Copyright

What is the job description of a chief financial officer (CFO)?

Question:

What is the job description of a chief financial officer (CFO)?

Perfect School Search

Answer:

A chief financial officer (CFO) is a top executive in a company. As such, a CFO plans strategies and policies to ensure that the company meets its goals. However, a CFO specializes in overseeing the financial operations of the company. They provide leadership and direction to accounting and finance departments to ensure that they operate efficiently, comply with applicable laws and company policies, and meet the financial goals of the company. CFOs develop a company's business strategies in regards to spending and budgets. They are members of the company board of directors and, in this role, appoint financial department heads in human resources and accounting. They also negotiate acquisitions and invest company funds.

CFOs usually oversee departments which are involved in purchasing, investments, tax management, debt management, and accounts payable/receivable. They are responsible for oversight of all company financial transactions and record them in books or databases. This information is compiled in reports presented to upper management. CFOs must also supervise company audits to ensure that all departments are following IRS guidelines. Due to their myriad duties involving number crunching, strong computer and mathematics skills are important in a successful CFO. Management skills are also essential, as the CFO supervises a large staff of varied specialists such as accountants and human resource managers.

For more information about the job description of a CFO, check out this article: Controller Vs. CFO: Role, Duties & Salary

Next: View Schools

Popular Schools

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

    • MBA
    • BS in Accounting

    What is your highest level of education completed?

  • Which subject are you interested in?

  • Are you located in the U.S.?

    • DBA: Finance
    • DBA: Accounting
    • PHD: Business Administration: Executive Coaching
    • DBA: Executive Coaching
    • PHD: Business Administration: Leadership
    • PHD: Business Administration: Supply Chain Management & Logistics
    • MBA: Finance
    • MS: Finance: General
    • MS in Accounting
    • MBA: Accounting
    • MS: Accounting: Business
    • MS: Accounting: Financial Services
    • BS: Accounting & Data Analysis
    • BS: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Automotive Dealership Management
    • BS: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Communications
    • BS: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Data Analytics
    • BS: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Digital Marketing & Advertising
    • BS: Business Administration & Data Analysis: Economics
    • AA: Accounting
    • AA: Business
    • CERT: Accounting
    • CERT: Financial Planning
    • GRAD CERT: General Business
    • CERT: Business Administration
    • GRAD CERT: Executive Business Administration
    • GRAD CERT: Management & Leadership

    What is your highest level of education?

    • Masters in Business Administration

    Which subject are you interested in?

    • Master of Enterprise Risk Management

    What is your highest level of education completed?

  • Which subject are you interested in?

  • What is your highest level of education?