From Finance to Project Management - Part 2
Hello, Project Pro!
Welcome back for Part 2 of your transition from finance to project management! In Part 1, we tackled shifting form structured workflows, improving communication, and expanding beyond budget management.
Now, let’s dive into three more challenges:
- Stepping into leadership
- Mastering delegation, and
- Learning industry-specific project methodologies
Shifting from Individual Contribution to Team Leadership
Finance roles often focus on independent expertise—analyzing data, preparing reports, making recommendations. But in project management, your success is measured by how well you lead and support your team.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Start by leading meetings. Take ownership of project updates, ensuring discussions stay on track and decisions are made.
✅ Delegate strategically. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Use a RACI chart to clarify roles.
✅ Foster collaboration. Encourage open communication and problem-solving within your team instead of providing all the answers yourself.
Learning to Delegate and Trust Your Team
Many finance professionals struggle with delegation because they’re used to owning their work. But in project management, micromanaging slows progress and prevents teams from taking accountability.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Start with small tasks. Hand off lower-risk assignments to team members and gradually increase responsibility.
✅ Set clear expectations. Use SMART goals to ensure tasks are well-defined.
✅ Trust but verify. Regularly check in on progress without micromanaging. Ask, “How can I support you?” instead of “Did you do this yet?”
Learning Industry-Specific Project Methodologies
Project management isn’t one-size-fits-all. The approach you use depends on your industry—finance projects may favor Waterfall, while tech projects often use Agile.
Steps to Overcome It:
✅ Identify the best methodology for your field. If you’re working in IT, Agile may be key. If your projects have strict phases, Waterfall might be a better fit.
✅ Join a PM community. Engage with professionals in your industry through LinkedIn groups, webinars, or local PMI chapters.
✅ Gain hands-on experience. Volunteer for cross-functional projects outside of finance to practice using different methodologies.
Final Takeaway:
Shifting from finance to project management means evolving from an individual contributor to a leader, learning to trust your team, and adopting the right methodology for your industry. The transition may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you’ll be managing projects with confidence in no time.
As always—Lead with purpose, drive results.
Until next time,
