What is the corporate finance hierarchy?

The corporate finance hierarchy is the organizational structure of job titles at a finance company. Here is a detailed look at the job titles in the corporate finance hierarchy, starting with the bottom-level roles and ascending towards the most senior positions:

• Financial Analysts

Financial analysts may use financial reports created by accountants to help give guidance to a company in how best to use its resources. Their main objective is to investigate data to identify business opportunities or give investment plans. Financial analysts create financial reports for senior-level managers and executives.

• Senior Financial Analysts

Senior financial analysts tend to focus on devising investment recommendations more than anything else. They take on more complex projects and tasks than entry-level financial analysts and have a greater amount of responsibility in the finance department. Entry-level financial analysts can seek to become senior financial analysts after working for several years.

• Finance Managers

Finance managers are mid-level roles in the corporate finance hierarchy. They are in charge of overseeing various aspects of different financial operations. Finance managers are also tasked with managing a team of financial analysts, this might include entry-level financial analysts and senior financial analysts.

Finance managers normally have between five and 10 years of experience in finance. They also tend to hold advanced degrees, such as MBAs.

• Director of Finance

The director of the finance role is a high-level management position that is tasked with giving guidance and direction to the financial department of a company or an entire finance company. They must work with other senior-level managers and executives to craft financial strategies and plans.

A director of finance usually holds at least a master's degree in finance or another related advanced degree.

• Vice President of Finance

The vice president of finance role is a senior-level position in the corporate finance hierarchy. They are in charge of managing and overseeing all financial operations of their company. They might also collaborate with a chief financial officer (CFO), chief executive officer (CEO), and the board of directors at their organization to develop financial strategies and goals.

These high-level financial professionals also usually have an MBA or another related advanced degree.

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

They are responsible for a company's financial operations. They control and build a company's financial department, execute financial planning, manage financial risks, and oversee record-keeping and financial reporting. A chief financial officer reports directly to the CEO and board of directors of a company.