The Diary of a CFO Blog

The Strategic CFO vs. the Transactional Finance Function: How to Close the Gap

The Strategic CFO vs. the Transactional Finance Function: How to Close the Gap

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...

How to Prepare for a Difficult Board Conversation as a CFO

How to Prepare for a Difficult Board Conversation as a CFO

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

3 Board Conversations Every New CFO Pre-Game (With a Reusable Script)

3 Board Conversations Every New CFO Pre-Game (With a Reusable Script)

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...

What Do CEOs Really Look For When Hiring a CFO?

What Do CEOs Really Look For When Hiring a CFO?

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 ...

The First 90 Days as CFO: How to Quickly Build Credibility and Take Charge

The First 90 Days as CFO: How to Quickly Build Credibility and Take Charge

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...

How to Do Strategic Work When You're Swamped

How to Do Strategic Work When You're Swamped

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...

Controller vs Head of FP&A: Which Path Leads to CFO Faster?

Controller vs Head of FP&A: Which Path Leads to CFO Faster?

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...

How to Become a CFO: What Research and CFOs Say Works

How to Become a CFO: What Research and CFOs Say Works

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.

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