A CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is a senior leader responsible for managing an organisation’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
What is a CFO?
In many organisations, the CFO is the person who helps leaders understand what the numbers are really saying — and what they should do next. They oversee core accounting and finance work, including budgeting and forecasting, financial planning, record-keeping and financial reporting.
CFOs also assess and manage financial risk, help ensure the business meets its regulatory responsibilities and provides the financial insight leaders need to make confident decisions about growth and investment.
In many organisations, the CFO works closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to shape strategy and track performance.
Things to know
- A CFO is typically part of the executive leadership team and may report to the CEO
- The role often covers areas like accounting, forecasting, financial controls and risk management
- CFOs help leaders understand financial results and plan for what’s next
- They may oversee finance teams and external partners, such as auditors
FAQs
What does CFO stand for?
CFO stands for Chief Financial Officer.
What does a CFO do?
A CFO manages an organisation’s finances, supports financial planning and helps guide business decisions.
Is a CFO the same as an accountant?
Not usually. Accountants focus on recording and reporting financial information, while a CFO leads the overall financial strategy and direction.
Does every business need a CFO?
Not always. Smaller businesses may use a finance manager or outsourced support, while larger organisations often have a dedicated CFO.
Who does a CFO work with?
A CFO works closely with the CEO, finance team and other leaders across the organisation.
