Modern CFOs are tasked with a wide range of responsibilities. They have a lot on their plate in addition to overseeing the cash flow and financial planning of a company; they also have to hire and manage their own team of financial professionals and communicate with both inside and outside stakeholders on matters that have an impact on the company’s bottom line. Furthermore, they are generally considered the CEO’s second-in-command, a strategic advisor who provides advice on matters ranging from financial planning to HR and IT.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that firms wanting to fill the CFO position search for applicants with a diverse set of talents. Those who occupy this position usually have a wealth of knowledge about the company’s operations, products, suppliers, workers, and shareholders as well as advanced degrees and qualifications.

Here are five suggestions to get you closer to the C-suite and find cfo training courses– 

• Get more schooling.

Finance directors used to typically work their way up through the ranks of the accounting department, starting as staff accountants or internal auditors and eventually becoming controllers or audit managers. There was a heavy emphasis on financial concerns, and CFOs were required to have extensive knowledge of accounting, reporting standards, and financial planning. Most chief financial officers also have accounting certificates on top of their bachelor’s (and often master’s) degrees in accounting or finance.

The position of chief financial officer (CFO) has evolved beyond its traditional accounting and financial purview and now offers a variety of entry points for prospective candidates. As a result, many modern CFOs have earned an MBA. Aspiring leaders may benefit from the education offered by business schools, where they can get a deeper understanding of strategy and operations and better understand how to work in tandem with human resources, IT, and risk management. Obtaining a degree in business is a sensible move if you want to work your way up to chief financial officer.

• Acquire the appropriate technical expertise

The chief financial officer is responsible for ensuring the board and CEO make prudent financial choices. The CFO thus has to have a firm grasp of accounting fundamentals such as budgeting, analysis, and regulation. Find a career path that will enable you to learn and use these technical abilities.

Working as a staff accountant, financial analyst, or auditor may provide you an insider’s view of your company’s bookkeeping practises, reporting procedures, and investment and acquisitions choices. If you’re aiming for a CFO position, being certified as a certified public accountant (CPA) will help you gain knowledge in these areas.

• Hone your capacities as a leader and communicator.

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) need to be great leaders in order to successfully oversee the accounting and finance teams of their organisations and learn how to become a cfo. Today’s candidate-driven labour market places a premium on companies with strong leadership that can recruit and retain the finest candidates. They need to be able to steer other executives and board members toward actions that will strengthen the company’s bottom line.

All of these goals need expert-level communication, presentation, and teamwork skills, so you should start searching for ways to develop these competencies right now. Present your findings to internal and external groups, or offer to serve on a committee where you may hone your managerial abilities. Additionally, think about approaching someone whose communication skills you appreciate and asking them to serve as a mentor to you.

• Strengthen your understanding of the company’s several departments by learning about their work

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is tasked with working closely with executives and managers from all departments. The finance chief also often takes choices that have far-reaching effects on the whole company. That’s why the CFO has to know all there is to know about the company’s structure, revenue streams, threats, and opportunities.

One may begin to acquire such in-depth expertise via cross-training and work shadowing. If you’ve always been a staff accountant, for example, suggest to your boss that you spend some time working in another area, like operations or manufacturing. If that isn’t an option, then you might offer your services as a representative of your division on interdisciplinary teams. It’s a great way to meet individuals from other parts of the company and broaden your perspective of the whole operation.

• Remain current on technological and cyber security advancements

CFOs are working more closely with their companies’ chief information officers (CIOs) than they were three years ago, according to a survey conducted by Robert Half. This is especially true when it comes to implementing new business systems, making technological investments, ensuring data security, and launching digital transformation projects. Through this collaboration, businesses are able to better invest in IT, strengthen data security, and acquire the digital tools that reveal possibilities and threats in real time.

Any prospective Chief Financial Officer should make it a priority to stay abreast of developments in business and industry IT. Get up to speed on the latest developments in digital transformation, and learn about the cutting-edge software and hardware that may help your business get an edge in the market by increasing productivity and decreasing vulnerability.

Since the coronavirus pandemic and an economy that has cycled from recession and widespread unemployment to inflation and labour shortages, consumer behaviour and employee expectations of their employer have changed significantly, adding complexity to the task of leading a company’s financial activities. The top financial position is where you want to be if you want to leave your imprint on your firm and your field. This advice might help you get started on the path to chief financial officer.