Project Managers often work on a contractual basis to manage complex projects, from inception to completion. A Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that projects meet agreed milestones and deadlines and do so within an agreed budget. Project Managers are often required to have working experience of complex project methodologies, such as Prince 2.

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Project Managers are responsible for the design and delivery of specific projects which enable companies or organisations to achieve business change and/or strategic objectives. Project Managers often work on a contractual basis, although larger organisations retain in house specialists.

Financial Project Managers often work on projects to redesign, improve and implement changes to financial systems and processes, including the implementation of new financial software.

Typical duties include:

• Working with managers to understand the business requirements for a project.
• Designing projects to ensure that they are aligned with business strategy.
• Defining project deliverables, resourcing requirements and work plans to ensure projects are delivered successfully.
• Ensuring that projects costs and budgets are managed and maintained.
• Working with established project methodologies (E.g. Prince 2) to ensure consistent delivery and standards.
• Managing the team responsible for delivering a project.
• Producing regular project reports for the team and also for senior managers.

Qualifications

In the financial sector, many Project Managers are qualified accountants. The Project Management Institute is a global professional association (with a specific UK arm) for Project Managers and offers a range of professional qualifications. Project Managers should also be familiar with recognised project management methodologies.

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries advertised on TopFinancialJobs (December 2009) include:

• £70-100,000 per annum for an EMEA Project Manager working for a top tier investment bank in London.
• £45-60,000 per annum for a Corporate Markets Risk Data Project Manager working for a well known bank in London.
• £65-70,000 for a qualified (ACA, ACCA, ACMA) PMO Manager working for a company in the City of London.
• £500-550 per day for a temporary Project Manager - Statutory and Regulatory Reporting working for one of the world's leading investment banks in London.

Are you a Project Manager? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.