Over the past two decades, the chief financial officer (CFO) role has evolved from financial gatekeeper to strategic architect of the business. The modern CFO helps shape growth strategies, guide technology investments, manage risk, influence board-level decisions and serve as one of the CEO’s closest advisers.This shift reflects the dynamics reshaping every major industry today—globalization, digital transformation and rising expectations from boards, investors and employees. As organizations become more complex and data-driven, CFOs are expected to do more than manage numbers. They must also help steer strategy, drive innovation and keep the businesses resilient through constant change.Compensation for CFOs reflects the growing importance of this role. According to the 2026 Salary Guide from Robert Half, average starting salaries for these executives range from $195,000 to $321,750, depending on skills, experience, certifications and other factors. Total rewards packages for CFOs typically include bonuses, equity, long-term incentives, and expanded perks and benefits as well.While today’s CFO salaries are compelling, it’s the scope, influence and career possibilities of the role that make it an appealing career destination for many aspiring leaders in finance. In the following sections, we’ll explore how you can chart your path to this C-level position.
CFO Salaries and Career Growth: Steps to the C-Suite
Focus on building a strong foundation early in your career
Mastering the mechanics of finance is crucial for future CFOs, but what sets leaders apart is how they use those fundamentals to solve business problems. So, in the early stages of your career, focus on building depth in your financial expertise and versatility in how you apply that technical knowledge—both in your role and across the organization when opportunities arise.Common stepping stones on the career journey to CFO include:Assistant controllerCost accountantEntry-level financial analystStaff accountantYour goal in pursuing roles like financial analyst is to gain broad exposure across the business and to start learning how to turn financial data into meaningful insights. Work on fundamentals, like developing technical strength in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations and variance analysis. Also aim to become fluent in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and internal controls.Grow your skills in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, AI, automation, and data and analytics tools for finance, if you have the opportunity. According to Robert Half’s Salary Guide, 95% of finance and accounting leaders say their team will be involved in a major digital transformation initiative over the next two years—and they need professionals with strong skills in these and other areas.To accelerate your career growth, embrace professional development and seek other experiences that can stretch your abilities. Job rotations, mentorship from senior leaders, and cross-functional projects with audit or compliance teams can expand your perspective and business knowledge. Earning in-demand certifications such as the CPA or certified management accountant (CMA) credential expands your skills and underscores your commitment to the profession.This early-career stage on the path to CFO is about building relationships and the technical foundation every finance leader needs to succeed. Next, you’ll need to learn how to translate numbers into strategy.
Transition from finance expert to strategic business partner
Demonstrating the ability to turn financial information into business intelligence is how emerging finance leaders can distinguish themselves as analytical thinkers.Mid-career roles that can help you develop this skill set—and which appear on many CFO resumes—include:Accounting managerAssistant controllerFinancial planning and analysis (FP&A) managerSenior financial analystIn these positions, data and analytics take center stage. You may be expected to lead budgeting cycles, build predictive models and use performance data to identify trends, test assumptions and anticipate what’s next. This is where your work in finance shifts from tracking results to driving them.To deepen your impact as an up-and-coming leader, seek out opportunities that can bring you closer to decision makers in the organization. For example, you might volunteer to manage high-profile projects or take the initiative to collaborate with operations, sales and commercial teams. Cross-functional exposure can expand your understanding of how business and finance functions work together to create value.The mid-career stage is also a good time to focus on refining your communication skills. CFOs must be able to translate complex analysis and financial results into clear, accurate and persuasive storytelling for stakeholders inside and outside of the organization.
Step into senior leadership: the pre-CFO phase
This phase of your career marks the shift from managing teams or projects to leading strategy. Highlighting your leadership presence and executive readiness becomes more critical now. You’ll be expected to stay composed under pressure, make sound decisions with incomplete data and guide teams through uncertainty.Typical roles to pursue in the pre-CFO phase include:Corporate controllerDirector of financeDirector of financial reportingVice president of financeIn leadership positions like controller, you’ll help guide long-range planning and steer investment decisions that can affect the entire organization. Many professionals at this career stage also help lead enterprise-level initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital restructuring or digital transformation, while managing audit, compliance and board engagement.Many future leaders can accelerate their progress to the CFO chair by gaining experience outside of traditional finance—working in operations or treasury roles, for example, to demonstrate their agility and versatility. Internal audit, compliance and risk management functions can also be valuable training grounds for future CFOs.The pre-CFO career phase is the prime time to work on building your executive brand. Raise your profile by cultivating strategic relationships across the business, leading high-impact initiatives, and positioning yourself as a trusted adviser. Engaging in formal succession planning can also help position you for the CFO role at your company, if it becomes available. And if you find you need to look elsewhere for CFO jobs, know that businesses of all sizes across industries are in need of highly skilled financial leadership.
Where the CFO role can potentially take you
For many finance professionals, becoming CFO is the summit of a long climb years in the making—one that also typically leads to a compelling compensation package. Yet, many find the role can be a launchpad for more. Positioned at the center of strategy, performance and risk, CFOs gain a panoramic view of how businesses succeed—and that insight can position them for other career opportunities.The CEO role is one example. CFOs can be strong candidates for the CEO post because they understand business economics, can communicate effectively with investors and are comfortable making decisions amid uncertainty. Those who step up to the CEO spot often do so after stretching their abilities beyond finance—taking on projects tied to revenue, market growth or operations.Experienced CFOs often pursue consulting or interim management positions, using their skills and experience to help multiple organizations navigate transformation and growth. The consulting path offers professional variety, purpose and the chance to mentor emerging leaders. Proven finance leaders are also in demand for board service across public, private and nonprofit sectors—valued for their financial discipline, risk awareness and governance insight.The CFO chair doesn’t need to be the final stop in your finance or business career by any stretch. In fact, it can serve as a powerful springboard for future opportunities. The insight, influence and enterprise perspective you build along the way to becoming a CFO—and while serving as one— can continue to propel your career in new directions for the long term.
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