What is a Funds Manager? & Career Tips

If you are interested in knowing the typical day of a funds manager and what it takes to be successful in this position, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will give you an overview of what a funds manager does on a daily basis and how to start your career in this growing field of work.

What is a funds manager?

Fund Manager Presentation
A funds manager, also known as a portfolio or investment manager, manages the investment of a pool of money on behalf of clients. This could include managing a mutual fund, a hedge fund or another type of investment vehicle.

A typical day of a funds manager

Fund Manager Analysis
The work routines of a funds manager will depend on the kind of fund that is managed and the investment approaches used in managing the fund. However, the following are some of the tasks that a funds manager would engage in on a typical day:

  • Investigating and assessing the possibilities for investment: It may involve the analysis of financial reports, the assessment of the market, and the assessment of the potential of various securities for return.
  • Making investment decisions: The funds manager will then make recommendations for the buy or sell of securities with a view to achieving the fund’s investment objectives.
  • Monitoring the performance of the fund: The funds managers will monitor the performance of the fund on a regular basis and make changes to the portfolio if necessary to ensure that the fund achieves its investment objectives.
  • Reporting to the clients: Funds managers typically work to meet the investment goals of their clients and provide frequent updates on the performance of the fund. This may include the face to face meeting with the clients or through the phone or email.
  • Supervising the management of the fund and its compliance: The funds managers ensure that the fund is compliant to the laws that apply to it and that it is properly accounted for. This may involve the involvement of other professionals, for instance, lawyers and accountants as shown below.

As you can see, the typical day of a funds manager is likely to be fast-paced and full of challenges. It requires strong analytical skills, precision and quick decision making skills.

Advice on participating in fonds

Finance Students Discussion
If you are planning to become a funds manager or to participate in fonds, here are some guidelines:

  • Get the right education and experience: A bachelor’s degree in either finance, economics or a related field is a good entry point to the profession of funds management. You should also consider getting a higher education degree, such as an MBA or a master’s degree in management of financial institutions. Furthermore, practical experience in the financial services industry through internships or entry-level jobs can be useful to prepare for funds manager position.
  • Enhance your skills: Along with the theoretical knowledge, the funds managers have to acquire certain skills to be effective in their positions. Some of these may include communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving, and stress tolerance. Some of the skills can be developed through training or other activities that include skills development.
  • Finance Networking Event
    Network and meet people: Establishing a professional rapport with other individuals in the financial services industry can be a useful way to get job information and tips on how to get into the industry. Some of the ways you can do this are to go to industry related events and join professional organizations to meet other like minded individuals and get information about the industry.
  • Consider getting a professional license: There are many certification that can be useful for funds managers, for example CFA or CFP. Obtaining any of these certifications is a way of showing industry stakeholders your commitment to the field and provides you with an edge when applying for jobs.

The role of a funds manager is quite challenging and rewarding at the same time. It is, therefore, advice that one has to obtain the right education and experience, enhance one’s skills, build up the network and consider getting professional certifications to be successful in this fascinating industry. This is because the job of a funds manager is always changing and it is important to always update oneself on the current happenings in the market. If you work hard and smart, you can have a very successful career as a funds manager.

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