On this episode of The CFO Playbook, we share some of the best career advice for aspiring CFOs that we’ve received from CFOs who have been guests on the show.

Lessons we cover in this episode:

An aspiring CFO must diversify their areas of expertise

1. It’s critical to gain experience outside of the finance function.
2. Finance leaders should be proactive in making themselves partners to other areas of the business.
3. While gaining experience in areas of the business beyond finance is key, it’s also important for finance professionals to diversify their experiences within finance.

Don’t be overly concerned about timetable or titles in your quest for the CFO position

1. Your working life is long, be patient as you build your career over time.
2. You don’t have to rush into the CFO role. If you’re able to, work for a great CFO first and learn.

As you cultivate your hard, practical business skills, don’t forget to focus on your ‘soft skills’

1. Great CFOs develop their EQ as much as their technical skills and understanding of the business.
2. Own your strengths and your unique vulnerabilities. It’ll make you a more relatable leader and help you build relationships with your employees.
3. As the role of CFO continues to evolve from being purely an accountant to being an advisor to the rest of the executive team, and a driver of the business generally, it’s becoming more important to focus on these ‘soft skills’ that are required of leaders.

On your path to CFO, keep an open mind

1. Take advantage and learn from other CFOs you meet throughout your career.
2. Stay curious, take risks, and keep learning.

Tune into the full episode to get all the best insights on plotting your course towards the CFO position.

Connect with our host Ross on LinkedIn.

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