Overview
Financial managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of financial and accounting departments. They develop and implement the financial policies and systems of establishments. Financial managers establish performance standards and prepare various financial reports for senior management. They are employed in financial and accounting departments in companies throughout the public and private sectors and in government.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of an accounting, audit or other financial department
Develop and implement the financial policies, systems and procedures of an establishment
Prepare or coordinate the preparation of financial statements, summaries, and other cost-benefit analyses and financial management reports
Co-ordinate the financial planning and budget process, and analyze and correct estimates
Supervise the development and implementation of financial simulation models
Evaluate financial reporting systems, accounting procedures and investment activities and make recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets and other financial control functions to senior managers and other department or regional managers
Recruit, organize, train and manage staff
Act as liaison between the organization and its shareholders, the investing public and external financial analysts
Establish profitability standards for investment activities and handle mergers and/or acquisitions
Notify and report to senior management concerning any trends that are critical to the organization's financial performance.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$78,085
$115,876
$191,375
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
2,076expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required.
A master's degree in business administration (concentration in finance), or another master's level management program may be required.
Several years of experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning and analysis or other financial activities are required.
Additional information
Progression to senior management positions, such as vice-president of finance, is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Financial managers in B.C.
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Financial Managers
- Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Financial Managers
- Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Financial Managers
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation - Financial Managers
Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) - Financial Managers
To work as an investment manager in B.C., you may choose to earn the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM ®) designation. Eligibility for this designation is achieved through the completion of requisite courses and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Employment as a senior manager in financial, communications, and other business services may additionally require several years of related work experience.
Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) Certification - Financial Managers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a financial planner in B.C., you may choose to earn the Certified Financial Planner® certification through FP Canada. To obtain the CFP designation, candidates must complete a rigorous education program, pass a national exam, have a post-secondary degree and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience.
Employment as a financial manager additionally requires several years of related work experience.
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) - Financial Managers
To work as a financial analyst in B.C., you may choose to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. You can earn the designation by completing the CFA® Program and acceptable work experience requirements.
Employment as a financial manager additionally requires several years of related work experience.
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation - Financial Managers
To work as an accountant in B.C., you may choose to earn the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Eligibility for this designation is achieved through the completion of a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a Canadian or international university and required prerequisite courses.
Employment as a financial manager additionally requires several years of related work experience.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.