Finance Manager Job Description, Salary and Qualifications

A career in finance is more than just numbers and spreadsheets. It’s about managing resources, guiding businesses toward sustainable growth, and making critical decisions that shape a company’s future. At the heart of this domain lies the finance manager job description, a role that blends analytical thinking with leadership, communication, and foresight. 

As organizations expand, the demand for skilled finance managers has skyrocketed, making it one of the most rewarding and respected positions in the corporate world.

Read about finance manager job description, average finance manager salary, necessary finance manager qualifications, top finance manager skills, and even guide you on how to become a finance manager after 12th. 

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Finance Manager Job Description

The finance manager job description is more than just a list of daily tasks; it's the blueprint for what ensures an organization’s financial strength, longevity, and legal compliance. At its core, the role of a finance manager is to oversee a company’s financial planning, monitor cash flow, analyze financial strengths and weaknesses, and propose corrective actions.

A typical finance manager job description includes working closely with top-level executives to formulate long-term strategies and budgets, interpreting complex financial data to support business decisions, and ensuring that all financial practices are aligned with current laws and regulations.

But it’s not just about numbers, this job requires sharp analytical thinking, strategic vision, and emotional intelligence. The ability to lead a team, negotiate with external parties, and communicate findings to non-financial departments makes the finance manager a vital cog in the corporate wheel.

Finance Manager Roles and Responsibilities

A finance manager's day is filled with critical decisions, reviews, planning, and communication. The finance manager roles and responsibilities vary depending on the size and nature of the company, but the core duties remain consistent across sectors.

Strategic Financial Planning

Finance managers are responsible for planning the company’s financial future. They work with senior executives to set annual budgets, long-term forecasts, and determine investment strategies.

Risk Management

They identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies. This includes ensuring the company is not overly reliant on one source of income and diversifying investments.

Reporting and Analysis

One of the most significant finance manager roles and responsibilities is compiling and presenting financial reports. These reports inform decision-making at the highest levels.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring that all financial statements and transactions comply with laws and regulations is a key duty. This also includes collaborating with auditors.

Team Leadership

Finance managers supervise teams of analysts and accountants. They ensure deadlines are met, reports are accurate, and professional growth is encouraged.

These responsibilities underline that the finance manager job description is as strategic as it is operational, blending leadership, analysis, and compliance in one role.

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Finance Manager Salary Expectations 

A finance manager’s compensation is highly attractive and varies based on experience, location, education, and the company’s size. The finance manager salary is often reflective of the responsibilities they carry and the value they bring.

Entry-Level Finance Manager Salary

Fresh professionals entering this role typically earn between ₹6 LPA to ₹10 LPA in India, depending on their skills and the brand they join.

Mid-Level and Senior Finance Manager Salary

With 5–10 years of experience, the finance manager salary can range from ₹12 LPA to ₹25 LPA. Senior roles in MNCs or large corporates can even exceed ₹30 LPA.

Global Perspective

In countries like the USA or UK, the average finance manager salary can range between $85,000 to $150,000 annually, with bonuses and stock options increasing the total package.

It’s clear that this profession is not only intellectually rewarding but also financially lucrative. However, this rewarding career demands an exceptional level of education, commitment, and continuous upskilling.

Finance Manager Qualifications

To step into this highly competitive field, you need specific finance manager qualifications that reflect your educational background, professional certifications, and practical exposure.

Educational Qualifications

The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics. Most top companies prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance or a related discipline.

Professional Certifications

While not mandatory, certifications add immense value. Consider:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Technical Qualifications

Strong command over MS Excel, ERP systems (like SAP), financial modeling software, and BI tools like Tableau is crucial. These are often highlighted in the finance manager job description and play a huge role in day-to-day tasks.

These finance manager qualifications form the foundation for a successful career and are often the deciding factor in promotions and leadership opportunities.

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How to Become a Finance Manager After 12th?

If you’re wondering how to become a finance manager after 12th, here’s your step-by-step guide. Starting early is a great advantage, and with the right direction, anyone can build a solid finance career. 

Step 1: Choose Commerce Stream

Right after your 12th, select the commerce stream. Subjects like Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies are ideal for this journey.

Step 2: Pursue a Relevant Degree

Enroll in a bachelor’s degree like B.Com, BBA (Finance), or Economics Honours. Focus on building a strong academic base and gaining internships during your college years.

Step 3: Take a Finance Manager Course

To gain an edge, enroll in a finance manager course that enhances your real-world understanding. Financial Modeling, in particular, is highly valued in corporate hiring.

Step 4: Get Professional Certifications

Post-graduation, aim for advanced certifications like CFA, CPA, or even ACCA if you are interested in global opportunities.

Step 5: Build Experience

Start working in roles like Financial Analyst, Accountant, or Junior Finance Manager to gain exposure. As your experience grows, you can move up to the Finance Manager role.

So, if you're still in school wondering about your future, know that the path to becoming a finance manager starts now. Focus, plan, and prepare.

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Finance Manager Skills You Must Have

In addition to qualifications, the finance manager skills you acquire and refine determine how far you can go. Let’s explore what makes an outstanding finance manager in 2025 and beyond.

Analytical Skills

Being able to interpret large datasets and spot trends or anomalies is a must-have.

Strategic Thinking

You must look beyond numbers, understanding how financial decisions affect the entire organization.

Leadership & Communication

Leading teams and communicating with various departments and stakeholders are essential finance manager skills that can't be ignored.

Attention to Detail

One small error can cost an organization millions. Precision is crucial.

Tech-Savviness

With automation and analytics driving modern finance, skills in financial modeling, data visualization, and ERP systems are vital.

No matter how detailed your finance manager job description may be, it’s these soft and technical skills that truly define your success.

Take the First Step With PW Financial Modeling Course

If you’re serious about fulfilling your dream as a finance leader, the PW Financial Modeling Course with Deloitte Learning Academy is the perfect launchpad. This course offers real-world exposure through industry-curated modules and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re a student just starting out or a working professional looking to pivot into finance, the PW Financial Modeling Course with Deloitte Learning Academy equips you with everything you need to meet the expectations set by any finance manager job description.