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 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to ensure accuracy and compliance. Monitor and manage financial activities, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and implement financial strategies and policies to optimize the organization's financial performance. Formulate and execute financial plans and policies to drive the company's growth and profitability.
  • Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making and business planning. Offer expert financial advice and analysis to aid in making informed strategic decisions and planning for the future.
  • Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as auditors, banks, and investors, to ensure financial stability and transparency.

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 is crucial in overseeing financial operations and strategy. With 3-6 years of experience in Australia, professionals can explore alternative roles that offer growth and new challenges. Here are four options to consider:

  • Financial Controller: A role that involves managing financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis for an organization, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
  • Risk Manager: A position focused on identifying and mitigating financial risks, implementing risk management strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Business Development Manager: A role that involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, conducting financial analysis for investments and acquisitions, and driving strategic growth initiatives.
  • Tax Manager: A position focused on managing tax planning, compliance, and reporting for an organization, ensuring adherence to tax laws and optimizing tax strategies.

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.