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Finance manager job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume

Applying for finance manager at a company's finance team? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.

Duties to write on your resume

Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.

• Prepared monthly financial statements and reported results to senior management
• Managed budgets and forecasts, and explained gaps between planned and actual spending
• Supervised the accounting team and reviewed their month end closing work
• Monitored cash flow and planned payments to suppliers and other obligations
• Reviewed accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger entries for accuracy
• Coordinated with auditors and prepared records for tax filings and reviews
• Built financial reports and models in Excel and accounting software
• Improved finance procedures and set approval controls to reduce errors and risk

A resume objective you can adapt

Accounting graduate with hands-on experience in budgeting, reporting and team supervision, looking for a finance manager role where I can keep the books accurate and help leaders decide with clear numbers.

Skills employers ask for

• Financial reporting and budgeting
• Excel and accounting software
• Leading and checking a small team
• Explaining numbers in plain English
• Attention to detail under deadlines

What the interview asks

1. Walk me through how you handle a month end close. Name your steps in order, from reconciling accounts to reviewing reports with your team.
2. How do you explain a budget gap to a manager who is not in finance? Use a real example, say the cause plainly and share what you did about it.
3. Tell me about a mistake you found in the books. What did you do? Be honest, show how you fixed it and what check you added after.
4. How do you keep your team on schedule when deadlines pile up? Talk about clear tasks, regular check-ins and helping when someone is stuck.

The questions every interview asks, with sample answers

How to get hired

1. Most posts ask for a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related course.
2. Most employers also want several years of experience in accounting or finance, often with some team lead work.
3. Prepare your resume, a valid ID, NBI clearance, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN numbers, and a medical certificate.
4. Apply online or through company career pages, and keep examples of reports you built ready to talk about.
5. Expect interviews with HR and with senior management, and sometimes a short test on Excel or case questions.

What the work is like

Mostly desk work with reports, spreadsheets and meetings. The hard part is month end, when deadlines are tight and everyone wants the numbers fast.

Questions

Do I need a degree to become a finance manager?

Most posts ask for a degree in accounting, finance or a similar course. Experience in accounting roles first is also common.

Can I start as a finance manager with no experience?

Rarely. Most people start as an accounting clerk, accountant or analyst and move up as they take on more responsibility.

Is finance manager work done from home?

Some employers allow it, especially for companies with overseas clients, but many want you on site for audits and team work.

Similar jobs

• Accounting manager
• Accountant
• Financial analyst
• Operations manager
• Internal auditor

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