About the Finance Manager role
A Finance Manager keeps a company's financial health visible and under control. They oversee daily accounting operations, prepare financial statements and management reports, lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, and monitor cash flow and working capital. The role turns raw transactions into the numbers leadership uses to make decisions, and it builds and enforces the internal controls that keep those numbers trustworthy, consistent, and audit-ready.
The role sits between detailed accounting work and strategic finance. A strong Finance Manager closes the books accurately and on time, but also explains variances, models scenarios, and challenges spending plans with data. In many companies they manage accountants or analysts, coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors, and own the financial systems and processes that must scale as the business grows.
In your posting, describe the size of the finance team, the accounting and ERP systems you use, whether the role owns month-end close, FP&A, or both, and who the manager reports to. Mention upcoming projects such as a system migration, a first audit, or international expansion. Finance candidates read scope carefully, and clarity about the split between accounting and planning work will attract better-matched applicants.
Finance Manager job description template
Job brief
We are looking for a Finance Manager to oversee our financial operations and provide leadership with accurate, timely insight into the business. You will manage month-end close and financial reporting, lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, monitor cash flow, and strengthen internal controls. You will also partner with department leaders to review performance against budget and support decisions with sound analysis. To succeed in this role, you should combine strong accounting fundamentals with practical business judgment.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily accounting operations and manage an accurate, timely month-end close
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports
- Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain rolling forecasts
- Monitor cash flow, working capital, and liquidity, and flag risks early
- Analyze variances against budget and explain drivers to leadership
- Develop and enforce internal controls, policies, and approval workflows
- Coordinate external audits and manage relationships with auditors, banks, and tax advisors
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards and tax and regulatory requirements
- Improve finance systems, automation, and reporting processes as the company scales
- Manage and develop finance team members
Requirements and skills
- Proven working experience as a Finance Manager, Accounting Manager, or senior finance professional
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles such as GAAP or IFRS
- Hands-on experience with month-end close, financial reporting, and consolidation
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills
- Proficiency with accounting or ERP software and advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills
- Experience building or improving internal controls and financial processes
- Strong analytical skills paired with clear written and verbal communication
- BSc in Finance, Accounting, or Economics; CPA, CMA, or an equivalent qualification is a strong asset
Nice to have
- Experience supporting audits, fundraising, or due diligence processes
- Familiarity with BI tools for financial reporting and dashboards
- Experience in a multi-entity or multi-currency environment
- Prior experience managing a small finance or accounting team
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