Understand Financial Management | CTFA Exam Preparation

Why Understanding Financial Management is Essential

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Question

You need to understand financial management even if you have no intention of becoming a financial manager. One reason is that the successful manager of the not-too-distant future will need to be much more of a __________ who has the knowledge and ability to move not just vertically within an organization but horizontally as well. Developing __________ will be the rule, not the exception.

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A. B. C. D.

D

The statement suggests that understanding financial management is essential for success in the future business landscape, even if one does not intend to become a financial manager. The reason behind this is that the successful manager of the future will need to be much more versatile, with the ability to move both vertically and horizontally within an organization. This implies that a manager will need to possess a wide range of skills and knowledge beyond their core expertise, which can help them work with different teams and departments.

Option A suggests that a successful manager will need to be a specialist with a range of specialties. However, this may not be a viable option since it is challenging to become an expert in multiple fields simultaneously, and it is unlikely that one will possess the depth of knowledge required to work across different domains.

Option B proposes that a successful manager will need to be a generalist with general business skills. This answer is more plausible since a generalist will have a broad understanding of various business functions, enabling them to work with different teams and departments within an organization.

Option C suggests that a successful manager will need to be a technician with quantitative skills. While quantitative skills are undoubtedly essential in financial management, they may not be the most crucial skills for a manager to possess. Additionally, this option does not mention the need for a broad range of skills and knowledge, which is a requirement for a versatile manager.

Option D proposes that a successful manager will need to be a team player with cross-functional capabilities. This option seems to be the most plausible since a manager with cross-functional capabilities can work effectively with different teams and departments. They will have the ability to understand and coordinate with different functions, helping to achieve overall organizational goals. Being a team player implies that a manager will have excellent communication skills, be adaptable, and possess leadership qualities.

Therefore, the answer to the question is option D: Team player; cross-functional capabilities.