An essential component in a company’s financial department is the finance manager, a person who serves as an information link between the accounting departments and upper management. It is often the advice and recommendations of this person that shape the direction of a company’s finances.
Analysis of accounting data leads a financial manager to find ways to improve underperforming areas within the company. They oversee financial reports in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory guidelines.
The specific role of a finance manager varies with each industry and company. They may supervise the activities of an accounting department, help it raise cash in the stock markets or evaluate operating expenses.
There is a lot of potential for advancement within a company depending on credentials, length of service and education. An MBA in finance or investment analysis or CPA license are useful credentials. The average salary is £60,000, but most diligent managers can move into a senior role within five years.

• Written and oral communication
• Technical, numeric and analytical skills
• Logic and quick thinking
• Time management
• Team management
• Producing expert advice
• Motivating others
• Resolving issues
• Research
• Being discrete
• Handling performance management processes
• Risk assessment
• Commercial awareness
• Managing relationships
• Negotiating

Being a Finance Manager is a top-level job and therefore requires an advanced degree. Finance Managers may hold a Master's or Doctoral Degree in their area of specialization. They need to have extensive financial knowledge but they may have specialized in Statistics, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Accounting, or Business Administration. Certifications including ACA, ACMA, ACCA or CIMA are also valuable.