A financial manager is a professional who guides an organisation’s financial choices. They assist in keeping a company stable and support its growth through careful planning, budgeting, and investing. In South Africa, financial managers are vital in both the corporate and government sectors. They help organisations handle challenges like currency changes and meeting local regulations.
If you are interested in becoming a financial manager, it is important to know what this role involves, what skills are needed, and why it is so essential to an organisation’s success.
In this article, we will answer, “What Does a Financial Manager Do?”. We will also look at their importance, main duties, required skills, and how you can pursue this career.
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What Does a Financial Manager Do?
A financial manager keeps an organisation financially healthy by managing key processes, creating strategies, and ensuring resources are well-used. They work across different types of organisations, from small businesses, where they may handle all financial duties. The following are some of the main responsibilities of a financial manager:
- Prepare and distribute financial reports, like annual and quarterly statements, to keep financial records accurate and compliant with regulations.
- Analyse financial data to find ways to cut costs, increase profits, and make smart financial recommendations.
- Plan, monitor, and adjust budgets to meet organisational goals and predict future financial needs.
- Ensure there’s enough cash flow for daily operations and forecast future cash needs.
- Assess investment options and suggest strategies that align with organisational goals, maximise returns and manage risks.
What are the Duties of a Financial Manager?
To explore the question “What Does a Financial Manager Do?” we must look at the specific duties a financial manager performs to keep an organisation financially stable. The role covers a range of tasks, from planning budgets to managing cash flow and investments. Below, you will find the primary duties of a financial manager:
- Budgeting and Financial Planning: Financial managers create and manage budgets that align with the organisation’s goals. They predict income and expenses, ensure efficient use of resources. They also adjust budgets based on financial trends or changing priorities.
- Financial Reporting and Analysis: Financial managers prepare and examine financial reports to show the organisation’s financial health. These reports help internal teams and external parties, like investors and regulators, understand performance. Regular analysis helps spot trends, identify growth opportunities, and find cost-saving areas.
- Investment and Risk Management: Financial managers oversee investment strategies to grow the organisation’s assets. They evaluate and select investments that fit overall goals while managing risks. This includes monitoring market trends and making informed investment decisions.
- Cash Flow Management and Forecasting: Financial managers ensure smooth cash flow by overseeing daily cash needs. They track cash inflows and outflows and forecast future cash needs. They also manage working capital to maintain enough liquidity for ongoing operations.
Explore the Role of Financial Manager in South Africa
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Financial Manager?
To succeed as a financial manager, having a strong skill set is essential. It is also important for these professionals to engage in continuous learning to stay updated on the latest regulations, trends, and technologies. So, while we discuss the question “What does a financial manager do?”, you must know the essential skills to become a successful financial manager.
Below are the top technical and soft skills that a financial manager must possess.
Key Technical Skills
Technical skills are the specific knowledge and expertise required to perform financial tasks effectively. The following are the key technical skills that a financial manager must have:
- Financial Analysis: Financial managers must analyse complex financial data to identify trends and insights that can guide strategic decisions.
- Financial Forecasting: They need to project how various scenarios could affect the organisation’s finances, using advanced mathematics and forecasting models.
- Investment Management: A deep understanding of various investment vehicles, including their risks and returns, is necessary for making sound investment choices.
- Knowledge of Regulatory/Compliance Requirements: Financial managers must be well-versed in regulations and compliance standards to avoid costly mistakes.
Essential Soft Skills
Soft skills are interpersonal attributes and personal qualities that enable financial managers to work collaboratively in the workplace. So, while exploring what a financial manager does, let us find out the essential soft skills that a financial manager must have:
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Financial managers must present analyses and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in financial reporting and analysis; even minor errors can lead to significant issues.
- Analytical Thinking: An analytical mindset allows financial managers to evaluate data effectively and offer informed recommendations.
- Decision-Making Skills: Given the responsibility of managing substantial financial resources, financial managers must make informed and decisive choices based on thorough analysis.
Why Do Companies Need a Financial Manager?
Financial managers play a crucial role in the success of an organisation. Their expertise ensures that companies are on the right track towards growth. As we explore the question, ‘What does a financial manager do?’, we should also understand their importance in companies.
Here is a closer look at why financial managers are essential for businesses:
- Strategic Financial Planning and Decision-Making
Financial managers provide valuable insights that aid executives in making strategic decisions. Whether it’s about allocating resources, pursuing mergers, or planning expansions, their financial analysis helps guide the organisation’s direction. - Ensuring Financial Stability and Growth
By focusing on budgeting and financial forecasting, financial managers maintain the organisation’s financial health. They identify areas for potential growth and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, which is vital for achieving sustainable success. - Risk Management and Compliance
Financial managers play a key role in reducing financial risks. They ensure the organisation complies with regulations and develop strategies to protect company assets. This proactive approach helps safeguard the business from unforeseen financial challenges.
Also, find out the Highest Paying Finance Jobs in South Africa
How to Become a Financial Manager in South Africa?
Becoming a financial manager in South Africa requires a well-planned educational and career strategy. It involves acquiring the right qualifications, gaining relevant experience, and understanding the pathways that lead to this role.
Hence, while you understand ‘What does a financial manager do?’, you should also know how to become one. Let us take a look at the steps to become a financial manager in South Africa:
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance. This typically takes four years and gives you the skills needed for a career in finance.
- Gain Practical Experience: Look for an internship to gain hands-on experience. This will allow you to apply your knowledge and help you build a professional network.
- Pursue Advanced Qualifications: Consider obtaining professional certifications, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or pursuing an advanced degree, like a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This will help improve your job prospects.
- Build Relevant Work Experience: Aim to gather work experience in finance-related jobs. This experience is essential for developing the skills required for a financial manager position.
- Apply for Management Roles: With the right qualifications and experience, you can now start applying for management positions in finance. However, ensure your resume highlights your education, skills, and relevant work experience.
For more insights, read our article on ‘How to Become a Financial Manager in South Africa?’
Conclusion
Financial managers are essential to the success of businesses in South Africa. They help ensure financial stability and growth in a company through careful planning, budgeting, and investment strategies. Hence, the answer to the question, ‘What does a financial manager do?’ is managing financial reports, analysing data, and overseeing cash flow. However, if you are interested in becoming a financial manager, it is crucial to understand the educational requirements and gain relevant experience. This will help you contribute to the success of organisations and prepare for a fulfilling career.
Find out the finance programmes offered by Regenesys School of Finance and take a step towards advancing your career. Visit our website today!
FAQs on What Does a Financial Manager Do?
What is a financial manager?
A financial manager is a professional responsible for guiding an organisation’s financial decisions. They ensure the company remains financially stable while supporting its growth through careful planning, budgeting, and investment strategies.
What does a financial manager do?
Financial managers perform various tasks, including preparing and distributing financial reports, analysing financial data, planning and adjusting budgets, managing cash flow, and assessing investment options. Their primary goal is to keep the organisation financially healthy and aligned with its goals.
How long does it take to become a financial manager?
Becoming a financial manager typically requires a minimum of four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance. Additionally, gaining relevant work experience and pursuing further qualifications, such as a CPA or an MBA, can take several more years, depending on the individual’s career path.
Why are financial managers essential to companies?
Financial managers play a crucial role in ensuring a company’s financial health and growth. They provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making, manage risks, and ensure compliance with regulations, all of which are essential for a company’s long-term success.
What skills are needed to be a financial manager?
A successful financial manager should possess strong technical skills, including financial analysis, forecasting, and investment management. Additionally, essential soft skills like communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and decision-making are vital for effective performance in this role.
