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Finance

How to become a Finance Manager

From financial analyst: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
3–6 years
Typical pay
$95k–$140k
Starting from
Financial analyst

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from financial analyst and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Build analyst experience

    Three or four years of FP&A or accounting is the usual entry price.

    Course that covers thisLearn Business and Financial ModelingUdemy · around $19.99
  2. Own the budget cycle

    Building it, defending it, and explaining the variances afterwards.

  3. Learn to manage and present

    The step up is from producing the numbers to standing behind them in a room.

  4. Consider CPA, CMA or an MBA

    One of the three is common at director level and above.

    CPA, CMA or MBA

  5. Destination

    Finance Manager

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