CFO job description guide

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a company has primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the company's finance activities of a company, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and negotiations. The CFO job description should also extend to obtaining and maintaining investor relations and partnership compliance.

CFO duties and responsibilities of the job

As part of an executive management team, the CFO has interaction with various staff members, both senior and junior. A CFO job description should include:

Providing leadership, direction and management of the finance and accounting team

Providing strategic recommendations to the CEO/President and members of the executive management team

Managing the processes for financial forecasting and budgets, and overseeing the preparation of all financial reporting

Advising on long-term business and financial planning

Establishing and developing relations with senior management and external partners and stakeholders

Reviewing all formal finance, HR and IT related procedures

CFO job qualifications and requirements

The role of CFO is very senior, hence a high level of experience is expected for anyone applying for this role. A Bachelor’s degree in the following will be expected for this role:

Accounting

Finance or Economics

An MBA or CPA is also highly desirable. At least 10 years' experience in the finance industry and managing a team is a must – with examples of when they have demonstrated excellence in the workplace. A CFO must display a cohesive ability at interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written. They must be able to engage with staff at all levels of the organisation and exercise sound judgement.

View CFO salaries

CFO Banking

CFO Insurance Actuarial

CFO Insurance

CFO Investment Bank Brokerage

CFO Pehfam

CFO Sm Financial Controlling

CFO L Financial Controlling

Looking for a CFO or a CFO job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your CFO staffing needs.

Explore more salaries

Newest Cfo jobs

Search all jobs

CFO, Blockchain, Open Budget

A Leading Insurer - Project Manager

Group Finance Manager (double pay)

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need, from support roles to C-suite, with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience together with our industry-leading AI technology.

Hire talent

More to explore

2026 Salary Guide Explore our Salary Guide to confidently benchmark 200+ salaries, plan your budgets and better understand compensation trends.

How to ask for a promotion and salary increase Should you be thinking about your next job promotion and salary increase in Hong Kong? Find out more.

Is your expected salary negotiable? What are your salary expectations? Here is how to address this query from an interviewer.

How to negotiate a pay rise request If you feel your employee wants to negotiate a pay rise request, here are five ways you can prepare.

Why paying a competitive salary makes a difference I Robert Half Don't disregard the long term benefits of paying a competitive salary. Here are four top reasons for why.

Reviewing your current salary If you're working in technology this year, it might be time to reassess your current salary.

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job candidates our recruiters have matched with companies across the country.

The Salary Guide from Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.