Salary for a Car Finance Manager
© 2012 by Aurelio Locsin.
Car finance managers are only one of the 1 million positions available in the automobile dealer industry as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other jobs include management, sales, installation and repair, with an average wage of $21.29 per hour or $44,280 per year for all professions.
Basics
Car finance managers evaluate and process loan applications, as well as coordinate the activities of subordinate loan officers and credit analysts. They recruit, motivate, oversee training programs for, and fire credit and loan staff. They also establish and carry out loan procedures and standards; ensure that the number and amount of loans meet dealer goals; and prepare reports for management. They also handle customers whose applications and money situations require special attention and analysis. Car finance managers could expect a mean income of $51.74 per hour or $107,610 per year in 2011.
Education
The BLS states that financial managers need a minimum degree in finance, accounting or business administration. Many also have more than 5 years experience in a subordinate position. Those helming larger dealerships with several branches may need a master’s degree in the same subjects. Professional certification is not required. However, it is available from national organizations. These credentials typically need experience, an education and passing an exam. Some dealerships may have training programs to help subordinate workers qualify for the finance manager position even without the prerequisite educational background.
Starting
Car finance managers generally start work at automobile dealers as either credit analysts or loan officers. They can thus gain practical experience in the industry and experience first-hand what their subordinates go through. Both analysts and officers can help a consumer obtain a car loan by helping him fill out paperwork and evaluating finances. However, officers traditionally meet with loan applicants while analysts evaluate the numbers. The BLS showed an even split between both professions, which may indicate interchangeability between both job titles. For 2011, loan officers earned a mean $39.74 per hour or $82,670 per year, while credit analysts averaged $37.63 per hour or $78,280 per year.
Outlook
The BLS sees jobs for all financial managers, including those working in car finance, increasing at 9 percent from 2010 to 2020. This compares to the 7 percent growth seen for all management occupation and the 14 percent predicted for all jobs in all industries. A growing population and a growing economy will spur much of the growth. However, consolidation in the automobile industry means fewer jobs. Competition will be strong because the number of applicants will exceed the number of openings.
Resources
- O*NET OnLine
O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more! - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. - Accountant Salary by State | Accountant Salary Info
Accountant Salary by State: Find out the average accounting salaries according to state, including the top three and bottom three for pay.