A Director in charge of Finance is responsible for all the financial strategies, procedures and activities within an organisation. They ensure that the company is financially sound by making changes to increase revenue and managing budgets. When it comes to budgets and expenditure the Finance Director typically has the final word.
Depending on the company structure persons who perform these duties may also have the title financial analyst or finance manager. They attend meetings with various departments with managers and supervisors. Due to their immense responsibilities directors may work long hours putting in overtime when needed. Nevertheless, they receive very generous pay packages.
A Finance Director usually performs any of the following tasks:
•  Evaluating financial systems and methods
•  Managing finance, and accounting teams
•  Implementing measures for staff improvement
•  Enforcing financial strategies and regulations
•  Overseeing budgeting, reporting, and forecasting
•  Reporting to stakeholders and board members
•  Networking with industry professionals
•  Liaising with financial institutions

• Information Technology
• Prioritisation
• Analytical thinking
• Interpersonal relationships
• Numerical capabilities
• Leadership
• Supervision
• Communication
• Using Microsoft Applications
• Using Accounting and financial applications
• Problem solving
• Networking
• Negotiating
• Motivation
• Being confident

Finance Directors are highly qualified and numerically inclined individuals. They typically have a Masters Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics. Some directors even attain a PhD in their chosen field. People who are interested in working towards this position can access certification from the:
•    Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
•    Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
•    Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
•    Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
•    Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
•    Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)