Pillars of CFO Success - (00:54) | CFO.University (2024)

FAQs

Pillars of CFO Success - (00:54) | CFO.University? ›

There are four pillars: Accounting, Finance, Treasury, and Leadership. Each one of those areas has other parts to it. But if those areas are really important to run well in your company, there's a good chance you need a CFO.

The framework segments the four critical roles CFOs play today—Strategist, Catalyst, Steward and Operator—and organizes each role by the areas of focus, functions and competencies CFOs need to bring to the table.

A good CFO should possess a variety of qualities. They must be able to think strategically, have strong financial acumen, and be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders. They should also have an understanding of the industry they are working in and the ability to identify potential risks and opportunities.

CFO KPIs are metrics that help a finance team track how a company is doing and make well-informed decisions to maintain success or get the company back on track. CFO KPIs help companies understand their financial performance by offering insight into their efficiency, profitability, and risk management.

The CFO KPI dashboard is an essential reporting and analytics tool for any financial decision-maker. Using a dashboard template to go about your business can be useful in many instances. Interactive dashboards can be helpful for communication and presentation purposes.

To be effective, CFOs must be both personable and analytical. They need to be excellent communicators who exude credibility and are confident discussing any aspect of the business, not just the financials.

CFOs need strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills. Proficiency in financial analysis, risk management, strategic planning, and compliance with regulatory standards is also vital.

Essential Qualities and Aptitudes of a Capable CFO

An effective CFO should possess a broad range of qualities, including strong analytical skills, technical financial expertise, superior communication skills and the capacity to think strategically.

The five critical success factors are strategic focus, people, operations, marketing, and finances.

Current priorities for finance leads include a strong technology focus as CFOs look to invest more in digital innovation, improve IT infrastructure, drive data analytics initiatives forward, and embrace valuable automation and AI opportunities.

What's top of mind for CFOs? ›

Top of mind for CFOs in 2024

How to use cost as an effective lever to create value: With the economy slowing down and revenue growth under pressure, SG&A optimization is being used as one of the key levers to unlock greater profitability and increase enterprise value, aside from seeking other growth opportunities.

Within the new CFO's first 100 days, they will need to spend as much time as possible with the CEO and identify their priorities and expectations. Make the right connections with board members and stakeholders (this includes investors and shareholders as well as employees, customers and suppliers) and build rapport.

What is the typical structure of a CFO team? The CFO team structure typically includes the CFO, VP or Director of Finance, Controller, and Treasurer. Other roles may include financial analysts, tax professionals, and risk management specialists, depending on the size and complexity of the organization.

At the top if the CFO. Finance Director/ VP of Finance is essentially the same role, however if you have a VP of Fin, but need a strategic person at the same level (or a little higher) then you have the CFO. Below that is Controller (Chief Accounting Officer).

The CFO relies on the reporting generated by accounting and the financial controller to advise the CEO and board on the company's strategic financial direction. The controller and other functional specialists report to the CFO.