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 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 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 the AE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Develop and implement financial strategies to support business growth and profitability.
  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.
  • Manage and lead the finance team, providing guidance and mentoring to drive performance and achieve financial goals.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Vice chiefs of finance and vice financial officers have similar duties. Therefore they can be different depending upon the scale of a particular business. 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. Both posts report to or are closely associated with the president and CEO of the company.

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 Vice President VP Finance & Chief Financial Officer CFO role is a crucial position that requires 6-9 years of experience in the finance industry. For professionals in this field, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options to explore:

  • Senior Accountant: A role with expanded responsibilities, including financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: This position focuses on managing cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: Involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and overseeing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: A position centered around monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and providing insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

The job role of Vice President (VP) Finance & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the United Arab Emirates is expected to witness steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent demand for professionals in this role, driven by the rapid economic growth of the UAE. With the increasing complexity of financial regulations and the expansion of businesses in the region, the need for qualified CFOs is projected to rise. According to Google, employment opportunities in this field are expected to increase in the coming years, offering promising prospects for individuals seeking this position.