A funds manager is responsible for managing investment portfolios on behalf of individuals, companies, or institutions. They make decisions on where to invest money - such as stocks, bonds, or other assets - with the aim of achieving financial growth while managing risk.
What is a fund manager?
Investment funds help multiple investors benefit from economies of scale that can generate higher returns. A fund manager is a specialised financial manager responsible for making sure that accurate accounting records are kept for investment funds. You could also be involved with implementing investment strategies and managing trading activities.
This high profile financial services role is most commonly available in private equity companies.
How do I achieve it?
Entry positions in the fund accounting industry are available for graduates, although employers will expect fund managers to be qualified and a member of a professional accountancy body such as ACCA. Accountants already working in more junior or general roles can research the benefits of upskilling to help them focus their skills to secure a specialised role such as fund management.
Students interested in a career in fund management will find the following ACCA Strategic Professional Options exams extremely valuable:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Frequently asked questions
Funds management is generally not an entry-level role. Most professionals enter through graduate schemes or junior finance roles and progress into funds management after gaining experience in investment analysis, finance, or accounting.
Funds management is highly analytical. It involves evaluating financial data, market trends, economic indicators, and company performance to make informed investment decisions and optimise returns.
Yes, funds managers often work globally. Many manage international portfolios and consider global markets, currencies, and economic conditions when making investment decisions.
Relevant qualifications include degrees in finance, economics, or accounting, as well as professional qualifications such as CFA, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. The ACCA Qualification is a strong foundation for developing accounting, financial reporting, and analytical skills that can support progression into funds and investment management roles. Strong numerical and analytical skills are essential.
Funds management is more finance and investment-focused than traditional accounting, but modern accountants play an increasingly broad role across both disciplines. The ACCA Qualification reflects this by developing strong technical accounting, financial reporting, and analytical skills that are widely used in finance, business decision-making, and investment-focused roles.
Funds managers are typically employed in asset management firms, investment banks, pension funds, insurance companies, hedge funds, and wealth management organisations.
Funds managers manage risk by diversifying portfolios, analysing market volatility, using financial models, and adjusting asset allocations based on economic conditions and investment objectives.
Students can start preparing early by studying finance or accounting, securing apprenticeships or internships, and building analytical skills. Entry into funds management usually comes after early-career roles in investment analysis, banking, or accounting.
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