A financial project manager is in charge of overseeing projects for businesses and corporations that have an impact on revenue. A financial manager is employed nearly every company or organization to prepare financial reports, develop cash management strategies, and direct investment activities. In many cases, the project manager is responsible for developing a company’s or organization’s long-term financial goals in order to ensure a profitable future.
A financial project manager’s daily tasks will vary depending on the current projects and even the company’s industry. He or she may be assigned the role of controller in some industries, where he or she will oversee the production of financial reports such as balance sheets, expense reports, and income statements. A certified financial manager will frequently be required to supervise the accounting, business, and budget departments in order to ensure that cash flow is controlled. This person is in charge of the budget of an organization, as well as calculating capital gain, risk, and investment funds.
Financial managers with titles like cash flow manager, financial auditor, controller, credit manager, or risk manager work in a variety of industries. Depending on the size of the company and the need to consolidate positions, a financial project manager can take on one or all of these responsibilities. This person, for example, oversees all financial functions at a bank, including sales, operations, electronic financial services, mortgages, lending, investments, and trusts.
In many companies, obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or economics is required to become a financial manager. Companies and organizations may find someone with prior sales or finance experience more appealing. Strong interpersonal, math, and business technology skills are also required to fulfill the job’s responsibilities.
Many financial managers pursue certification and a financial management license through a professional program in addition to obtaining a financial management degree from a higher education institution. The Chartered Financial Analyst designation, the Certified Treasury Professional credentials, and the Certified Management Accountant designation are all examples of relevant programs. A professional can take courses to improve his or her knowledge of the industry in addition to earning a financial management certification. Many colleges and universities offer courses and workshops focused on corporate cash management, financial analysis, budget management, project management, and information systems that are specifically designed for financial project managers.