Financial operations managers are executives needed at most mid-sized to large companies. The financial operations manager works to make sure that each department in a company stays within its budget and tweaks company policies as needed to meet financial goals. In most companies, the financial operations manager answers only to the chief executive officer of the company. Good steps toward filling such a role include getting the proper education, being willing to start in an entry-level position and demonstrating a willingness to work beyond the 40-hour week when necessary.
A person who manages to become a financial operations manager likely starts out in an entry-level position, such as financial clerk or even customer support representative. Such roles are just a step on the right path when one wants to become a financial operations manager. A person who has his heart set on being a financial operations manager needs to be prepared to do these lower-level jobs for a time before moving into management. Financial clerks often work to verify invoices or payments, record payments, or perform basic budget verification duties. Someone who is motivated and talented can move up quickly in many companies.
Once a person has moved into management, he should begin to position himself to become a financial operations manager, whether at his current company or another. These jobs typically require more than a traditional 40-hour work week, meaning people filling the role should be prepared to work longer hours without complaint. Weekend and evening hours are typical for financial managers, because problems happen at all times of the day and night. A company that has outside investors or major clients is also likely to require its financial operations manager to meet with those people on occasion.
A college degree is required to work as a financial operations manager in almost all companies. A bachelor’s degree in business administration is the most common degree earned by prospective financial operations managers, though degrees in finance also are acceptable. Specializing in financial or operational management can further boost the value of a business administration degree when applying for such a position. Successful candidates also may need a master’s degree, specifically a master's degree in business administration, because these programs teach a person how to manage and lead others.
Motivated workers who want to become a financial operations manager will update their skills often. If the goal is to stay in a specific company or simply the same industry, getting a certification in the field will increase a person's knowledge and chances of being promoted. A medical terminology degree for someone in health care or a real estate license for someone in a development corporation will show commitment to knowing more about the industry. Keeping skills updated throughout a career also is beneficial.