How to become a chief finance officer (CFO)
Manage and coordinate the overall financial and accounting operations within companies and organisations.
Pathways to this career
Complete an accredited undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, economics or business.
Complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination.
Work your way up in companies and gain extensive work experience in leadership roles within the financial departments.
Depending on the size of the company, achieving CFO level can take a minimum of 10 years or more, so work hard and don’t give up.
What does a CFO do?
An organisation’s CFO is the senior executive responsible all finance activities. This can include financial records, financial reporting, and compliance. CFOs must have excellent management skills and extensive experience with creating and managing budgets and financial resources.
Duties and tasks
Use financial reports to inform recommendations for business strategy.
Develop long-term profit projections, budgets and financial positions.
Devise, monitor, and evaluate financial strategies, including comprehensive budgeting and accounting, and policies for practices.
Evaluate and authorise operational project budgets and financial proposals.
Implement policies and procedures for accounting methods and monitor activities.
Provide ongoing analysis of funding source reliability, investment strategies, and financial allocations.
Research relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to financial practices and ensure activities are in compliance.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Management consultant
Treasurer
Discover finance courses online
UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG
Get the professional skills employers are looking for
Learn how organisations work and visualise where you fit in. Get familiar with financial documents, risk, and business comms. This business course gives you a 360-degree view of business strategy. Specialisations include marketing and management.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Marketing,
- Human Resource Management,
- Management,
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
- Sport Management,
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management,
- International Business,
- Political Science and International Relations,
- Contemporary Marketing,
- Strategic Communication (second major only)
Master of Business Administration
PostgraduateACU-MAD-MAS
Real-world experience for today’s global marketplace
Design your MBA starting with a solid foundation across all business functions, then adding a specialisation including health management. Build your industry connections, engage with international partners, and learn to work ethically and sustainably.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
PostgraduateFLI-BUA-GCE
Upskill fast in business and leadership
In just 3 months, this online business course covers in-demand business strategies and skills. Use your professional experience to gain entry, and graduate with a business qualification. Enhance your career or start your journey towards an MBA.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
PostgraduateRMI-BAD-GCE
Step into the world of business leadership
This course builds your skills to solve real-world business problems. You’ll learn to lead with confidence and create a better future. Get innovative. Use data. Practice teamwork. Skill up for your future as CEO, entrepreneur, or changemaker.
- Study method
- 100% online
Need help making study choices for your career?
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Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
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