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:
- Reviewing key performance metrics
- Checking market updates
- 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
- Assess financial team structure
- Review current financial systems
- Understand cash flow patterns
60-Day Mark
- Evaluate risk management
- Build stakeholder relationships
- Analyze operational efficiency
90-Day Goals
- Develop a strategic financial plan
- Implement process improvements
- Establish reporting frameworks
- 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?
- Financial Strategy & Planning
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Communication
- Team Leadership
- 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.
