Financial management is the planning, direction, and control of an organization’s financial resources. Regardless of whether you are a multinational corporation, a small business, a philanthropic foundation, or a non-profit advocacy group, finances are the lifeblood of any organization, and the careful use of these resources is critically important to ensuring ongoing operations. Conversely, financial mismanagement can result in the collapse of any organization, even if they are creating valuable products or providing necessary services.

Successful financial management starts with financial accounting. Financial statements like balance sheets and cash flow statements provide fundamental information about the overall financial health of an organization’s operations, and help managers ensure that funds are being utilized efficiently. However, financial management of large organizations may also require asset management skills and an understanding of financial markets in order to make wise investments. If an organization needs to raise capital itself, a financial manager must also provide guidance on the pros and cons of various public and private fundraising strategies.

An education in financial management can prepare you to take responsibility for the financial health of an organization, with duties potentially including reporting, investment decisions, and/or long-term planning. Financial managers, including controllers and finance officers, typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics, as well as work experience as a financial analyst or accountant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earned a median annual salary of $129,890 in May 2019, making this a very well-paying career.

Careers in leadership positions, such as chief executive officers (CEOs) of companies or executive directors of non-profits, can also benefit greatly from a background in financial management. A strong understanding of financing needs and the stakes of financial decision-making is essential to navigating a long-term path to success for any organization.

Yes, absolutely. Coursera offers many courses in financial management topics as well as related business topics such as accounting, investment, and financial markets. You can learn remotely from top-ranked schools like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Virginia, so you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education to learn online. Indeed, you’ll be completing the same coursework and working with the same faculty as on-campus students at a lower tuition. No matter the current stage of your education or career, that’s a smart financial management decision.