To remain competitive, businesses in every industry need strong financial leadership — like the leadership provided by a finance operations director. These senior-level financial professionals manage key accounting functions such as capital, revenue recognition and financial report reviews. If becoming a finance operations director for a top employer is your career goal, enrolling in Florida Institute of Technology’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Accounting and Finance online program helps you achieve it.
Job Outlook for Finance Operations Directors
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of financial managers (which includes finance operations directors) will grow much faster than the average for other occupations in the coming years at 17%. Job growth will occur due to more complex financial activities required in the global business environment as well as an increased need for financial experts to help companies through regulatory changes. Finance operations director job seekers will see strong competition for these high-paying positions, and those with a master’s degree and certification should have the best job prospects.
Job Duties
An organization’s finance operations director is usually responsible for leading the finance/accounting function and team. They provide strategic direction and oversight of front-end revenue cycle work processes and outcomes. Often, they oversee revenue policies and procedures, including billing for revenue generation. These professionals may also identify and provide solutions for areas of high risk in the revenue cycle, documentation or billing practices.
Finance operations directors also may supervise budget development, financial reporting and systems management. They also finance staff while driving business processes to improve efficiency and meet organizational goals. Depending on the employer and industry, the finance operations director may approve credit and billing terms for contracts. In addition, they may be responsible for managing internal systems used for recording revenue and compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.
Finance operations directors typically work in offices, often close to top management. Depending on the employer, travel could be required. They typically work a 40-hour week, but extra hours could be required during certain times of the year, such as quarter- and year-end reporting time.
Finance Operations Director: Salary Potential
According to BLS data, the average annual salary for financial managers was $156,100. Salary levels are typically commensurate with education, professional credentials and experience, with those holding advanced degrees and certified public accountant (CPA) designations toward the top end of the salary range.
Education and Training
Employers hiring finance operations directors typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many show preference to candidates with master’s degrees in business or accounting and finance. In addition, director-level positions typically require prior experience and CPA status.
Positioning yourself to compete for a finance operations director position starts with enrolling in Florida Tech’s online MBA program in Accounting and Finance. Coursework includes managerial economics, financial management, strategic cost management and managerial accounting.
The best way to ensure hireability in today’s competitive job market is to pursue higher education. Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance are able to:
- solve real-world business problems with creative, critical thinking
- apply accounting data to organizational goals
- demonstrate understanding of modern theories of leadership, management and negotiation
- use financial, statistical and economic data to assess and manage risk
- leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a finance operations director
Can You Compete for a Top Finance Operations Director Job?
As an accounting professional, you already possess communication and analytical skills as well as the ability to solve complex financial problems. To take your career to the next level and compete for high-paying finance operations director positions, you also need the knowledge and credentials top employers look for — like an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance from Florida Tech. Earning your master’s with Florida Tech could be the key to accelerating your career in finance and positioning yourself to compete for the best finance operations director jobs.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Accounting and Finance program.
