How to Become a Finance and Operations Manager: Education, Skills and Career Path

What happens when a finance professional starts looking beyond spreadsheets and gets involved in how the business actually runs? That shift can lead to a finance and operations manager role, where financial planning meets budgets, processes, people, and day-to-day decisions. The demand for strong analytical skills also remains clear. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 report found that 69% of employers consider analytical thinking a core skill. For professionals considering this career path, knowing where to start can make a difference. This article covers the education, skills, experience, certifications, and career steps that can help you work toward a finance and operations manager position.

Source: World Economic Forum’s 2025 Report

Finance and Operations Manager Career Path: Education, Skills and Steps to Get There

A finance and operations manager combines financial oversight with the day-to-day work of keeping a business efficient and on track. A bachelor’s degree, relevant finance or accounting experience, operational exposure, and strong leadership skills can build a strong foundation for the role, while an MBA, master’s degree, or certification may support career progression.

Career Stage	Typical Roles	What To Build?
Entry-level	Staff accountant, financial analyst, and operations coordinator	Accounting, reporting, and business processes
Early career	Senior accountant, finance analyst, and operations analyst	Budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement
Mid-career	Finance supervisor, finance manager, and operations manager	Team leadership and cross-functional projects
Management	Finance and operations manager	Financial oversight, operations, and strategic decision-making

Typical Education and Credential Expectations

Relevant coursework includes financial and managerial accounting, budgeting, internal controls, operations management, and business strategy. Familiarity with ERP systems, analytics, compliance, and leadership can also help as responsibilities expand.

Also Read: What is Strategic Marketing? A Complete Guide for MBA Students

Core Skills for Finance and Operations Managers

The job calls for more than financial know-how. Useful skills include:

• Financial reporting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Process and workflow management
• Internal controls and compliance
• ERP systems, Excel and business reporting
• Team leadership and communication

Also Read: What Will You Learn in a Corporate Finance Course?

Step-by-Step Path Into a Finance and Operations Manager Role

There is no single route into the role, but many professionals follow a progression that gradually expands their responsibilities:

1. Start in Accounting or Finance: Begin as a staff accountant, financial analyst, or operations coordinator to understand core business processes.
2. Build Technical Depth: Take ownership of month-end close, budgeting, reporting, reconciliations, or internal controls.
3. Gain Operational Exposure: Get involved in process improvements, vendor management, or projects that bring multiple teams together.
4. Build Leadership Experience: Take on people management or project leadership responsibilities as opportunities arise.
5. Step into Combined Management: Move into a finance and operations manager position with responsibility for both financial and operational performance.

Also Read: Top 7 Highest-Paying Remote Jobs in the USA (2026 Salary Guide)

Building a Competitive Profile: Experience, Projects and Networking

Experience is important, but employers may also look at the scope of responsibilities, projects, and measurable outcomes a candidate can demonstrate.  A strong profile makes that impact easy to spot.

Profile Area	What To Highlight?
Experience	Ownership of finance and operational responsibilities
Projects	Process improvements, controls, or cost-saving initiatives
Resume	Measurable outcomes and cross-functional work
Networking	Conversations with professionals already in the role
Development	Certifications, ERP training, and leadership skills

A few practical steps can make your profile stronger:

• Resume: Show the scope and outcomes of your work rather than listing routine duties.  For example, mention that you managed month-end close and operational reporting for a business unit.
• Interviews: Prepare examples of process improvements, controls, financial decisions, or cross-functional projects.
• Networking: Speak with finance and operations managers to understand what the job actually involves and where your skills may need work.
• Keep learning: Consider relevant certifications, ERP training, or leadership courses as your responsibilities grow.

Also Read: What Is Advanced Financial Reporting? A Complete Guide for Students

Prepare for Finance and Operations Careers With Edgewood University

A finance and operations manager needs to understand numbers, business processes, and people—not just financial reports. Edgewood University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Research Online course can be an option for professionals who want to broaden their business, analytical, and leadership skills. The course can complement existing work experience and help learners approach financial and operational challenges from a wider business perspective.

FAQs On Finance and Operations Manager

Q: What education do you need to become a finance and operations manager?
Ans: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics is a common starting point. An MBA or master’s degree can strengthen your skills in financial management, business strategy, and operations.

Q: Which skills are most important for becoming a finance and operations manager?
Ans: You’ll need a mix of finance, business, and people skills. The most useful ones include:

• Financial analysis
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Operations management
• Problem-solving
• Team leadership

Q: Can someone move into a finance and operations manager role from a pure finance background?
Ans: Yes. A finance professional can make the move by taking on operational projects, managing teams, and learning how business processes work. Experience beyond accounting can make the transition much easier.

Q: How can candidates make their profile stand out for finance and operations manager roles?
Ans: Focus on what you have improved, not just what you have handled. Show examples of reducing costs, improving processes, managing budgets, leading teams, or using data to support better business decisions.

Q: How can Edgewood University help aspiring finance and operations managers?
Ans: Edgewood University’s MBA in Business Research can help build broader business skills alongside existing finance experience. Coursework can strengthen areas such as analysis, research, management, and decision-making that are useful in this type of role.