Description

Vice presidents of finance and chief financial officers perform very similar job duties. As such, their titles can be interchangeable depending on the size of a given company. When both positions exist in a company, CFOs are generally considered to be more strategically-oriented and forward thinking whereas finance VPs ensure that their respective company's finances are managed appropriately and effectively. However, both positions report to and or or work closely with the president and the CEO of a given company.Generally speaking, they both make sure that their company's finances are in check and they run projections what the business might do in the future. Depending on the size of their company, they may oversee a team of accountants, or they may actually partake in the audits, bookkeeping and continual monitoring of the company's financial figures. These figures are usually used to show to current and prospective investors, the board of advisers and or or other executives within the company. CFOs and finance VPs also ensure that the work done within their company aligns with the financial future and strategies that have been planned out for the company.The educational requirements to become a finance VP or a CFO generally include a bachelors or masters degree in business, economics or finance. Finance VPs and CFOs are also usually required to have a significant amount of related work experience (e.g. at an executive or high management level).

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Vice President VP Finance & Chief Financial Officer CFO with 6-9 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial management and planning, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Manage financial operations, including cash flow, investments, and risk management.
  • Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals, optimizing profitability and cost efficiency. Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and drive business growth.
  • Lead financial compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards. Establish and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets and mitigate risks.
  • Collaborate with executive team and stakeholders, providing financial insights and guidance to drive strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Vice President (VP) Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive financial expertise and experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, contributing to long-term financial stability and profitability.
  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and coordinate the finance department, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and compliance with accounting principles.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities to identify financial risks, implement risk management strategies, and provide insightful financial analysis to support key business initiatives.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders, investors, and board members, effectively presenting financial information and influencing strategic business decisions.

Essential Skills For Vice President (VP) Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

1

Finance Analytics

2

Finance Analysis

3

Leadership Management

4

Finance Management

Career Prospects

The role of Vice President VP Finance & Chief Financial Officer CFO in Australia requires 6-9 years of experience. Here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Senior Accountant: A position with broader responsibilities, such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: This role focuses on managing an organization's cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: Responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: A position that involves monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The role of Vice President (VP) Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Australia is expected to witness significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, the demand for professionals in this position is steadily increasing. Google data points suggest that this trend is expected to continue, with numerous employment opportunities becoming available in the future. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of strong financial leadership, leading to a higher demand for qualified individuals in this role.