From Finance to Project Management - Part 1
Hello, Project Pro!
Transitioning from finance to project management? You already have a strong foundation—analytical thinking, risk management, and budgeting. But project management introduces new challenges, from dealing with ambiguity to leading teams.
Here’s how to overcome the biggest hurdles, step by step.
Moving from Structured to Dynamic Workflows
Finance operates in a structured, process-driven environment with clear guidelines. Project management? Not so much. Unexpected risks, shifting priorities, and stakeholder demands require adaptability.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Start small. Manage a small internal project with moving parts, like automating a reporting process.
✅ Learn Agile basics. Read up on Scrum and Kanban, two flexible frameworks that help managing changing priorities.
✅ Use a project management tool. Platforms like Asana, Jira, or Trello help track shifting tasks and deadlines.
Balancing Technical Knowledge with People Skills
Numbers don’t argue, but people do. Project managers must align stakeholders, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Shadow a project manager. Observe how they navigate team dynamics and stakeholder conversations.
✅ Improve communication skills. Practice summarizing complex ideas in simple terms. Use stakeholder maps to identify key players.
✅ Get feedback. Ask colleagues for input on how you handle team interactions and adjust accordingly.
Expanding Beyond Budget Management
You know how to track costs, but project management also involves risk, scope, and scheduling.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Master scheduling tools. Learn to Use Gantt charts in tools like Microsoft Project or Smartsheet.
✅ Study scope management. Read about scope creep and how to prevent it with a strong project charter.
✅ Take a PM fundamentals course. Courses like PMP, CAPM, or even LinkedIn Learning provide structured knowledge.
That’s all for today, but stay tuned for part 2!
Next time, we’ll dive into leadership, delegation, and choosing the right project methodology for your industry.
As always—Lead with purpose, drive results.
Until next time,
