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Job outlook for finance planning managers in the United States
Finance planning manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected finance planning manager job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 123,100 new jobs for finance planning managers are projected over the next decade.
Finance planning manager salaries have increased 10% for finance planning managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 139,070 finance planning managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 120,588 active finance planning manager job openings in the US.
The average finance planning manager salary is $109,162.
Are finance planning manager jobs in demand?
Finance planning manager job and salary trends over time
Finance planning manager jobs over time
Finance planning manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 139,070 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 122,448 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 164,170 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 132,532 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 125,449 | 0.04% |
Average finance planning manager salary over time
Finance planning manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $109,162 | $52.48 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $105,672 | $50.80 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $104,126 | $50.06 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $101,759 | $48.92 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $99,049 | $47.62 | +3.2% |
Finance planning manager jobs by state
Most common states for finance planning managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 461 | 66% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 264 | 27% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,767 | 26% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 640 | 21% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,728 | 20% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,498 | 20% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,116 | 20% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 728 | 20% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 113 | 20% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,458 | 19% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,168 | 19% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,077 | 19% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 136 | 18% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 110 | 18% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 178 | 17% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,196 | 16% |
| 17 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,640 | 16% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 948 | 16% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 214 | 16% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 122 | 16% |
Most common cities for finance planning managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanover Park | 2 | 5% | $103,317 |
| 2 | Boca Raton | 2 | 2% | $88,091 |
| 3 | Costa Mesa | 2 | 2% | $119,577 |
| 4 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $109,357 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $93,291 |
| 6 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $114,055 |
| 7 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $114,995 |
| 8 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $89,468 |
| 9 | Wichita | 3 | 1% | $99,010 |
| 10 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $99,774 |
| 11 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $85,702 |
| 12 | Grand Rapids | 2 | 1% | $96,502 |
| 13 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $100,196 |
| 14 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $103,656 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $122,941 |
| 16 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $111,243 |
| 17 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $88,115 |
| 18 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $90,394 |
| 19 | Fresno | 2 | 0% | $134,022 |
Finance Planning Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of finance planning manager experts
Manhattan College
Fairfield University
Lynn University
University of Akron
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
American University
Southwestern College
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Lawrence Technological University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Arkansas
The University of Scranton
Case Western Reserve University
DePaul University
What general advice would you give to a Finance Planning Manager?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Skills in research, programming, and modeling. Research skills are difficult to develop and many students don't have the patience or even the desire to acquire them. But they are critical for careers in finance and remain a top set of skills for employers. Programming and modeling helps with decision making by reducing (potentially) the degree of economic and market uncertainties as well as with forecasts. So definitely invest time in learning and continuously developing research and programming skills in the career niche you are pursuing.
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John McDermott Ph.D.: Be enthusiastic, work hard, and treat every assignment as a chance to learn and showcase your abilities. Seek out new and exciting opportunities, this will provide you the opportunity to expand your skill set and above all to help your company move forward.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Likes:
- Intellectual Stimulation: Many finance analysts enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial puzzles and deriving insights from data. The role often requires staying updated with the latest economic trends and financial theories, providing continuous learning opportunities.
- Impact on Decision-making: Analysts often take pride in the fact that their work directly influences strategic business decisions. This can be highly rewarding, especially when their recommendations lead to successful outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: The field offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Analysts can ascend to roles in senior management, specialize in particular sectors such as fintech or healthcare, or move into investment roles.
Dislikes:
- High Pressure: The role can be highly stressful, with tight deadlines and significant implications tied to their analyses and recommendations. Financial markets are dynamic, and the pressure to provide accurate, timely insights can be intense.
- Monotony in Initial Stages: New entrants might find the work initially repetitive as they learn the ropes of data collection and basic analysis techniques. The intellectual rewards and more engaging tasks often come with increased responsibility.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the employer and the state of the market, long hours can be common, especially during financial reporting periods or significant market changes, which can impact work-life balance.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: As a beginner in any field, it pays to listen more than to talk. Be humble, pay attention, be nice to folks and probably most helpful is having a mentor who can guide you along and show you some best practices for navigating your career. You should take advantage of your education, not just to show a piece of paper that says you graduated but think of every single project, essay or paper that you write as part of a portfolio that demonstrates your skill sets. Especially in finance where we can sometimes be enamored with the beauty of a mathematical model, think about how any model should be applied in the real world. In some cases that might mean that you have to “get your hands on the wheel and learn how to drive.” I am not suggesting that you should put all your savings at risk and buy the next iteration of the latest cryptocurrency, but If you’re interested in a career in investing, put a small amount of money at risk and trade a stock, or if you must trade a few dollars’ worth of Bitcoin or Ether – as much as you would risk for a movie ticket seems reasonable. There are lots of virtual trading apps where you can trade with paper money, but there’s nothing like understanding risk when your own dollars are at stake, even if it’s just a few dollars. You should also absorb all the workshops, seminars and resources available out there. Follow Prof. Aswath Damodaran who has a YouTube Channel and hundreds of spreadsheets with financial models, all for free! Also follow some good content providers on various channels to get additional insights – in the field of finance, you need to be up-to-date on all events because those influence markets and the economy. Be ready to continue learning and update your skills and understanding while you’re working. Education doesn’t end after you finish your degree. All successful people are life-long learners.
What general advice would you give to a Finance Planning Manager?
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: The finance industry is a very competitive industry to compete for jobs in even when graduating with an undergraduate degree in Finance. Fresh graduates beginning their career in finance should focus on the following areas to give them a competitive advantage on other job market candidates: 1. Develop your professional skills to include communication, networking, and social skills. 2. Develop analytical skills and learn the tools used for analyzing financial data. 3. Continue to develop and expand your financial knowledge. 4. Work towards obtaining a professional certification that are highly valued in the finance industry. 5. Being open about career paths is recommended.
Z. Jay Wang
Department Head, Associate Professor of FinanceUniversity of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Wayne Durr: My advice to a graduate beginning their career in Finance is don't stop learning. You've spent
the last four plus years grinding through the required academics to graduate, but how much did
you learn? Most students spend most of their time "memorizing" the content necessary to pass
their exams, but memorizing isn't learning. Employers aren't as patient as in years past and
want new graduates to jump in and be productive. Employers aren't spending money and
resources on long training periods for new graduates. This doesn't mean you must return to
college or spend money on additional courses. Once you've landed that job that begins your
career in the world of Finance, find ways to increase your knowledge of the tasks assigned to
you by that employer-great sites like Coursera, Udemy, etc. Find current books related to the
topic, use audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, etc. These can all be ways to update your learning in
a simple and shorter time frame. You might find listening to an audible book or podcast more
enjoyable without memorizing the content to pass an exam. Even contact a former professor for
recommendations. Many of your former professors do the same thing to stay current in their
field.
Octavian Ionici PhD
Sr. Lecturer in FinanceAmerican University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Finance Planning Manager?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The right education and training along with solid interpersonal skills should be at the top of their skill set. With those skills they can navigate potential disruptions to the workforce, future business trends and emerging technologies.
Hard core financial modeling skills are a must for finance, especially now with algorithmic business applications multiplying with the emergence of AI. Knowing how to develop a model that will answer multiple what-if scenarios for allocating resources, securing funding, managing risk, developing future plans, and making smart decisions overall.
Because AI, chatbots, blockchain and other "robots" will help companies simplify the workflows (preparing the reports and processes) faster, people will need to understand how to apply these technologies in order to analyze the results and to make decisions in real time.
People will also need to monitor the AI models and to constantly check for accuracy and biases. A big emphasis will be on collaboration of interdisciplinary teams of professionals working in IT, finance, accounting, HR and leadership. This means that companies will value employees that know how to find business information and deliver answers across functional areas proactively.
Finally, as they are working in a global interconnected world, they need to understand different cultures, regulations, and societal norms, so that they can respectfully communicate their ideas in cross-cultural situations. Along with the necessary technical skills, having an open mind and strong customer service focus will benefit them as the field continues to evolve.
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Noah Alatza: Effective communication skills and the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions will become even more important in the next few years. Technology is changing rapidly and financial professionals can enhance their success by learning to utilize those new tools to their advantage.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Kevin Alston MBA
Doctoral Candidate DBASouthwestern College
Finance And Financial Management Services
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Kevin Alston MBA: Acquire any many Industry Certifications as possible. Attend seminars and workshops to stay current within our industry.
Dr. Adam Stivers
Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Finance at the University of Wisconsin – La CrosseUniversity of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Adam Stivers: Try different things to figure out what fits you best. It doesn't have to be moving between different firms, but trying different things and learning how things work in different departments within a firm is a valuable experience. Joining a firm that has a rotational program would be highly beneficial. Also, learn how to use R or another similar software. Become familiar with how to best use AI tools.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Business and Information TechnologyLawrence Technological University
Architecture And Related Services
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.
Fang Lin
Assistant Professor of FinancePacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Fang Lin: I believe that data analysis is becoming increasingly crucial for finance professionals. Therefore, proficiency in coding and statistical modeling is essential. At a minimum, individuals should be able to understand basic financial models. Ideally, they should be able to code or at least interpret code in languages such as Python and R. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will continue to be invaluable.
Dhruba Banjade
Assistant Professor in Finance & Department Chair of Business AnalysisWhat Finance Planning Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dhruba Banjade: Everyone's career journey is unique and different. As a finance professor, I suggest a few things to graduates beginning their careers.
i. Learning is a continuous process and essential. Even after graduation, learn and enhance new skills. The person must be familiar with the latest industry trends.
ii. Building a good network helps with career development. I suggest attending industry events and connecting with many friends and colleagues on social networks such as LinkedIn.
iii. I further suggest to improve verbal and written communication. It helps in career development.
iv. Understanding basic financial principles is essential. For example, the person must be familiar with economic and income statement analyses, budgeting, profit/loss, and savings.
What will help Finance Planning Managers increase their earning potential?
Dhruba Banjade: To maximize salary potential when starting a career, individuals should focus on developing specialized skills, negotiating job offers, and staying informed about industry salary trends.
John Clark Ph.D., CFA, CFP
Chair, Dept. of FinanceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a Finance Planning Manager?
John Clark Ph.D., CFA, CFP: Show you have experience. Doing an internship is a great way to increase your starting salary. I always advocate for doing applied research, this is research that you can show has implications for society - science for the sake of science is not good science! Obtaining an MS degree is also a good way to increase your salary, especially if your MS degree is relevant to your future job.
Kris Allee Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Doyle Z. Williams Chair in Professional AccountingUniversity of Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Finance Planning Manager resumes?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Generally, prior experience working with US GAAP for financial reporting purposes, knowledge of regulatory standards, and the ability to reconcile accounts are necessary. Most successful candidates would likely be CPAs and have several years of work experience, sufficient general business knowledge, and have some degree of software proficiency. Abilities such as data analysis and critical thinking would be key as well. Some employers prefer accounting manager candidates who hold a master's degree to signify the level of skills and knowledge they have acquired.
What skills will help Finance Planning Managers earn the most?
Kris Allee Ph.D.: Certainly, passing the CPA exam is a must, as it is considered a necessary condition for advancement. Passing the exam also helps certify the minimum level of skills the person may possess. Financial analysis skills are also highly valued and hard to find in the average staff accountant. These skills traditionally would include computing, quantitative analysis, and understanding forecasting techniques and limitations. Finally, communication skills and the ability to effectively manage expectations and projects are what make an accountant indispensable and valuable to a firm.
Dr. Douglas Boyle
Chair & Professor, Director, Doctorate in Business Administration Program , Director, Nonprofit Leadership ProgramThe University of Scranton
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Finance Planning Managers possess?
Dr. Douglas Boyle: Our research shows that achieving a high level of emotional intelligence is viewed as most important by senior accounting professionals. Emotional intelligence is made up of self-awareness that includes emotional awareness and self-confidence. Self-management includes self-control, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability, and innovation. Social awareness includes empathy and organizational awareness. Relationship management includes influence, conflict management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. While it is important to work on all these skills, the three that are deemed most critical for accounting professionals are trustworthiness, conscientiousness, teamwork, and communication.
Thomas King
Department Chair, Director, Master of Accountancy Program, Professor, AccountancyCase Western Reserve University
Accountancy Department
What soft skills should all Finance Planning Managers possess?
Thomas King: The ability to develop working relationships with a wide range of colleagues who have diverse skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Finance Planning Managers?
Thomas King: The ability to extract information from unfamiliar data sets and then explain conclusions reached in a clear, persuasive manner.
What skills will help Finance Planning Managers earn the most?
Thomas King: The ability to lead others to bring about intended change.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Finance Planning Managers?
Delvin Grant: Yes. I strongly believe coronavirus will have a lasting impact on new graduates. A increasing paradigm shift is taking place as we speak, as some IT-related jobs can be done remotely. I expect the shift to continue until a steady state condition is achieved, when companies feel they have the right mix of remote and face-to-face employment. Some companies may resist the trend, valuing face-to-face over remote working. Face-to-face satisfies a human need to socialize and, in some cultures, much business is done by face-to-face. There is evidence of a paradigm shift as many IT employees work remotely, due to the pandemic. Some companies have realized the shift is here to stay and others take a wait and see attitude. It is hard not to recognize the shift as there are cost saving from office rent, office space, heating, cooling, computing cost, travel costs, etc. The impact will vary by profession. IT and other professions are a natural fit for remote working while others are not. For example, a chemist working in a lab environment cannot work from home as his lab is the only place to mix and experiment with chemicals and chemistry.
What's a good job out of college for Finance Planning Managers?
Delvin Grant: To answer this question, I am assuming a COVID-19 environment. We know most jobs can be carried out in a face-to-face mode, but if this is not possible in a COVID environment, then it is difficult to consider those jobs as good jobs. Therefore, a good job is one that can be easily carried out in a COVID environment so MIS, IT, Computer Science, and similar professions that fit a remote working mode are excellent jobs.