What degree do I need to become a finance manager?

There's no single required degree. Accounting , Banking, Finance and Technology , and Business are all genuine routes in, since employers value financial and commercial skills over one specific qualification.

Which major best supports a career as a finance manager?

Accounting or Finance majors give you the strongest technical grounding for this role, while Banking, Finance and Technology suits those interested in digital finance, blockchain, and financial technology specifically. A Strategic Management major is also worth considering if you're aiming for broader financial oversight rather than a purely technical accounting path.

How long does a finance degree take at Waikato?

A Bachelor of Business takes three years of full-time study. Finance manager roles usually require several years of relevant work experience on top of this, so it's rarely an entry-level position straight out of study.

Do I need to become a Chartered Accountant to work as a finance manager?

Not always, but it's often expected for senior roles. Waikato offers postgraduate pathways such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting for graduates working towards Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand membership.

Does Waikato's finance programme have any international recognition?

Yes. The Finance major is officially recognised by the CFA Institute's University Affiliation Program, the global benchmark for industry-relevant finance education, giving graduates a strong pathway towards the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Is postgraduate study required for senior roles?

Not always, but it's often expected for senior roles. Waikato offers postgraduate pathways such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting for graduates working towards Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand membership.

Finance manager career

Kaiwhakahaere pūtea

Finance managers oversee an organisation's strategic accounting, investments, risk management and other financial activities.

$65,000 – $244,000 per year

Chief financial officer, financial controller, finance and administration manager, finance and business services manager, financial manager, finance reporting manager, investments manager

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Finance manager?

Finance managers

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices
need to be accurate, identify and solve problems and make decisions

Tasks

review and manage financial risks
prepare budgets, financial reports and forecasts
make decisions on investments and spending
check and report on financial trends
manage finance teams and staff
provide financial advice to businesses
make sure legal rules are followed
analyse financial records to improve budgets
oversee cash flow and company finances
keep records for legal and business needs

How can you become a Finance manager?

You need a qualification and experience to become a finance manager.

You need

a relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, banking and finance, business and management or similar area
experience in similar work

You may need

to be a chartered accountant with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

If you're in school

You need NCEA Level 3 or University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

Build your grounding with a Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology or a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance or Professional Accounting. Professional Accounting is a fast-track pathway towards Chartered Accountant membership. Like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning.

If you already have a degree in another subject, you can complete a Master of Applied Finance or do a Master of Professional Accounting that lets you move into accounting.

BBus

Where a career in finance management can take you

Waikato finance graduates become versatile professionals who not only understand complex financial models, but can also use technology to innovate, regulate and design the fintech solutions of the future.

Career opportunities include:

Banking assistant
Banking
financial services and financial regulation
Business analyst
Finance manager
Corporate financer
Financial Analyst
Finance manager
Financial planner/advisor
Insurance and finance
Investment advisor
Investment fund manager
Sharebroker
Stockbroker
Corporate treasurer

Finance manager FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Accounting & Finance

Waikato is ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide for Accounting & Finance in the QS World University Rankings.

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Management Student Centre (MSC)

Finance manager career