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In corporate finance how many hours is an average work week? What are the most hours you've worked?

Just wondering what a week would look like in the finance field

business finance accounting banking hours
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Wilson’s Answer

To clarify, when you say corporate finance, I'm assuming you refer to the Financial Planning function in many companies that work on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting of financial information. In my experience for the US, the minimum is usually around 35-40 hours per week, assuming that it's a fairly predictable and lower growth / intensity environment. but as you reach for companies where the range of outcomes is more unpredictable (ie faster growth, more cyclical, more competitive), the asks of the job can easily go into 50+ hours per week. Simplistically, you can think of the the baseline level of tasks and responsibilities that consume most of a 40 hour week, but if special projects or new developments arise, I'd imagine you're potentially devoting more time to hit tight deadlines.
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James’s Answer

It's a pretty case-by-case basis on the specifics, but would say it's typically in the 45 hour range per week. I say case-by-case because I'll have some light weeks that are only maybe 30 hours of work really required, and other busy times around quarterly earnings that require 50-55 hours. I'm a financial analyst within a communications tech company, but I also have friends in Investment Banking and Accounting/Finance roles that can be the standard 40 hours/week every week, and some doing 70+ hours per week in very demanding roles. Industry will also play a role, with some companies/industries being more lax and not overload you, while some traditional industries like industrials pretty much expect a solid hard effort for 40-50 hours/week
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Dwight’s Answer

Hi Ryan,

I hope all is well! In corporate finance, the weekly hours can vary. On average, the work week varies between 40-60 hours. I would say that the variance in hours per week comes in waves. You may have many weeks in a row of just 40 hours, then 60 hours for two weeks in a row and then back to 40 hours. These fluctuations can be influenced by deadlines to finish deliverables or whether clients have a new request in the statement of work. With the pressure that can come in 60 hour work weeks, it is important to take care of yourself too, whether its stretching for 15 minutes or making sure to break for lunch. To be able to work well especially in a long work week of 60 hours, you need to keep yourself well physically and mentally.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Dwight
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Maureen’s Answer

Based on my corporate finance experience in the US, you can expect to work 40 to 55 hours weekly in entry-level roles. This varies with the team you're part of and the business cycle stage. Typically, workload increases at the start of each month when closing books, and sporadically during the year due to forecast cycles. When considering if a team is right for you, focus on its culture. Don't forget to inquire about how leadership fosters a tight-knit and positive team environment!
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Mounika Reddy’s Answer

In India, the typical work week usually spans from 40 to 60 hours across all sectors. However, my personal work schedule is set at 40 hours per week. This can occasionally fluctuate if extra tasks or responsibilities arise.
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Kandarp’s Answer

Hello Ryan,

The number of hours you'll be working can largely vary based on your specific role within the team, the company you're part of, and its unique culture. There are also certain periods throughout the year that can be more demanding than others, such as the end of each month or quarter, or in the lead-up to significant company meetings. Typically, you can anticipate a workweek of around 40-50 hours, but keep in mind that this could fluctuate from week to week.

In my early career days, I've experienced working over 100 hours during peak seasons, but it was only for a few months each year. It's crucial to remember to prioritize your health and wellbeing to prevent the risk of burnout. Keep your spirits high, and remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
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Dusica’s Answer

Hi Ryan,

This really depends on many factors, to name few - department you are in, your role and position level, your line manager, does your manager/department/company allows over time, is overtime mandatory at certain time of the year, what type of contract do you have with the company (paid per hour/salary), etc.
Full time employees are usually expected to have at least 40h work week (in some states or companies maybe less - you can check online state rules for full time employees).
I have experienced 80-100h work weeks while working in investment banking, and sometimes overtime was mandatory. Most of the time my weeks were between 50-55h.
Asset Management have more balanced work-life style, which is very important.

Hope this answer helps. Let me know if you have additional questions.

Thank you,
Dusica
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Evelina’s Answer

Generally, in the Netherlands, the standard work week ranges from 36 to 40 hours. However, the actual hours can vary greatly depending on the individual's job role and their level of productivity.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Ryan
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Vidhi’s Answer

It depends heavily on which company you work with, but a typical work week is 40 hours where I work. During our Peak season, this can really increase and get up to 50-60 hours (usually leaving work pretty late). I recommend trying to maintain a good work-life balance, however. Don't burn yourself out!
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Trevor’s Answer

From what I've seen it's 40-50 hours/week
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Mayank’s Answer

From my experience, the typical work hours in auditing can range from 45 to 60 hours weekly. However, the upper limit of 60 hours usually comes into play when you're racing against deadlines and wrapping things up. So, there will be periods when the workload is heavier, and times when it's lighter.

Several firms offer a flexible work setting, which can truly assist you in achieving a balanced work-life harmony.

Wishing you nothing but success!
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Zachary’s Answer

Hi Ryan,

It really depends on what kind of finance you go into. If you go into investment banking you typically work 60 hours a week but it can potentially reach 70-80 hours a week. With Corporate Finance/Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) the typical working hours in my experience has been 40-50 hours a week. This work schedule is usually based on the season you are in, whether it is busy season such as end of month (EOM) or quarterly close.

Zachary recommends the following next steps:

Plan out what you have to do, and work with your manager to talk about your schedule or projects that may help you with the amount of time you work
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