What is a reporting manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Janet Tarase

A reporting manager is a person who oversees the preparation and distribution of reports within an organization. Their role involves managing a team responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data to various stakeholders in the organization. Reporting managers use their skills in data analysis, project management, and communication to ensure that the reports are accurate, timely, and relevant. They collaborate with other departments to identify reporting needs and develop strategies to meet them.

What general advice would you give to a reporting manager?

Janet Tarase

Lead Accounting Faculty / Accounting Department Chair, Red Rocks Community College

Create a vision board to set your yearly objectives and a long-term strategic plan that includes your professional and personal goal aspirations; be prepared to modify both of these guides as things change in your life. Join LinkedIn, if you haven't already, update it and make sure it is current. Make connections with a local professionals' group and create a network of like-minded, goal-oriented individuals. Also find a mentor or ask senior employees for their advice and counseling. Clean up your social media accounts or at the very least mark your questionable content as private so you are not sharing it publicly; become the professional you want to be. Continue your professional development, either through your employer, free online programs, or by furthering your education. Keep track of your accomplishments and continue to update your biography and resume. Finally, be appreciative and modest - thank those that help you and make sure to acknowledge those who participated in your successes.

ScoreReporting ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $106,336

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.5

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 10.20%

Black or African American 7.60%

Hispanic or Latino 14.58%

Unknown 4.11%

White 63.18%

Gender

female 40.41%

male 59.59%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

9.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.3

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a reporting manager?

Pros

Good salary and benefits
Opportunity to lead and manage a team
Ability to work with different departments and stakeholders
Chance to develop analytical skills and business acumen
Opportunity for career growth within the organization

Cons

High workload and tight deadlines
Long hours and limited work-life balance
Potential for conflicts with other departments or teams
Limited autonomy in decision making due to corporate policies or procedures
Possibility of being held responsible for mistakes made by team members.

Key steps to become a reporting manager

Explore reporting manager education requirements

Most common reporting manager degrees

Bachelor's

73.9 %

Master's

18.0 %

Associate

5.6 %

Start to develop specific reporting manager skills

Skills	Percentages
GAAP	9.30%
Internal Controls	6.67%
External Auditors	4.47%
ASC	4.14%
Data Analysis	3.78%

Complete relevant reporting manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New reporting managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a reporting manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real reporting manager resumes.

Research reporting manager duties and responsibilities

Perform, then manage, profit and loss for volatile, derivative mortgage back securities.
Used Microsoft SharePoint to manage projects, establish work flow, and document reports and report field definitions.
Manage the administrator of a Hyperion database.
Manage and mentore junior analysts in report optimization and SAS proficiency.

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