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.

The route

1. 1

   3–4 years

   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. 2

   1–2 years

   Own the budget cycle

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

3. 3

   1–2 years

   Learn to manage and present

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

4. 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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