Mutual Fund Financial Managers

High School

Financial managers need to be whizzes at numbers, financial concepts, and data analytics, so you should take classes in mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics), economics, and accounting. Business and economics classes will help you to develop an understanding of the business world and the financial sector. Other important classes include government, computer science (especially database management), speech, and English.

Postsecondary Education

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration is required to work as a financial manager. Many large firms prefer to hire financial managers with a master’s degree in business administration, economics, accounting, or finance.

AACSB International accredits colleges and universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and accounting. Visit https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited for a list of accredited programs. Additional education information can be accessed at https://www.thiswaytocpa.com.

Certification

Certificate programs are provided by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (International Financial Reporting Standards), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (business accounting), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (international auditing and international financial reporting). Colleges and universities also offer certificate programs in these and other areas. Many financial managers utilize these short-term educational programs to build their skills and develop specialized knowledge. Contact these organizations for more information.

Other Education or Training

Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a financial manager. Many professional associations provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants offers hundreds of self-study courses. It also hosts more than 60 annual conferences and workshops. Recent classes included Advanced Controller and CFO Skills, Securities & Exchange Reporting, Mastering Data Preparation and Analysis in Excel, and Understanding Business Valuation. The Association of Financial Professionals, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Financial Executives International, CFA Institute, Institute of Internal Auditors, Institute of Management Accountants, National Association of Corporate Treasurers, and accounting and finance associations at the state and local levels also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.