Choosing the right career path can be one of the most challenging decisions you'll face.

I remember asking myself the same question: Do I want to be a CFO? It took deep self-reflection and understanding my true passions to find my answer, which led me to where I am today.

In this edition, I'm sharing key considerations to help you make this important decision in your own career.

Happy planning,
Christina

Considering the CFO path:

Is it right for you?

1. Know your strengths and passions.

Take a good look at what you enjoy and where you shine. Do you love diving into strategy and seeing the big picture? Are you excited about guiding a company's financial future? If so, the CFO role might be your dream job. But if you're more into the nitty-gritty of daily operations or a specific finance niche, you might be happier as a VP of Finance or Controller.

2. Understand the responsibilities of the role.

Being a CFO is a lot more than crunching numbers. It's about driving the company's strategy, building relationships with investors, managing risks, and leading your finance team. In my experience, every day is different, and the challenges can be tough but incredibly rewarding. It's a mix of strategic planning, firefighting, and making sure the numbers tell the right story. To see if this role is for you, spend some time shadowing a CFO or having in-depth conversations with one about their daily responsibilities and challenges.

3. Consider how comfortable you are with increased visibility and responsibility.

As a CFO, you'll be in a highly visible role, both within and outside the company. This includes representing the company to investors, stakeholders, and often the public. You'll have significantly more responsibility, being accountable for the company's financial performance and making decisions that impact the entire organization. Ask yourself if you're comfortable being in the spotlight and handling this elevated level of responsibility. If you enjoy being a central figure in the company's success, the CFO role could be a great fit for you.

4. Assess your work-life balance.

The CFO role can be demanding with long hours and high stakes. Think about what you want your work-life balance to look like. Are you comfortable with the potential sacrifices this role might require? Make sure the intensity of the role aligns with your personal and professional goals.

5. Reflect on your ability to lead through uncertainty.

The CFO role often involves navigating complex and uncertain situations, from financial crises to unexpected market changes. Think about how you handle ambiguity and unexpected challenges. Do you stay composed and find creative solutions when things don't go as planned? If you're comfortable making decisions in uncertain environments and enjoy the problem-solving aspect of leadership, the CFO role might be a great fit for you.

Want to learn more about what it means to be a CFO? Check out how today's CFOs are transitioning to strategic leaders who drive business growth and success.

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Essential reads: What to know about the CFO

1. Fractional CFO vs. full-time CFO: which is right for you?

Did you know there are two types of CFOs? A fractional CFO is a financial expert who works part-time with multiple companies, and a full-time CFO is a dedicated financial leader within a company who's responsible for managing all financial aspects. If you're interested in becoming a CFO, check out this blog—it may introduce you to career options you never thought of before.

2. A day in the life of a CFO: what can you expect?

To give you an idea of what your life might look like if you were to become a CFO, the folks at Investopedia interviewed three professionals in the field to see what their workdays look like. Check it out to see if the CFO role seems right for you!

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