Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jobs
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will sit on the executive board of a business and is ultimately responsible for advising the CEO on all financial activities. They are considered ‘financial business partners’, and are tasked with managing commercial projects, cash flow, financial planning and with reducing risk.
CFO job description and responsibilities
A typical day for a CFO can vary considerably depending on the business itself. The role involves a wide range of responsibilities, and the weight of such decisions reflects the seniority of this role.
The CFO works closely alongside the C-suite executives as well as interfacing with the Finance team members themselves. The daily tasks involved in such a role can include:
- Developing financial strategy
- Monitoring the business’ financial plans
- Reviewing, condensing and presenting business finance reports
- Leading on the annual financial planning cycle
- Cash flow management
- Managing financial control, risk and group reporting
- Maintaining compliance
- Managing group tax planning and accounting
- Budgeting
- Interface with other business units on automation projects and/or implementation of new systems and processes
- Maintaining investor relations
- Dealing with business mergers and acquisitions
CFO job qualifications, experience and skills
CFO’s should typically have a strong academic background, ideally with a BA or MA in one of the following subjects:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Engineering
Executives are also expected to have considerable experience in a financial management position as well as hold an accounting qualification, i.e. ACA or equivalent.
As a CFO you will also be expected to possess the following skills:
- High levels of business acumen and commercial mindset
- Outstanding communication skills
- Ability to build relationships
- Negotiation and influencing capability
- Strategic thinking
- Sound leadership ability
- Natural ability to interpret data and figures
- Entrepreneurial spirit
