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)
Graduate Certificate in Management
PostgraduateSCU-MAN-GCE
Develop management skills to innovate and drive success
Step up to business opportunities with confidence. You’ll build skills in problem-solving and ethical decision-making. Explore marketing, economics, and business intelligence. Graduate ready to lead teams and create impact across industries.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 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
Graduate Certificate of Business Analytics
PostgraduateTUA-BAN-GCE
Upskill and drive smarter business decisions
Build analytical expertise and excel in a data-driven world. You’ll gain in-demand skills in data analysis, modelling, and strategic decision-making. Transform complex data into valuable business insights. Future-proof your career.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
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They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
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