Responsibilities

• A finance coordinator may work under the guidance of an accounting manager to record and prepare financial statements that adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), regulatory requirements and company policies. For example, a finance coordinator may review an area's or a segment's income statement to ensure it is accurate. A finance coordinator also may partner with tax accountants or internal auditors to review controls and mechanisms around an area's financial or tax reporting systems and may recommend solutions for improvement.
  
  

Education/Training

• A finance coordinator typically has a four-year college degree in accounting, finance, tax or audit. A coordinator who holds a liberal arts degree may work for a firm after receiving practical training. For example, a finance coordinator with a bachelor's degree in psychology may receive accelerated finance training prior to starting work. A finance coordinator often may hold a master's degree in finance or business if job responsibilities require it or if the employee seeks a promotion.
  
  

Salary

• A finance coordinator's salary typically depends on industry, experience, academic qualifications and professional field. The U.S. Labor Department reports that median wages of accounting coordinators were $59,430 in 2008, with the bottom 10 percent earning less than $36,720 and the top 10 percent earning more than $102,380. According to the same report, median wages, excluding annual bonuses and stock options, of financial managers were $99,330 in 2008, with the middle 50 percent earning between $72,030 and $135,070
  
  

Career Development

• A financial coordinator may enroll in a graduate business program to increase chances of promotion. For example, an employee currently holding a bachelor's degree in accounting may pursue a master of business administration (MBA) degree in finance or investment analysis with a minor in auditing. A finance coordinator also may advance professionally by seeking a certified public accountant (CPA) license. A financial coordinator typically moves to senior roles (e.g., finance manager or senior accountant) after a few years.
  
  

Work Conditions

• A finance coordinator typically works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays but may stay late if business conditions require it. For example, a finance coordinator working for a financial services firm may aid in filing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Internal Revenue Service quarterly returns. Additionally, this employee may assist in month-end close accounting procedures.