Discretionary Income

When we speak of the income of an individual, the two concepts that come to the fore are disposable income and discretionary income. Disposable income is the amount of money that the person can spend after taxes have been cut from this amount. These taxes can be deducted at source or later in the year. On the other hand, discretionary income implies the amount that is left from the disposable income, once expenses related to food, shelter and clothing have been paid off.

Thus it can be said that it is the money that is available to spend once all the essentials and necessities have been purchased by an individual. Hence money that is spent on luxury items, vacations, shopping sprees and other objects all fall under this category, making it much lesser than the gross income.

Implications of Discretionary Income

If the economy of a country sees high levels of discretionary incomes, this means that a lot of people are living with a high standard. If more people are buying luxury items and expensive gadgets, this is a sure sign that the economy on a whole is doing well and prospering. Moreover, in developed countries the rate of fluctuation of this income is quite low, because people are used to living in a certain way. Hence, even in times of economic recession and downturn, people still like to spend money on a lot of luxury items.

Finance Manager Job Description

The past couple of decades have witnessed tremendous growth in the financial field. There have been numerous career opportunities that have rocked the financial world. Given the complexity of financial jobs, the activities and tasks entailed in the jobs of a financial manager vary drastically. The developments in world economy have propelled avenues of tremendous business opportunities all across the globe. However, there is no denying to the fact that starting a business is not an easy task. Careful financial planning and analysis of all market vectors is essential before an individual starts a business venture. Since business world has become extremely professional, considering all pros and cons of starting a new venture is very crucial so that the capital invested is utilized productively. Even large corporate companies research a lot before investing eye popping money in any sector. To help people, government agencies and private firms in figuring out all merits and demerits of any business opportunity and investment related issues, finance managers are hired for seeking fruitful advise.

Job Description of a Financial Manager

There are a large number of specific job titles for different types of finance managers. In fact, the term, 'financial manager' encompasses various job titles like 'controllers', 'financial bank managers', 'cash managers', 'chief financial officers', 'treasurers', and 'credit managers'. Depending on the type of designation, duties and tasks of finance managers vary significantly. In general, duties and tasks of financial managers are as follows.

They play key roles in mergers and acquisitions on national and international levels.
In government agencies, like health care, the health care financial manager works in making yearly budgets and deals with issues related to health care financing. Similarly, all financial issues of any department of a firm are managed by financial managers.
In case, financial managers work as branch managers with financial institutions, they must perform all duties of a branch manager which include assisting customers for account related problems and making good contacts with clients to attract more business for the institution.
In banks, financial managers work extensively in almost every department. Right from savings, loans, mortgage and best investments, these managers play a phenomenal role in advising and assisting bank's clients in almost every issue of financial management.
They also prepare financial reports, balance sheets and store account related data carefully, for income tax purposes.
They also look after investment areas that are profitable for the firm or an individual and advise on the same.
Financial managers who work as financial risk managers work on risk management issues. They help to maximize profits, by finding out risk factors.
Financial controllers ensure that the long term objectives of financial growth of the firm is met adequately. By directing and implementing financial strategies, financial managers ensure that all financial goals of the firm are met adequately.

Educational and Skill Requirements

Educational Requirements

Minimum Bachelor's degree in courses like economics, business administration, finance and accounting.
A postgraduate degree (MBA, PG in finance and similar subjects) is always preferred.
Not all positions require licensure, however, those in accounting departments must be Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Work experience is always appreciated.