what is a VP finance (large enterprise)?

Companies have access to a range of financial resources and handle huge cash flows. Therefore, they require a VP finance to distribute and manage the finances. As a VP finance, you oversee an organization's finances. You ensure the company's financial health by managing investment activities and developing the organization's long-term financial goals.

As a VP finance, you are responsible for budget planning and distributing financial resources to various departments. You also offer advice to the executive management, helping them make the best business decisions for the company. Most of your duties revolve around presenting financial reports and offering insights into financial decisions made by the company, which requires analytical ability and exceptional communication skills.

While your main role is to monitor the company’s finances, you also analyze data on investment activities to ensure the organization is getting returns. You should also be familiar with the financial requirements of your company. For instance, in the public sector, you require expertise in government appropriations, while in other industries, you need knowledge of tax laws.

Would working as a VP finance suit your analytical and investigative skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a VP finance role.

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average VP finance (large enterprise) salary

Would you like to know what a VP finance earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a VP finance? Then check out this VP finance salary page and find out all about the salary of a finance manager in the USA.

factors affecting a VP finance salary

As a VP finance, your earnings depend on your position in the company and the responsibilities involved. In large organizations, finance managers are in charge of substantial resources. You could be the VP finance (large enterprise) of one division or supervise the financial resources of the entire company. When you are the VP finance, you earn more due to the complexity of your duties. Holding an executive position also comes with additional benefits that boost your earnings.

The industry you work in also influences your earnings. When you work in the government sector, your salary depends on your responsibilities and the size of the institutions you manage. VP finance (large enterprise) in the private sector generally earn higher salaries.

Your salary is also based on your educational qualifications and work experience. As an assistant finance manager, you earn a lower salary, which improves as you gain experience. Improving your qualifications with professional certifications also increases your earning potential.

Female with blue blazer sitting behind computer at a desk, smiling to a person
Female with blue blazer sitting behind computer at a desk, smiling to a person
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types of VP finance (large enterprise)

Some of the types of VP finance include:

  • corporate VP finance: As a VP finance in charge of a company's finances, your duties include financial planning and analysis. You also manage the investment and financial obligations of the corporation.
  • investment manager: An investment manager works in banks, firms, and other financial institutions. You are responsible for managing the investment portfolios of the organization. You analyze market trends and make investment decisions.
  • treasury manager: As a treasury manager, you are responsible for the organization's cash liquidity. Companies or financial institutions rely on your expertise to ensure cash flow management. Your duties also include managing relationships with banks and evaluating debts and financing.
  • risk manager: A risk manager is responsible for evaluating and managing potential risks that affect the company's financial health. You develop risk management strategies, ensure compliance with regulations, and monitor financial performance.
  • financial controller: A financial controller oversees the daily financial activities of the company. You supervise financial accounting and reporting by ensuring financial statements comply with accounting standards.
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working as a VP finance (large enterprise)

If you are good with numbers and interested in working in finance, check out the duties and responsibilities of VP finance.

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VP finance (large enterprise) skills and education

If you want to become a finance manager, you need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or other business field. In the U.S., a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or other business-related course takes around four years to complete. Furthermore, the degree may include an internship program that gives you workplace experience. While working your way up to VP finance with a bachelor’s degree is sufficient, get ahead of the competition by getting a master’s in business administration to build your leadership skills. Your degrees, paired with relevant experience in the industry, contribute to your success as a VP finance.

It is important to note that a number of employers in the U.S. prefer to hire and train finance managers from within the ranks of the company. That said, you have to demonstrate success and talent in lower-level jobs because this is one of the sure-fire ways to work your way up to management roles. Learning to become a finance manager does not end with a bachelor’s degree in a business-related course; you should also strive to earn a master’s degree in economics, business administration, or finance since this can help you stand out from the competition during an interview for a role in finance management.

skills and competencies

You need both soft and hard skills to become a successful VP finance. Additionally, as a VP finance, you will have to rely on your personal attributes and technical skills to excel in your role. These skills include:

  • analytical skills: Having an analytical mindset is valuable for VP finance. You rely on your analytical skills to identify problems and find solutions. Analytical skills are also useful in analyzing market trends and finding investment opportunities.
  • leadership skills: You are a team leader who oversees the entire finance department. Your leadership skills are useful in delegating tasks and motivating team members toward reaching a common goal.
  • communication skills: VP finance communicate and liaise with various people. For instance, you deal with cross-functional teams, executive managers, and clients. Good communication and presentation skills are important in order to break down financial information into understandable language.
  • interpersonal skills: Companies thrive on teamwork. As a VP finance, it is crucial to maintain good relationships with other employees. Be polite, empathetic, and a good listener.

You should also have skills in budgeting, forecasting, mathematical proficiency, and excellent problem-solving abilities. The project management skill is key because it allows you to handle several projects at the same time. Ideally, as a VP finance, you need to delegate tasks when necessary and ensure employees complete the work as anticipated.

male and female having a conversation
male and female having a conversation
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FAQs about working as a VP finance (large enterprise)

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about VP finance.

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