What Does a Chief Financial Officer Do in 2025

The role of a chief financial officer (CFO) is evolving rapidly, becoming more integral to an organization’s overall success than ever before. In a study* of about 600 CFOs, 82% shared that their role has significantly grown in the past five years. As a finance professional aiming to lead your organization through the complex and dynamic landscape of financial leadership in 2025, understanding the full scope of the CFO’s responsibilities is crucial. A chief financial officer is no longer just the person responsible for financial statements or cash flow management; the CFO now plays a central role in driving strategy, managing risk, and helping the company keep its long-term financial health on track.

This article will break down the core responsibilities, educational requirements, and career path of a chief financial officer. Whether in a financial leadership role or aspiring to become a CFO, this guide will help you understand the role’s strategic importance and how to prepare for it.

What education does a CFO need?

Becoming a chief financial officer requires a combination of formal education, certifications, and hands-on experience in various financial functions. Most CFOs start their educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics. A deeper understanding of these fields provides the technical foundation necessary for managing complex financial systems and interpreting financial data.

However, a bachelor’s degree is just the beginning. Most CFOs pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master’s in Finance. These advanced programs are essential for developing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deeper understanding of business operations.

Certifications also play a significant role in a CFO’s career development. Common certifications include the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). These credentials validate expertise in financial analysis, auditing, risk management, and compliance—key areas that any CFO must master.

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, continuing education is just as important. Programs like the Duke Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Program are designed to help seasoned financial leaders stay ahead of industry changes.

Duke Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Program

This 8-month, multi-modular CFO program, led by world-class Fuqua faculty, empowers participants with cutting-edge knowledge, tools, and insights necessary to thrive as judicious CFOs in today’s dynamic corporate world. By enrolling in such programs, finance professionals can build the expertise needed to tackle emerging challenges and lead transformative financial growth.

Core responsibilities of a chief financial officer

A chief financial officer is responsible for much more than just overseeing financial statements. Their role encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, all aimed at ensuring the financial health and strategic direction of the organization. Here are the key areas that a CFO manages:

Financial planning and analysis

One of the most critical responsibilities of a CFO is developing long-term financial strategies for the company. This includes budgeting, forecasting, and conducting financial analysis to inform business decisions. CFOs work closely with other functional leaders to align the company’s financial goals with its overall business objectives.

Risk management

Risk management is a fundamental responsibility of any CFO. This involves identifying potential financial risks, such as market volatility, regulatory changes, or internal inefficiencies, and creating mitigation strategies. CFOs ensure that the company has strong internal controls and compliance with legal and financial regulations.

Capital structure and funding

A chief financial officer is accountable for determining the best financial approach to support the company’s operations and growth. This involves deciding on a mix of debt and equity funding, managing cash flow, and optimizing capital structure. Additionally, CFOs often manage relationships with investors, bankers, and other financial stakeholders.

Financial reporting

Accurate and timely financial reporting is essential for any organization, and it is the CFO’s job to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations. They oversee the preparation of balance sheets, income statements, and other key financial documents that provide insights into the company’s performance.

Mergers and acquisitions

CFOs play a vital role in evaluating potential mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic investments. They conduct due diligence to assess the financial health of target companies, analyze potential synergies, and structure deals to maximize shareholder value.

Leadership and team development

A CFO’s role extends beyond financial management to include leading and developing the finance team. They set the tone for ethical financial practices, encourage collaboration, and promote continuous learning within the team. Strong leadership skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern financial operations.

Chief financial officer career path

The career path to becoming a chief financial officer is both demanding and rewarding. Most CFOs start their careers in roles such as financial analyst, accountant, or auditor. Over time, they take on roles with increasing responsibility, such as controller, treasurer, or finance director, before ascending to the CFO position.

Mid-level roles like finance manager or director of finance are critical stepping stones, allowing professionals to gain experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. These roles often provide the opportunity to work closely with senior executives and contribute to high-level business decisions.

Progressing to the CFO role requires strong leadership abilities, strategic vision, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. As a CFO, you must not only understand the numbers but also how to use them to guide the company’s strategy and foster growth.

For finance professionals aspiring to reach the CFO level, targeted education and hands-on experience are crucial. Programs like the Duke CFO Program help bridge the gap between technical skills and strategic leadership, empowering professionals to excel in the CFO role. By equipping finance leaders with the tools to tackle emerging challenges, this program provides the expertise required to thrive in today’s competitive corporate ecosystem.

Conclusion

The role of a chief financial officer is integral to an organization’s success. As financial leadership becomes more dynamic and complex in 2025, CFOs are not just involved in financial reporting but strategic partners who drive growth, manage risks, and ensure long-term sustainability. From financial planning and risk management to capital allocation and mergers, the responsibilities of a CFO are vast and require a deep understanding of both finance and business strategy.

For finance professionals seeking to elevate their careers and take on the challenges of financial leadership, investing in education is key. Programs like the Duke CFO Program offer a comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum that prepares finance leaders to succeed in today’s corporate environment. By mastering the tools and strategies needed to lead effectively, aspiring CFOs can position themselves as critical players in their organization’s success.

Source(s)

https://www.egonzehnder.com/the-super-cfo