Last updated on Jul 29, 2024

Here's how you can stand out to corporate finance managers for a promotion.

Aspiring to climb the corporate ladder in finance requires not just technical know-how, but also a knack for making yourself visible in the right ways. Corporate finance managers are on the lookout for individuals who demonstrate a combination of skill, initiative, and strategic thinking. If you're aiming for that promotion, understanding what catches a manager's eye can be the key to your success. Here's how you can stand out and make an impression that could lead to your next career leap in corporate finance.

1 Master Skills

To stand out for a promotion, you must first ensure your core competencies are beyond reproach. In corporate finance, this means having a firm grasp of financial modeling, understanding cash flow analysis, and being adept at creating and managing budgets. These skills are your foundation; without them, you won't get far. However, to truly shine, you should also stay abreast of the latest industry trends and continuously seek to improve your knowledge through courses or certifications. This commitment to excellence shows managers you're serious about your career and the value you bring to the company.

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Claudia Ardila

Strategic Finance Leader| Project Manager | CFO | Author | International Speaker | Financial Mentor | Personal Finance Content Creator @clauardilafp| G100 Colombia Country Chair: Venture Capital & Innovative Finance Wing
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To stand out to corporate finance managers and secure a promotion, demonstrate your ability to lead with strategic vision and execute with precision. Highlight your achievements in optimizing financial processes and improving profitability. Showcase your skill in analyzing complex data and providing strategic recommendations. Additionally, develop effective communication and leadership skills, and emphasize your ability to collaborate with various departments to achieve corporate goals. Be proactive in taking on additional responsibilities and proposing innovative solutions to financial challenges.

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2 Show Initiative

Taking initiative is a surefire way to catch the eye of corporate finance managers. Don't just do your job—look for ways to improve processes, save money, or generate new revenue streams. If you can identify a problem and propose a well-thought-out solution, you demonstrate not just critical thinking but also leadership potential. Remember, actions speak louder than words, so don't wait to be asked; be proactive and take charge of projects that will showcase your abilities and commitment to the company's success.

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Jack Mullen

50 years of high level experience with major FI’s, eg: Citibank and Chase, as an MD in derivatives, interest rate and FX risk management, fixed income management and prop trading. Also, served on the Board of Bank OZK
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From my experience, showing initiative is a key attribute that will make you look like you have management potential. This is because managers are supposed to be able to solve as many day to day problems their work teams encounter as they can without having to elevate the problem to more senior managers. Most products and services change over time as well as the best practices in accounting and finance in order to keep the enterprise competitive in its space and managers must evolve and adapt to be competitive and cost efficient. In my field of derivatives, the introduction of FAS 133 - accounting requirements for derivatives used as hedges necessitated that I write new policies and procedures for all of our $13 billion in hedges.

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3 Communicate Well

Strong communication skills are indispensable when aiming for a promotion in corporate finance. You need to be able to articulate financial concepts clearly to stakeholders who may not have your expertise. This includes writing concise reports, giving compelling presentations, and effectively negotiating with clients or team members. By improving your communication, you ensure that your ideas and contributions are not just heard but understood and appreciated, which can significantly boost your prospects for advancement.

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4 Network Internally

To get ahead in corporate finance, it's not just what you know—it's also who you know. Networking within your organization can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be hidden. Engage with colleagues from different departments, participate in cross-functional teams, and attend company events. Building relationships with individuals in various roles can provide you with advocates who will support your bid for a promotion when the time comes.

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5 Be Ethical

In the world of finance, trust and integrity are paramount. Adhering to ethical standards and showing that you can be trusted with confidential information will set you apart. Managers need to know they can rely on you to make decisions that are not only profitable but also lawful and ethical. This trustworthiness is particularly important in corporate finance, where the consequences of unethical behavior can be devastating for the company.

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6 Exceed Expectations

Finally, consistently exceeding expectations is a potent way to signal your readiness for more responsibility. This means delivering high-quality work ahead of deadlines, going beyond the call of duty when tackling assignments, and being willing to help others with their workload. By doing so, you create a reputation as a hardworking, dependable, and team-oriented individual—qualities that every manager seeks in candidates for promotion.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can stand out to corporate finance managers for a promotion.

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1 Master Skills

2 Show Initiative

3 Communicate Well

4 Network Internally

5 Be Ethical

6 Exceed Expectations

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Finance

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