• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Expert

Investment manager

Specialism: Financial management

What is an investment manager and what do they do?

Investment management is the professional management of financial assets and other investments belonging to an investor. An investment manager will use their knowledge, skills and experience to invest money on behalf of their client, within a scope that the client has defined and in line with the client’s appetite for risk. Other areas of involvement can include banking, budgeting and tax services. Clients range from individuals investing their personal wealth to large institutional investors.

Before making investment decisions, investment managers will ascertain the client’s investment objectives. They will work with them to develop short- and long-term investment strategies that reflect their client’s appetite for risk. Investment managers must possess extensive knowledge about available investment vehicles and will conduct extensive research, analyse securities and bonds, review financial data and sometimes liaise directly with investment analysts, to determine the best strategy for investments.

The management of client portfolios may also include day-to-day buying and selling of securities, portfolio monitoring, performance measurement, transaction settlement, and regulatory and client reporting. 

Investment management is largely a client-facing role, and investment managers spend the majority of their time liaising with clients and attending meetings. Typical employers of investment fund managers include investment banks, investment management companies, stockbrokers, banks and insurance companies.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
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Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

units 5.5

Online course

Financial services 5 course pack

This five-course pack from BPP has been specifically designed for finance professionals working in the financial services sector. The courses will provide an introduction to investment banking and financial markets.

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of: 

  • the basics of investments
  • the basics of mergers and acquisitions
  • the key characteristics of hedge accounting.
units 25

Online course

Advanced Financial Modeler from the Financial Modeling Institute

The Financial Modelling Institute (FMI) is the only financial modeling accreditation body in the world. The FMI exists to create and uphold international industry best practices with respect to financial modeling skills. Through its exams and accreditations, the FMI allows candidates, employers and the broader community to recognise true ability in financial modeling.

The Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) is the FMI’s first level of accreditation. Only candidates who demonstrate the required level of proficiency in the AFM exam can successfully achieve the AFM accreditation, and show validated expertise in financial modeling. 

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units 11

Online course

Performance management and financial modelling 10 course pack

This 10-course pack from BPP will provide you with the skills needed to ensure you can comprehensively inform your organisation when decision-making for the future, based on facts and data. Learn about metrics, using data to inform strategy and decision-making, analysing your success, and how to create high-quality financial models so you can confidently communicate this information back to your business. 

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of: 

  • how data can inform an organisation’s strategy
  • how to use data to turn the strategic vision into a reality, and the role you can play
  • the balanced scorecard
  • how to use Excel for financial modelling and the rules to follow for success.
Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA qualification support this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.

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Case study for this role

From AB magazine interview

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The view from Bill Sadlier FCCA

Investment manager, NTR and member of ACCA Ireland’s business leaders’ forum
Read