Day to Day CFO tasks – 10 Important Daily CFO Tasks

Jan 9, 2025 | CFO

What Does a CFO Do?

So, what are CFO tasks, and what do they do daily? A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the company’s top financial executive. They balance strategic planning with daily financial oversight. Unlike controllers, who focus on accounting, CFOs guide overall financial strategy and growth.

What does a CFO do on a daily basis?

Morning Routine

Most CFOs start their day by:

  1. Reviewing key performance metrics
  2. Checking market updates
  3. Meeting with financial teams

Strategic Activities

Throughout the day, CFOs engage in:

Financial Planning

They oversee company finances and guide strategic decisions. It includes analyzing investment opportunities and managing risk.

Leadership Duties

CFOs lead financial teams and collaborate with other executives. They translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Stakeholder Management

Regular interaction with:

  • Board members
  • Investors
  • Banking partners
  • Department heads

Operational Responsibilities

Daily operations include:

  • Reviewing major transactions
  • Monitoring cash flow
  • Overseeing financial controls
  • Making strategic decisions

Technology and Innovation

Modern CFOs embrace:

  • Digital transformation
  • Data Analytics
  • Financial technology
  • Process automation

Decision Making

They make crucial decisions about:

  • Resource allocation
  • Investment strategies
  • Risk management
  • Growth initiatives

Remember: A CFO’s role combines financial expertise with strategic leadership, making each day both challenging and dynamic.

 

Learn about What an Outsourced CFO do.

 

The 10 Most Important Tasks for a New CFO

First 30 Days

  1. Assess financial team structure
  2. Review current financial systems
  3. Understand cash flow patterns

60-Day Mark

  1. Evaluate risk management
  2. Build stakeholder relationships
  3. Analyze operational efficiency

90-Day Goals

  1. Develop a strategic financial plan
  2. Implement process improvements
  3. Establish reporting frameworks
  4. Create growth initiatives

Remember: Success as a new CFO comes from balancing immediate needs with long-term strategic goals.

A Day in the Life of a CFO

Early Morning (7-9 AM)

The day often begins with market analysis and global financial updates. CFOs review overnight developments that might impact business decisions.

Mid-Morning (9-12 PM)

  • Executive team meetings
  • Financial performance reviews
  • Team leadership sessions

Day To Day Tasks of a CFO

Strategic Planning

Beyond numbers, CFOs shape company direction through:

  • Growth strategy development
  • Investment decisions
  • Risk assessment

Stakeholder Management

Regular interactions with board members, investors, and banking partners keep projects moving and relationships strong.

Life of a Fortune 500 CFO

Fortune 500 CFOs face unique challenges:

  • Managing global operations
  • Handling billion-dollar decisions
  • Coordinating with international teams
  • Addressing media and public relations

CFO Qualifications and Skills

Educational Background

Most CFOs hold:

  • MBA or master’s in finance
  • CPA or relevant certifications
  • 15+ years of experience

Essential Skills

Success requires:

  • Strategic thinking
  • Leadership ability
  • Communication expertise
  • Technology understanding

CFO Hours Per Week

The role demands significant time commitment:

  • Typical week: 50-70 hours
  • Peak seasons can exceed 80 hours
  • Regular travel (20-30% of time)
  • Available for emergencies

Remember: Modern CFOs balance traditional financial oversight with digital transformation and strategic leadership, making each day unique and challenging.

CFO Tasks List

Routine Operations

  • Financial reporting oversight
  • Cash flow management
  • Risk monitoring
  • Performance metrics review

Strategic Planning

  • Investment analysis
  • Growth strategy development
  • Budget allocation
  • Market opportunity assessment

Team Leadership

  • Department supervision
  • Talent development
  • Performance reviews
  • Resource management

Daily duties of a CFO

Morning Priorities

A CFO’s day typically starts with critical reviews:

  • Market updates and financial news
  • Key performance indicators
  • Cash position updates
  • Urgent financial matters

Core Daily Duties

Financial Oversight

They actively monitor financial health through:

  • Performance metrics review
  • Cash flow management
  • Risk assessment
  • Major transaction approval

Strategic Leadership

Daily strategic activities include:

  • Executive team meetings
  • Resource allocation decisions
  • Growth opportunity evaluation
  • Investment strategy reviews

Team Management

Leading financial operations requires:

  • Department coordination
  • Performance monitoring
  • Problem-solving sessions
  • Talent development

Afternoon Focus of CFO tasks

Stakeholder Relations

Regular interaction with:

  • Board members
  • Investors
  • Banking partners
  • Department heads

Operational Excellence

Ensuring smooth operations through:

  • Process improvement
  • Technology adoption
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Cost optimization

Evening Wrap-up

Most CFO tasks end by:

  • Reviewing tomorrow’s priorities
  • Checking global markets
  • Planning strategic moves
  • Addressing pending decisions

Essential CFO Tasks for Different Business Stages

Startup CFO Tasks

  • Fundraising strategy
  • Burn rate management
  • Investor pitch preparation
  • Financial infrastructure setup

Growth Phase CFO Tasks

  • Scaling operations
  • Merger & acquisition planning
  • International expansion
  • Systems upgrade decisions

Enterprise CFO Tasks

  • Complex portfolio management
  • Global team coordination
  • Corporate restructuring
  • Institutional investor relations

FAQs about CFO Tasks

What does a CFO do every day?

A CFO leads financial strategy, oversees major transactions, manages stakeholder relationships, and guides executive decisions. Daily activities include financial reviews, team leadership, and strategic planning meetings.

What are the top 5 roles of a CFO?

  1. Financial Strategy & Planning
  2. Risk Management
  3. Stakeholder Communication
  4. Team Leadership
  5. Technology & Innovation Oversight

What is the CFO’s main responsibility?

The CFO’s primary role is to guide the company’s financial strategy and ensure its long-term financial health. They translate complex financial data into strategic business decisions while managing risk and growth opportunities.

Do CFOs have a good work-life balance?

Work-life balance can be challenging. Most CFOs work 50-70 hours weekly, with busy seasons requiring more time. However, experienced CFOs often develop strategies to manage their time effectively.

Is a CFO job stressful?

Yes, the role is stressful due to high-stakes decision-making, constant deadlines, and responsibility for the company’s financial health. However, many find the challenges rewarding.

What is the lifestyle of a CFO?

CFOs typically maintain busy schedules, working early mornings, travelling regularly, and attending frequent meetings. They often work long hours but enjoy high compensation and rewarding career growth opportunities.

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