Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Position Description Template

If you follow this format, you won't go too far wrong. This should offer you a good base template. Please add additional information as needed. 

Chief Financial Officer 

About [Company Name]:
Who you are, what you do, and how many employees you have. Our growth trajectory is powered by continuous innovation, an agile business model, and a culture that puts people at the heart of everything we do. 

As we continue to expand, we seek a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our financial strategy and guide us through the next growth phase.

Position Overview:
The Financial Controller will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of [Company Name]. You will manage the company’s financial integrity, lead a high-performing finance team, and provide strategic insights to the executive team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, has a passion for process improvement, and can balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy & Leadership:
  Develop and implement the company’s overall financial strategy, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives. Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, providing insights and recommendations that shape business direction. Lead the finance function with a strong focus on financial health, sustainability, and growth.
• Financial Planning & Analysis:
  Oversee all financial planning and analysis activities, including long-term financial modeling, scenario analysis, and the preparation of detailed financial reports. Provide financial forecasts and identify trends that can impact profitability and growth. Collaborate with department heads to ensure financial planning supports business operations and goals.
• Financial Reporting & Compliance:
  Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders. Oversee compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards, including GAAP/IFRS. Lead external audits and manage relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring full legal and financial obligations adherence.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  Lead the company’s annual budgeting process, coordinating with all business units to ensure realistic and achievable budgets. Provide continuous financial forecasting, regularly updating financial plans in response to market changes and internal dynamics. Ensure that financial forecasts are aligned with strategic business plans and deliver regular reports on budget vs. actual performance.
• Cash Flow & Liquidity Management:
  Monitor and manage the company’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs, capital expenditures, and growth initiatives. Develop strategies to optimise working capital and manage debt. Oversee treasury functions, including banking relationships, credit facilities, and cash management solutions.
• Risk Management & Internal Controls:
  Identify, assess, and manage financial risks across the organisation, developing strategies to mitigate potential threats. Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. Review financial policies and processes regularly, ensuring they remain compliant with evolving regulations and best practices.
• Capital Structure & Financing:
  Evaluate and optimise the company’s capital structure, ensuring the right balance between debt and equity. Manage relationships with investors, banks, and financial institutions. Lead fundraising efforts and oversee capital allocation for acquisitions, investments, or major capital projects.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):
  Lead financial due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, ensuring that potential deals align with the company’s strategic objectives. Evaluate financial implications and risks associated with these transactions and oversee post-merger integration from a financial perspective.
• Investor Relations:
  Serve as the key point of contact for investors, shareholders, and financial institutions. Communicate financial performance, strategy, and key metrics to external stakeholders. Develop and maintain strong relationships with investors to enhance the company’s market positioning and credibility.
• Tax Strategy & Compliance:
  Oversee the company’s tax planning and compliance efforts, ensuring that all tax obligations are met while optimizing the company’s tax position. Stay informed of tax law changes and collaborate with tax advisors to manage domestic and international tax issues.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging professional development and providing opportunities for growth. Ensure that the finance team has the tools, skills, and resources to deliver on the company’s financial objectives.
• Business Partnering & Decision Support:
  Act as a strategic advisor to other departments, providing financial insights and support to help them make informed business decisions. Participate in key decision-making processes such as product launches, market expansion, and cost optimisation initiatives, ensuring financial considerations are embedded in every business move.
• Technology & Systems Implementation:
  Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and technology solutions to improve financial reporting, analysis, and operations. Stay up-to-date with emerging financial technologies and recommend investments in tools that enhance the finance team’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• CPA, CA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification required.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant financial experience, with at least three years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and financial reporting requirements.
• Proven track record of leading a finance team within a fast-paced, growing business environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in [specific sector] preferred but not essential.

Why Us?
We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture that values diversity, encourages innovation, and rewards performance. As our CFO, you’ll have the opportunity to impact our continued success directly, take on exciting challenges, and grow your career alongside some of the industry’s best and brightest.