About the role
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive team who drives the company's entire financial strategy. As the guardian of financial health and strategic partner to the CEO, they oversee financial management, management accounting, treasury and risk management.
In a small-to-medium enterprise, the CFO is often a generalist with hands-on responsibilities, directly overseeing accounting, payroll and banking relationships. In large organisations, they adopt a more strategic posture, relying on specialist directors.
The role is evolving significantly with financial digitalisation (ERP, BI, automation), increasing transparency requirements (ESG, extra-financial reporting). The modern CFO must be simultaneously a strategist, manager, data analyst and financial communicator.
Key responsibilities
Drive financial strategy
Develop financial strategy aligned with the business plan. Define optimal financing structure and investment policy. Lead major financial operations (fundraising, acquisitions, disposals). Advise the executive team on strategic decisions.
Manage treasury and risk
Oversee treasury management and optimise working capital. Manage banking relationships and negotiate financing terms. Identify, assess and mitigate financial risks (FX, interest rate, credit, liquidity). Implement appropriate hedging policies.
Management accounting and reporting
Oversee budgeting and financial forecasting. Supervise management accounting and performance analysis. Produce monthly financial reports for management and investors. Ensure reliability and relevance of key performance indicators.
Accounting and compliance
Oversee preparation of statutory and consolidated accounts. Ensure compliance with accounting standards (IFRS, local standards) and tax regulations. Co-ordinate external audits and tax/social inspections. Manage monthly and year-end close processes.
Lead finance teams
Direct and develop the finance team (management accountants, accountants, treasurers). Establish financial processes and deploy tools (ERP, BI). Develop data-driven culture and business intelligence. Enhance team capabilities and expertise.
Required competencies
Technical skills vs soft skills
- Deep expertise in accounting and IFRS/local standards
- Strong management accounting and financial analysis skills
- Knowledge of financial ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Sage, Cegid)
- Financial modelling and business planning capabilities
- Mastery of BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Qlik)
- Tax planning and corporate tax optimisation expertise
- M&A and fundraising operations knowledge
- Leadership and ability to inspire finance teams
- Strategic vision and keen business acumen
- Analytical excellence and absolute rigour
- Negotiation capability (banks, investors, suppliers)
- Clear and educational financial communication
- Stress resilience and crisis management
Salary guide 2026
CFO salary by experience (annual gross)
| Experience | SME (50-250) | Mid-cap (250-5000) | Large Corp | London |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior CFO (10-12 yrs) | 70-90K EUR | 80-110K EUR | 100-130K EUR | +20-25% |
| Experienced CFO (12-15 yrs) | 85-110K EUR | 100-130K EUR | 120-160K EUR | +20-25% |
| Senior CFO (15-20 yrs) | 100-130K EUR | 120-150K EUR | 140-180K EUR | +25-30% |
| Group/International CFO | 130-180K EUR | 160-220K EUR | 180-300K EUR | +30-40% |
Qualifications and career path
Qualifications to become a CFO
| Level | Qualification | Profile types |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | Top-tier Business School (HEC, ESSEC, ESCP, EM Lyon, EDHEC) | Finance/audit specialism |
| Master's | Master's in Accounting, Finance & Control | Chartered accountancy and audit route |
| Master's | Advanced Accounting Diploma (DSCG equivalent) | Chartered accountancy pathway |
| Doctorate | Chartered Accountant Designation (DEC equivalent) | Maximum technical expertise |
Typical career progression
Financial Auditor
Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
Management Accountant
Performance management
Head of Management Accounting
Team leadership
Deputy Finance Director
Number 2 in finance
Finance Director (SME/Mid-cap)
Autonomous finance leadership
Group CFO
International financial strategy
Frequently asked questions about the CFO role
What is the difference between CFO and Finance Director?
Must a CFO be a qualified accountant?
What are the main changes in the CFO role?
Can you become a CFO without working at a Big 4 firm?
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