research on various finance career paths. Learn about each path's responsibilities, qualifications, and growth opportunities. Explore job descriptions and industry trends and talk to professionals in different roles to gain insights.
- Consider your long-term career goals and aspirations. Reflect on what you envision for your future and the type of work that aligns with your personal and professional objectives. Determine if a particular career path will help you achieve those goals.
- Take into account your interests and passions within finance. Determine if you prefer working with financial analysis, budgeting, risk management, investments, or other specific areas. Choose a path that allows you to work on tasks that genuinely excite you.
- Assess the skills and knowledge required for each career path and evaluate your willingness to invest in continuous learning and development. Consider pursuing certifications, advanced degrees, or specialized training to enhance your qualifications for specific paths. For example, you can obtain the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) or the Certified Corporate Financial Planning Analysis Professional (FP&A) offered by the Association of Financial Professionals.
- If you’re still deciding on a particular career path, explore opportunities to gain exposure and experience in different areas. Consider taking on additional responsibilities, cross-functional projects, or seeking out job rotations to test different roles.
Here are some finance roles you can advance into:
Finance Manager Jobs: Similar Occupations
Here are some other related roles you may be interested in: