How to become a financial manager
Official title: Financial managers
Also called: Finance manager, Financial manager, Accounting manager, Financial director, Financial controller, Internal audit manager, Financial administrator, Financial audit manager, Financial centre manager, Group accounting manager, Pension services manager, Accounting office manager
Financial managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of financial and accounting departments. They develop and implement the financial policies and systems of establishments. Financial managers establish performance standards and prepare various financial reports for senior management. They are employed in financial and accounting departments in companies throughout the public and private sectors and in government.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of an accounting, audit or other financial department
- Develop and implement the financial policies, systems and procedures of an establishment
- Prepare or coordinate the preparation of financial statements, summaries, and other cost-benefit analyses and financial management reports
- Co-ordinate the financial planning and budget process, and analyze and correct estimates
- Supervise the development and implementation of financial simulation models
- Evaluate financial reporting systems, accounting procedures and investment activities and make recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets and other financial control functions to senior managers and other department or regional managers
- Recruit, organize, train and manage staff
- Act as liaison between the organization and its shareholders, the investing public and external financial analysts
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required. A master's degree in business administration (concentration in finance), or another master's level management program may be required. Several years of experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning and analysis or other financial activities are required. Accounting and audit managers may require a recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CMA or CPA, CGA). Investment, treasury, or corporate finance managers may require a recognized financial designation (CFA, CFP, CIM or others).
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $115,986 a year The middle half earn $93,756 to $141,668.
- About 78,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 86,500 are projected by 2033. (+10.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a financial manager?
A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, commerce or a related field is required. A master's degree in business administration (concentration in finance), or another master's level management program may be required. Several years of experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning and analysis or other financial activities are required. Accounting and audit managers may require a recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA, CPA, CMA or CPA, CGA). Investment, treasury, or corporate finance managers may require a recognized financial designation (CFA, CFP, CIM or others).
How much does a financial manager earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $115,986 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $93,756 to $141,668.
Is a financial manager a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 78,000 to about 86,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a financial manager?
Usually. 67% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03