In corporate finance how many hours is an average work week? What are the most hours you've worked? (2024)

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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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