The Do’s and Don’ts of a Career in Financial Management
So you’re studying towards, or considering, a career in financial management, and you have a few questions about what a career in this field would be like? As with any career path that you decide to embark on, there are do’s and don’ts when climbing the ladder to success in the financial industry.
In this article, we explore a few tips and tricks to use (and some to avoid) when it comes to your financial management career:
Do ensure that you have the right qualifications for the job
Having the right qualifications for the position that you are applying for will not only help you to get the job in the first place, but it will also help you to perform well in your role, to develop a good professional reputation, and to have a long and fulfilling career in financial management.
Check out Oxbridge Academy’s courses in the financial, bookkeeping and accounting fields that will equip you with the necessary skills to perform well in your job.
Do get to know the other departments
When working as a financial manager, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, calculations, and reports. Take a break from your daily tasks now and then to meet and strategise with people from other departments. You could pick up on important information by having a casual conversation with a colleague – and this information could have a major impact on the way the organisation’s money is managed.
Do improve on your time management skills
Time management is key in any job, but this is especially true in the financial field. Plan (and stick to) a schedule for each week. Leave enough room for interruptions during your workday so it doesn’t mess with the rest of your schedule, but don’t let those interruptions waste your time. Learn how to decide when something that comes up is necessary or simply not worth your time.
Do be motivated and ambitious
Once you’ve landed the financial management job of your dreams, it doesn’t mean you should stop being motivated to improve yourself professionally. Look for ways to improve your technical and managerial skills – and motivate your colleagues to do the same.
Don’t get stuck in your ways
Constantly challenge yourself to do things in a different way. If you’ve always used the same template for a report, even though it’s clumsy, impractical, and time-consuming to complete, look for ways in which you can update the template (without creating chaos in your financial department, of course). Also try asking a colleague for advice on how you can improve on the job and to provide you with a few suggestions on how you can implement positive changes in your work routine.
Don’t get involved in ethical dilemmas
Show integrity at all times, and adhere to your company’s (and professional body’s) code of ethics. If you suspect that you are being dragged into an ethically grey area, stop immediately to assess (and if necessary, address) the situation before it escalates out of your control.
Don’t be lazy to expand your knowledge
Many companies offer their employees basic training programmes for different job-related skills throughout the year. Make an effort to attend that management seminar or Excel training session – you never know what you could learn!
Don’t adopt an inflexible attitude
Flexibility is key in any job, but especially so when you’re working in finance. Be willing to adapt to changes around the office, whether it is in relation to management issues, such as changes in reporting structure, or practical issues, such as moving the office. This will show those around you that you’re willing to adapt to new challenges.
Ready to improve your skills in financial management? Click here to find out more about the part-time courses available at Oxbridge Academy.
Already qualified? Apply for one of the latest jobs on Job Mail.
