Description

Simply put, the goal of a commercial finance manager is to increase profits for their business. These managers analyze various data from company performance and determine areas for improvement, so applicants should have up-to-date knowledge of trends in the marketplace in order to propose new ideas and opportunities. It is also important to keep an eye on the competition to develop the most effective strategies.A commercial finance manager may also work with his/her company's marketing department to help develop profitable ideas for promotions and set prices for products. He/she also analyzes all of the company’s operations throughout the supply chain to determine where efficiency or cost-effectiveness can be improved. This is often a leadership position which involves working with a commercial finance team, so some hiring and disciplinary duties may be necessary to develop successful teams.These managers will also help the finance and accounting departments within the company to ensure that they're operating efficiently. They will provide advice to these departments in areas such as profitability forecasting, performance reporting, marketing analysis, and new product development. These managers also help other managers develop policies and work protocols, including working with the finance department to develop plans, forecasts, and analyses. Generally, a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business or Finance is required, along with years of work experience in a relevant field. Some leadership experience may also be required. Some positions require a Master’s degree.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Commercial Finance Manager with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial planning, analysis, and budgeting processes to ensure alignment with business objectives and optimize financial performance.
  • Provide strategic financial guidance to senior management, including forecasting, risk assessment, and investment analysis.
  • Manage and develop financial reporting systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and execute financial strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, pricing decisions, and cost optimization initiatives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Commercial Finance Manager, the following qualifications are required:

  • Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting techniques to provide strategic insights and recommendations to optimize business performance.
  • Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance to ensure adherence to legal and industry standards in financial reporting and transactions.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior management, and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience in financial modeling, budgeting, and planning to support decision-making and drive the achievement of financial goals.

Essential Skills For Commercial Finance Manager

1

Finance Analytics

2

Principles of Finance

3

Financial Modeling

Career Prospects

The role of Commercial Finance Manager is crucial in overseeing financial activities and driving business growth. With 6-9 years of experience in Canada's finance industry, professionals can explore alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Senior Financial Analyst: A role that involves analyzing financial data, conducting market research, and providing strategic recommendations to improve profitability.
  • Business Development Manager: A position focused on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, conducting market analysis, and developing growth strategies.
  • Financial Controller: A role responsible for managing financial operations, implementing financial controls, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Operations Manager: A position that oversees the day-to-day operations of a business, including managing budgets, optimizing processes, and ensuring operational efficiency.

How to Learn

The role of Commercial Finance Manager in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, given the expanding market. Based on a 10-year analysis, this position is expected to continue to rise in demand. With the continuous growth of businesses and financial sectors, employment opportunities for Commercial Finance Managers are likely to increase substantially. According to the latest data from Google, there is a positive outlook for this role with a steady rise in job opportunities anticipated in the near future.