Financial managers
SOC Code: 11-3031
Financial managers carries a 81% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $161,700 and +14.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 868,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 81% AI exposure, Financial managers sits 44 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - among the most AI-exposed occupations tracked. It is one of just 21 occupations above the 70% high-exposure line.
Where Financial managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Financial managers has ai exposure of 81%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Financial managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Financial managers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Financial managers (SOC 11-3031) carries an AI exposure score of 81%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable, workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 868,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +14.8% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $161,700, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Financial managers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Manage investment funds to maximize return on client investments.
- 2. Select specific investments or investment mixes for purchase by an investment fund.
- 3. Monitor financial or operational performance of individual investments to ensure portfolios meet risk goals.
- 4. Evaluate needs for procurement of funds and investment of surpluses and make appropriate recommendations.
- 5. Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
- 6. Select or direct the execution of trades.
- 7. Develop or implement fund investment policies or strategies.
- 8. Prepare and file annual tax returns or prepare financial information so that outside accountants can complete tax returns.
- 9. Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
- 10. Monitor financial activities and details, such as cash flow and reserve levels, to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
Knowledge Areas
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Financial managers?
Financial managers has an AI exposure score of 81%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Financial managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Financial managers is projected to grow by 14.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 868,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Financial managers?
Key skills for Financial managers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Financial managers earn?
The median annual wage for Financial managers is $161,700, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Financial managers?
The typical entry-level education for Financial managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Financial managers?
Financial managers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).