The Diary of a CFO Blog

Executive Summary Most finance functions are built to report what happened. The ones that drive growth are built around a different question: where are we going, and how do we get there...

Executive Summary Most FP&A teams rely on a single forecasting method and wonder why their numbers keep missing. The fix is not working harder. It is thinking differently about meth...

Executive Summary Almost every first-time CFO steps into the role carrying imposter syndrome, a calendar full of expectations, and a skill gap no training program fully closes. This art...

Executive Summary Many CFOs are hired to be strategic, but their direct reports spend most of their time on transactions and compliance. This article explains how controllers, FP&A,...

Executive Summary Many CFOs are hired to be strategic, but their finance function remains transactional. This article explains the “evolution gap” between a strategic CFO role and finan...

Executive Summary Difficult board conversations become manageable when preparation removes surprise and clarifies the decision. Strong preparation includes defining the issue, writing a...

No matter the industry, and no matter how healthy the business looks today, three board conversations show up sooner or later. A number gets missed. Cash stops feeling comfortable. Or s...

Hiring the wrong CFO rarely blows up in public. It fails quietly, then expensively. The damage shows up over time: missed opportunities, loss of trust, and decisions that drift because ...

Executive Summary A new CFO’s first 90 days should leave the company feeling, “We can finally trust the numbers and the finance leader behind them,” because you’ve spent that time learn...

3 Simple Ways You Can Do More Strategic Work in Finance, Despite a Packed Schedule Practical methods to add value without adding hours If you're like most finance professionals, your da...

Controllers are seen as the safe hands. FP&A professionals, the strategic business partners. But which path actually gets you closer to the CFO chair? Both paths can get you to CFO, but...

The complete guide about the career paths most CFOs take, the myths to ignore, and the skills that set future CFOs apart, whether they come from FP&A, Treasury or Controller roles.