Chief Financial Officers

Employment for financial managers (a career category that includes chief financial officers) is expected to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some of the sectors that will experience especially high growth include warehousing and storage, software publishing, beverage manufacturing, and wind and solar electric power generation.

In recent years, companies have been accumulating more cash on their balance sheets, especially among those with operations in foreign countries. As globalization continues, this trend is likely to persist. This should cause a moderate increase in demand for financial managers, as companies will be in need of cash management expertise. Chief financial officers with graduate degrees, certification, and years of experience in financial positions at top companies will have the best job prospects.

Globalization, advances in technology, and increases in stakeholder engagement and risk management practices will continue to change the responsibilities of financial officers—especially CFOs. As a result, CFOs must stay up to date with current trends and evolving skill sets by taking continuing education classes, attending educational, conferences, and participating in professional networking groups.