Both CFOs and Finance Directors work to ensure that a company is running smoothly, and as their titles suggest, they take care of financial responsibilities. But just what are their roles in a business, and which do you need for your organisation?
We took a closer look to ensure that you have all the information you need.
What Is A Finance Director?
The finance director of an organisation is responsible for managing all of the financial aspects of the business. They are also responsible for ensuring that the company has enough money to run properly. This includes making sure there is enough cash on hand, as well as keeping track of how much money each department is spending. The finance director will also be responsible for making sure the company’s accounts are accurate, and that it can pay its bills on time.
A finance director may also oversee other departments within the company, such as human resources, marketing, sales, and production. He or she will make sure that these departments are working together effectively so that they can provide the best possible service to customers.
A finance director must be able to think strategically about the future of the company and be able to plan ahead. He or she should also be able to manage any problems that arise during the course of the year and keep the company on track financially.
What Is A Chief Financial Officer (CFO)?
The chief financial officer (or CFO) works closely with the CEO to ensure that the company runs efficiently. They are responsible for overseeing the finances of the company, including making sure that the company has enough cash on hand, and that it can afford to pay its bills.
The CFO is also responsible for making sure that all of the company’s financial records are accurate, and that the books are balanced. They will also be responsible for planning out the company’s budget and ensuring it stays on track.
In addition to this, the CFO is often involved in hiring new employees and negotiating contracts with suppliers. He or she will be expected to know everything about the company’s products, services, and customers.
What is a Financial Controller?
You might have also come across the term “financial controller”. This isn’t always a role that is very specifically defined, but a financial controller tends to be responsible for all a given firm’s day-to-day operations in the finance department. This person typically reports directly to the finance director.
So What Are The Differences Between A CFO and A Finance Director?
There are some key differences between the two positions. While both CFOs and Finance Directors are responsible for managing the finances of a company, the CFO takes care of the day-to-day operations of the company, while the Finance Director oversees the overall strategy.
This means that the CFO is more focused on the short term, whereas the Finance Director focuses on the long term.
Which Is Best For My Business?
Choosing between a CFO and a finance director depends on a number of factors, and these include:
- The Size of Your Company
When choosing between a Chief Financial Officer and a financial director, the size of your organisation will be a key factor in your decision. If you have a small business, then you might not need a full-time CFO, and a financial director may be enough. However, if you have a large company, then you are likelier to need a full-time CFO to ensure that everything runs smoothly during day-to-day operations.
- Your Industry
The industry that you are working in will also determine whether you opt for a CFO or a financial director. Some industries require a lot of financial oversight, while others don’t.
If you work in an industry where you need to be very careful about every penny that you spend, then you might want to consider having a CFO on board. If, on the other hand, you work in an industry that doesn’t require a lot of attention to detail, then you might be better off with a financial director.
- How Much Time You Have To Spend Managing The Finances Of Your Business
If you have a busy schedule, then you might find that you don’t have much time to focus on the finances of your business. In this case, you might decide to hire someone else to do this job for you. This could be either a part-time employee or a freelancer who charges by the hour.
However, if you have plenty of free time and a relatively small operation, then you might prefer to take on the role yourself. It will give you the opportunity to learn how to manage the finances of your own business, which will help you grow as a leader.
What Should I Look For In A CFO or Finance Officer?
As mentioned above, there are many different qualities that you should look for when searching for a CFO or Finance Director. Here are just a few examples of what you should be looking for:
- Experience
Ideally, you should be looking for someone who has plenty of experience in a similar role – this will mean that you can sit back and let them get on with the job without too much worry or concern.
- Education
You should be looking for someone with a degree in accounting, finance, economics, or another related subject – will reassure you that the person you choose has the skills and knowledge to take care of the finances of your business.
- Skills
You should be looking at their skillset, and ensuring they have the right set of skills to run your business effectively.
- Communication
You should be looking out for someone who is able to communicate clearly and concisely – this will ensure you know exactly what is going on in your business, and that you can make informed decisions based on the information you receive.
- Personality
Finally, you should be looking at their personality, and making sure it fits well with yours. Make sure you choose a candidate who works well with the culture and nature of your team, and you will secure long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a CFO or a finance director isn’t always easy, but making the right choice when it comes to your organisation will help you optimise your business operations and increase your firm’s chances of success.
Enquire to our own team today about outsourced CFO services for your business, and we will be happy to speak to you about the specific ways in which our expertise and solutions can help.