We've recently updated our service. Because of this, you'll need to reset your password to log in. It's quick and easy!Reset Password

Finance manager

Plan and oversee the financial information for a company or organisation.

Also known as: head of finance, financial controller, finance director, assistant finance manager

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£1,520

Average

Monthly

£6,586

Average

Yearly

£79,040

Average

22,100

people are currently employed

High growth

2,000 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

As a finance manager, you would plan and oversee the financial information for your company or organisation. You would be responsible for maintaining the integrity of financial accounts and reporting suspected breaches of conduct. 

In this role, you would work directly with others. You could be working with people within your company or other businesses. You would advise customers or colleagues on your company's financial policies.  

Through your duties, you will manage all financial information for your organisation. You will: 

  • report to the Chief Financial Officer 

  • ensure financial regulatory standards are met 

  • monitor processes and procedures for accounting and financial reporting 

  • lead the finance team 

  • prepare financial information for review – for your company or other organisations that oversee financial regulations. 

  • work with Government bodies such as HMRC 

  • be responsible for tax information 

  • oversee management accounting and budgetary processes   

You'll need to have good attention to detail. You’ll keep up to date on market information and financial regulation. 

Hours

This role will likely require you to work 35 to 40 hours a week.

Environment

This role is office-based.

Travel

In this role, you may occasionally need to travel to other locations.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Finance manager'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Investment banker
Browse all job profiles

Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

    View all industries

    Top skills

    Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

    It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

    Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

    • analysing
    • taking responsibility
    • ethical
    • taking initiative
    • attention to detail
    • working with numbers
    • problem solving
    • written communication
    • working with technology
    • verbal communication

    Your skills are important

    Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

    Discover skills

    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

      While there are no formal qualification requirements, a degree in a relevant subject, such as Accountancy or Business Management, will be valuable.  

      You could complete an apprenticeship to gain a qualification and work experience. Relevant apprenticeships are: 

      • MA Providing Financial Services  

      • MA Accountancy  

      • MA Insurance  

      • MA Payroll  

      • MA Prof Services  

      • GA Accounting  

      • GA Business Management  

      • GA Business Management: Financial Services 

      You could also gain an Associated Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification. You could also gain a qualification through the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). Any of these qualifications will help you to stand out. 

      Having relevant work experience can help you a lot in this role. You're likely to use spreadsheets, so experience working with Excel will be a valuable asset to employers. 

      You will need to have good attention to detail and analysis skills. The best thing you can do is have confidence in yourself and your skills. 

      Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland

      Find the perfect course to boost your career.

      View all courses

      Search jobs and apprenticeships

      View work opportunities