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What does a CFO do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A chief financial officer (CFO) is the senior executive responsible for managing the financial risks of a company. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.

CFO job duties include:

  • Overseeing financial operations
  • Managing budgets
  • Creating financial reports
  • Analyzing financial data
  • Identifying trends
  • Developing strategies
  • Implementing policies
  • Coordinating with other departments
  • Supervising staff
  • Managing risk

CFO Job Requirements

A CFO, or Chief Financial Officer, is a corporate executive responsible for financial planning and management. A CFO typically has a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, and many also hold an MBA or other advanced degree. In addition, CFOs must have extensive experience in financial management, including experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, and investment banking. Many CFOs are also certified public accountants (CPAs).

CFO Skills

  • Budgeting
  • Financial forecasting
  • Cash flow management
  • Risk management
  • Investment analysis
  • Corporate finance
  • Financial reporting
  • Financial analysis
  • Treasury management
  • Auditing
  • Tax planning
  • Cost control

Related: Top CFO Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a CFO

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the head of the finance department in a company. They are responsible for all financial aspects of the company, including: accounting, budgeting, financial planning, cash management, and investment decisions.

To become a CFO, you will need to have a strong background in finance and accounting. You should also have experience leading and managing a team of finance professionals. In addition, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with other senior executives in the company.

If you are interested in becoming a CFO, you should start by pursuing a degree in finance or accounting. You can also get experience working in the finance department of a company. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can apply for jobs that are open for CFO positions.

Related: CFO Resume Example

Related: CFO Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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