What does a Finance Project Manager do?

Commonly referred to as Financial Project Managers, these professionals are in charge of planning and executing projects from a financial standpoint. Their responsibilities include creating budgets, monitoring spending, preparing reports for upper management, analyzing discrepancies and finding ways to stay within budget. 

Because budgets underpin every business decision, these professionals must have a keen understanding of finance and accounting. They use this knowledge to make recommendations that will save the company money or increase revenue. 

Many financial project managers also have a background in risk management, which helps them identify potential problems and develop solutions before they become costly mistakes.

Finance Project Manager skills and qualifications

In order to be successful in their role, Finance Project Managers must typically possess and competently utilize the following skills:

• Financial analysis skills for assessing the viability of projects

• Strong mathematics knowledge to make calculations and prepare budgets

• Project management skills to successfully execute projects

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with stakeholders

• Time management and organizational skills for juggling multiple tasks

• Analytical skills for identifying discrepancies and finding ways to stay within budget

• Problem-solving skills for developing solutions to financial problems

• Business intelligence skills for making recommendations that will improve the financial performance of a company

Finance Project Manager experience requirements

Unlike clerical positions in finance, Finance Project Manager careers require prior experience in finance and accounting. Many financial project managers have a minimum of five years’ experience working in a finance-related role, such as a financial analyst or accountant. Those with experience in management or project management may also be well suited to the role; in time, they may grow to suit a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position. 

Finance Project Manager education and training requirements

Budgetary and revenue-based decisions have the potential to make or break a company, so the Finance Project Manager role requires a high level of education and training. Most financial project managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance. Many employers add an MBA to their listings to ensure that their employees have the advanced knowledge needed to make sound decisions.

Job description samples for similar positions

Looking for a different position that still relates to finance? Check out these job descriptions:

• Financial Analyst

• Finance Manager

• Financial Planner

FAQs about Finance Project Managers

What are the career prospects for a Finance Project Manager?

Finance Project Managers can find work in a variety of industries, including banking, accounting and consulting. The role is suited to those with strong financial skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. With experience, Finance Project Managers may move into senior management positions or take on additional financial planning or risk management responsibilities.

What skills are required to be a Finance Project Manager?

Finance Project Managers must have strong financial skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. They must also be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and have effective problem-solving skills. The role involves making decisions that have the potential to make or break a company, so it is important that those in the role have a high level of education and training.

What qualifications do Finance Project Managers need?

Most financial project managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance, while some employers look for candidates with an MBA. Courses in project management, risk management and financial modeling are also desirable. 

Do Finance Project Managers need experience?

Yes,experience in a finance-related role such as a financial analyst or accountant is often required. Those with experience in management or project management may also be well suited to the role.