Financial Managers
Financial managers plan and direct accounting, investing, banking, insurance, and securities activities within a branch, office, or department. They work across many industries—banks, insurance companies, corporations, and government agencies—overseeing budgets, financial operations, and strategic decisions that affect an organization's financial health.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Financial managers review financial reports, analyze budget variances, and meet with department heads about spending and revenue. They prepare forecasts, approve expenses, oversee accounting staff, and ensure compliance with regulations. On any given week, they might present financial recommendations to executives, audit account reconciliations, evaluate investment options, or develop cost-control strategies.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to think systematically about rules, processes, and measurable outcomes, and you enjoy organizing complex information into clear plans. You're driven to influence business decisions and build something valuable—and you're most satisfied when your financial strategies directly improve an organization's performance.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Financial Manager-Assistant Chief · Veterans Health Administration · Mountain View, California · $133060–$172980
- BUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGER · STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS (SSP) · Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia · $102415–$158322
- Manager, Global Financial Reporting · ŌURA · USA · Remote
- Financial Manager (Chief Financial Officer) · Veterans Health Administration · West Palm Beach, Florida · $133953–$174144
- FINANCIAL MANAGER · Immediate Office of the Chief of Naval Operations · Naval Base, Norfolk, Virginia · $127646–$165945
- Financial Resources Manager · U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command · Charlottesville, Virginia · $125776–$163514
- FINANCIAL MANAGER · U.S. Marine Corps · Stafford, Virginia · $143913–$197200
- Financial Manager NF-04 · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Eustis, Virginia · $90000–$110000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $166,410 | $219,880 | $328,210 | 80,810 |
| Massachusetts | $161,870 | $206,760 | $287,520 | 26,150 |
| New Jersey | $162,800 | $199,110 | $279,330 | 32,510 |
| District of Columbia | $161,470 | $188,880 | $231,000 | 8,930 |
| Virginia | $146,320 | $185,220 | $224,130 | 20,850 |
| Colorado | $149,120 | $182,690 | $238,380 | 10,640 |
| Delaware | $156,330 | $181,580 | $226,040 | 2,810 |
| California | $136,030 | $180,770 | $269,990 | 93,310 |
| Washington | $138,450 | $174,840 | $222,240 | 12,930 |
| Connecticut | $135,540 | $174,830 | $233,210 | 20,040 |
| Rhode Island | $131,000 | $166,940 | $218,390 | 2,570 |
| Georgia | $126,560 | $166,790 | $215,910 | 21,390 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) — Global Association of Risk Professionals
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) — Association of Government Accountants
- Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) — American Bankers Association
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) — Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) — Healthcare Financial Management Association
- Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA) — Healthcare Financial Management Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.