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Chief Financial Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Chief Financial Officer, or Financial Manager is responsible for helping a company or organisation achieve its financial goals. Their duties include supervising cash management activities, coming up with money-saving strategies and managing investments.

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Chief Financial Officer duties and responsibilities

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) help a company manage its finances. They perform broad accounting and business tasks, including developing financial strategies, supervising finance personnel and analysing financial statements. Their main duties and responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing departments involved in the purchase, pricing, investments, debt management and accounts payable and receivable
  • Providing leadership and guidance to the finance and accounting teams
  • Providing recommendations to the CEOs and members of the executive team
  • Assisting in the processes of financial prediction and preparation of budgets
  • Overseeing the preparation of financial reports
  • Assisting the executive team on long-term financial and business planning
  • Establishing and maintaining good relationships with external partners, stakeholders and investors
  • Tracking cash flow and analysing the company’s financial weaknesses and strength, whilst proposing corrective actions
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What does a Chief Financial Officer do? 

A Chief Financial Officer manages the overall financial risks of a company or organisation. They oversee the preparation and compilation of financial reports and statements, plan and pursue positive business ventures, come up with strategies for internal growth, manage the company’s revenue effectively and watch over acquisitions and mergers. Chief Financial Officers work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to create plans and opportunities that benefit the company.

Chief Financial Officer skills and qualifications

Chief Financial Officers generally need strong presentation skills to present reports to higher management officials. They also need good data analysis skills to perform audits and should have an in-depth understanding of government rules to ensure that all departments follow HMRC guidelines. A successful Chief Financial Officer will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • Excellent financial forecasting skills
  • Proficiency in various computer software, such as MS Word, MS Excel and other financial management software
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Good problem-solving skills and the ability to strategise and devise solutions
  • Impeccable analytical mindset and comfort working with numbers
  • Excellent financial planning skills and budget improvement
  • Honesty and integrity

Chief Financial Officer experience requirements

Chief Financial Officer positions must have 10-15 years of experience in a senior management position. They must be familiar with managerial activities relating to hiring, HR, employee training and discipline policy. Many Chief Financial Officers begin their careers as financial professionals, Internal Auditors and Accountants before working their way into senior positions.

Chief Financial Officer education and training requirements

Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business management, business administration or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or any other type of advanced degree. Chief Financial Officers must also be familiar with government laws and regulations, court procedures and democratic political processes.

Chief Financial Officer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Chief Financial Officer in the UK is £123,880 per year. This figure varies depending on factors, including experience, education, geographical location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Chief Financial Officer is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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Chief Financial Officer job description FAQs

How can you make your Chief Financial Officer job description stand out?

To make your Chief Financial Officer job description stand out, be specific about what you are looking for, for example if there’s a very specific skill, qualification or experience that the candidate must have include it in the description.

Also, sell the opportunity indicate why the position at your company is worth applying for over another, what sets your position apart from others. Talk about what makes your organisation a great place to work. This type of information makes candidates excited about the position and the company. Also, state what the applicant will be doing.

Who does the Chief Financial Officer report to?

A Chief Financial Officer typically reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

What is the difference between a Chief Financial Officer and a Finance Director?

A Finance Director and a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) both handle financial responsibilities within a company, but their specific duties are different. The CFO oversees monetary growth and department strategy and works with other management. They forecast company needs, make decisions on investments and review economic needs. A Finance Director, on the other hand, monitors cash flow, analyses department budgets, ensures actions adhere to legal requirements, resolve internal problems and ultimately reports to the CFO. A Finance Director is the primary accountant of the CFO. They also provide the CFO with the information to make financial decisions.

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