Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

What is a chief financial officer?

A chief financial officer (CFO) sits on the executive board and advises the CEO on financial activities. They are considered ‘financial business partners’, and are tasked with managing commercial projects, cash flow, financial planning and with reducing risk.

Chief financial officer job description and responsibilities

The CFO job description features a wide range of weighty financial responsibilities which fit the seniority of the role. CFOs work alongside both C-suite executives and junior finance professionals as they guide and shape the business’ financial activities.Typical daily duties include:Managing financial control, risk and group reportingDeveloping financial strategyReviewing, condensing and presenting business finance reportsLeading on the annual financial planning cycleMonitoring the business’ financial plansMaintaining complianceManaging group tax planning and accountingBudgetingMaintaining investor relationsManagement of investment and fundraisingCash flow managementFundraisingBanking covenantsManagement of investmentMergers and acquisitions

Chief financial officer job qualifications, skills and experience

CFO’s should have a strong academic background, with a BA or MA in one of the following subjects:FinanceAccountingEconomicsMathematicsEngineeringExecutives are expected to have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in finance and to have considerable experience in a financial management position. They should be a qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) and may find it useful to have strong niche industry experience and an MBA.CFOs should aim to develop an understanding of robotics and automation, and how they can be integrated with existing systems and processes.To be a good fit for the position, a CFO is expected to have some of the following personal qualities:Commercial mindsetStrategic thinkingExcellent communication skillsBusiness acumenEntrepreneurial spirit

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Salary for Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
126250 - 202000
25th percentile
126250
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th percentile
171750
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th percentile
202000
The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications
Projected salaries for related positions Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile Group Finance Director 110750 126250 141500 Finance Director 91000 106000 123250 Shared Service Centre Director 91000 111000 131250 Group Financial Controller 80750 101000 121250 Financial Controller 65750 81750 90000 Finance Manager 54500 63000 67000 Group/Financial Reporting Accountant 55500 60500 65750 Qualified Management/Financial Accountant 51500 57250 63500 Director of Audit & Risk 91000 96000 106250 Internal Audit Manager 58500 66000 71500 Internal Auditor 51000 54500 59750 Treasury Manager 66000 74000 79250 Treasury Accountant 53250 57500 61500 Tax Manager 70750 80750 91000 Tax Accountant 53250 57500 62750
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