What Does a Chief Financial Officer Do?
A chief financial officer is the executive responsible for managing an organization’s financial health, ensuring the integrity of accounting systems, and driving strategic financial planning. The CFO provides critical insight and analysis to support business growth, improve profitability, and mitigate financial risk. They are a key member of the leadership team and often report directly to the CEO and board of directors.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day accounting and reporting functions, the CFO directs budgeting, forecasting, capital structure, audits, compliance, and funding strategy. Their role is instrumental in ensuring that financial operations align with business goals and regulatory standards.
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CFO Core Responsibilities
- Develop and execute financial strategy in alignment with organizational objectives
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
- Manage financial reporting, audits, and tax compliance
- Oversee accounting, FP&A, treasury, and risk management teams
- Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to GAAP or IFRS standards
- Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decisions
- Lead capital allocation decisions, including fundraising, M&A, or debt management
- Serve as liaison to investors, lenders, board members, and auditors
- Evaluate and implement financial systems, tools, and technologies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of accounting principles, corporate finance, and tax
- Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel or financial modeling
- Strong understanding of financial compliance, SEC reporting (if applicable), and risk controls
- Experience managing audits, budgeting processes, and financial reporting cycles
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking with attention to financial detail
- Leadership and team development capabilities
- Communication skills for board, investor, and executive collaboration
- High integrity, judgment, and analytical insight
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Master’s in business administration (MBA) preferred for larger organizations
Certifications
- CPA, CMA, or CFA designation highly preferred or required, depending on industry
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of senior-level finance or accounting experience
- Experience scaling finance operations in a high-growth or public company
- M&A, capital markets, or private equity transaction experience
- Prior board or investor relations responsibility
National Average Salary
CFO salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is:
$320,653
Sample Job Description Templates for CFOs
Interim CFO
Position Overview
An interim CFO provides short-term financial leadership during periods of transition, such as executive departure, merger integration, or restructuring. This role is designed to maintain financial stability, compliance, and reporting continuity while the organization searches for a permanent CFO.
Responsibilities
- Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and cash management during transition
- Maintain compliance with tax, audit, and regulatory deadlines
- Support board and investor communication as needed
- Prepare organization for incoming permanent CFO or transaction
- Identify short-term risk areas and implement stabilization measures
Requirements
Hard skills
- Broad financial oversight experience
- Strong grasp of compliance and audit cycles
Soft skills
- Quick decision-making and leadership under uncertainty
- Clear, composed communication with stakeholders
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field
Certifications
- CPA or equivalent strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior interim or turnaround experience
- 10+ years in senior financial leadership roles
Startup CFO
Position Overview
A startup CFO builds and leads the financial foundation of a growing company. This role requires balancing day-to-day financial operations with strategic planning, fundraising, and scaling support functions.
Responsibilities
- Build budgeting, forecasting, and reporting frameworks from scratch
- Manage cash flow, burn rate, and unit economics
- Lead fundraising efforts, including modeling and due diligence
- Support growth planning across operations, hiring, and product
- Oversee accounting, legal, and compliance partners
Requirements
Hard skills
- Startup financial modeling and cap table management
- Familiarity with venture funding and investor reporting
Soft skills
- Agility and hands-on leadership
- Entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative communication
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in finance or economics; MBA preferred
Certifications
- Not required, but CPA/CFA a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–10 years in finance leadership at high-growth startups
- Experience raising capital and scaling finance operations
Nonprofit CFO
Position Overview
A nonprofit CFO manages the financial operations of a mission-driven organization, ensuring compliance with funder guidelines, overseeing audits, and maintaining stewardship of donor resources.
Responsibilities
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Ensure grant, donor, and programmatic fund compliance
- Manage audit and Form 990 preparation
- Advise CEO and board on financial strategy and risk
- Oversee finance, HR, and operations teams as applicable
Requirements
Hard skills
- Fund accounting and restricted fund tracking
- Nonprofit regulatory compliance and audit prep
Soft skills
- Values-driven leadership and stakeholder communication
- Attention to financial detail across complex funding streams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or nonprofit finance coursework preferred
Certifications
- CPA or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in nonprofit finance leadership
- Experience managing grant-funded budgets and federal compliance
Public Company CFO
Position Overview
A public company CFO leads financial strategy and regulatory reporting for a publicly traded organization. This role is central to earnings calls, investor relations, and SEC compliance, while managing internal teams and cross-functional leadership.
Responsibilities
- Oversee quarterly and annual SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Lead investor relations and earnings call preparation
- Ensure SOX compliance and audit readiness
- Provide strategic financial direction to executive leadership and the board
- Optimize capital structure, funding, and M&A activities
Requirements
Hard skills
- SEC reporting, SOX internal controls, and public market compliance
- Advanced forecasting, FP&A, and investor communications
Soft skills
- Strategic leadership with executive presence
- Confidence in high-stakes board and analyst conversations
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s in accounting, finance, or related field; MBA preferred
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of financial leadership experience in a public company
- Track record of capital markets success and investor engagement