How to get promoted in finance: 5 practical steps

Imagine you produced the report, but someone else was asked to explain what it meant and provide the actual analysis.

If that sounds familiar, welcome to the finance squeeze.

Leaders increasingly rely on finance teams for insights, recommendations, and strategic guidance, often under tighter deadlines and resource constraints. Producing accurate reports is still essential. But today, you are expected to provide insights, support decision-making, and help shape business strategy.

As finance roles become more strategic, promotion decisions increasingly reflect not only technical performance, but also your ability to influence decisions, solve problems, and support business outcomes.

Drawing on insights from the Reshaping Finance podcast episode “Owning the Squeeze – How Modern Finance Leaders Create Value in a Disruptive Era”, here are five practical steps you can take to stand out, add value, and position yourself for your next promotion.

1. Build trust: Be accurate, reliable, and take ownership

Trust is the foundation of any successful finance career and essential to getting promoted. Start by making sure your work is accurate and delivered on time. If you spot mistakes or issues, own them and communicate proactively. Colleagues and managers notice when they can rely on you — it sets you apart and gives you more opportunities to get involved in bigger projects.

Try this: Double-check your reports. If something doesn’t add up, investigate and explain it. If deadlines slip, let your manager know as soon as possible and suggest a plan to get things back on track.

2. Explain the story behind the numbers

To gain a promotion, you can’t just present numbers. Provide background and perspective so others understand what the numbers mean. This shows you have commercial awareness by linking financial results to what’s happening in the wider business.

Turn your work from a report into a valuable business insight by putting figures in context and explaining the “why” behind the changes.

Try this: When sharing results, add a brief summary explaining what’s driving the numbers. For example, “Sales are up 10% this month, mainly due to the launch of our new product line.”

3. Anticipate questions before they’re asked

Think about what your manager or stakeholders will ask when they see your work. Prepare answers in advance, or even better, include those explanations in your reports or presentations. This shows you’re thinking ahead and being a proactive problem-solver who understands the business.

Try this: Before presenting data, ask yourself, “What would I want to know if I was seeing this for the first time?” Include that information up front.

4. Make strategic recommendations, not just observations

Moving beyond reporting means suggesting actions, not just stating what happened. If you see a trend or risk, suggest what to do next. Managers appreciate colleagues who offer solutions, not just highlight problems.

As your career progresses, you may face increasing pressure from managers and stakeholders who need answers quickly. Treat these requests as opportunities to showcase your problem-solving skills and leadership potential. You will stand out if you are able to stay calm under pressure and help others make informed decisions.

Try this: Don’t stop explaining the cause. Be ready to suggest potential solutions. Instead of just saying, “Costs have increased”, add, “We could review our supplier contracts to find savings”.

5. Become a trusted business partner

The ultimate goal is for others to actively seek your advice. Getting promoted is strongly connected to your ability to build relationships. One way to build connections across the business is to listen to different teams’ needs and show you understand the bigger picture. The more you’re seen as a partner, the more influence you can have.

Try this: Offer to support a project or team outside of finance, or volunteer to help when you hear about business challenges. Show you’re invested in the success of the wider business, not just your own tasks and remit.

Key takeaways: What promotion-ready finance professionals do differently

Build trust by delivering accurate work, taking ownership, and being reliable.
Explain the story behind the numbers by providing context, not just data.
Anticipate stakeholder needs by answering questions before they're asked and bringing solutions.
Make recommendations that support decision-making, rather than simply reporting outcomes.

Keep looking for opportunities to apply these behaviours in your day-to-day work, and show up with a solution-oriented, positive attitude every day. Career progression and promotions come as a result of the actions you take every day that build trust and demonstrate your value.

Invest in your professional development by building the technical, business, leadership, and commercial skills needed for long-term career growth, including through qualifications such as the CGMA® Professional Qualification.

How to get promoted in finance: 5 practical steps

Tagged in:

1. Build trust: Be accurate, reliable, and take ownership

2. Explain the story behind the numbers

3. Anticipate questions before they’re asked

4. Make strategic recommendations, not just observations

5. Become a trusted business partner

Key takeaways: What promotion-ready finance professionals do differently

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