June 20205
Starting a career in accounting or finance can give you a strong professional foundation, but climbing the ladder to become a Chief Financial Officer can feel like a daunting journey. The path is not always linear, and it requires more than just technical proficiency. It takes strategic exposure, mentorship, leadership development, and a strong network.
At Mackie Myers, we are passionate about helping finance professionals take the next step in their careers. In this article, we provide practical tips and expert advice for those aiming to progress from roles in accounting and finance to the C-suite. Whether you're just starting out or you’re already a mid-level manager, we hope this guide will give you valuable insights on your journey to CFO.
Gain Broad Financial Experience
To position yourself for a CFO role, you need to go beyond the fundamentals. Gaining hands-on experience across a broad range of finance functions is essential. This includes both technical accounting and FP&A, as well as areas like tax, audit, M&A, tech infrastructure development, and long term financial planning. Actively seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge. The more exposure you gain, the more well-rounded your perspective becomes, equipping you to guide a business strategically through its finance function.
Work Across the Business
CFOs don’t operate in a silo. They work closely with other leaders to shape strategy and drive performance. Look for opportunities to collaborate across departments, understand different business units, and contribute to decisions that impact the broader organization. This cross-functional experience will build your credibility and sharpen your leadership instincts.
Find a Great Mentor
A trusted mentor can be invaluable. Whether it’s a former manager, a senior executive, or someone outside your company, a mentor can help you navigate key career decisions, offer honest feedback, and connect you to new opportunities. Don’t underestimate the impact of having someone in your corner who has walked the path before you.
Build and Leverage Your Network
A strong network isn’t just useful for landing jobs. It’s a resource you can tap into for advice, support, and solutions throughout your career. Equally important, be generous with your own time and expertise when others reach out. These reciprocal relationships often pay dividends when you least expect them.
Invest in Leadership Skills Early
Managing people effectively is one of the most important aspects of a CFO’s job. Start developing these skills early, even if you’re only overseeing one person. Learn how to coach, delegate, and build trust. Great finance leaders know how to bring out the best in their teams.
Learn from Your Mistakes
No career is perfect. Mistakes will happen. What matters most is how you respond to them. Take accountability, reflect on what went wrong, and use every misstep as a learning opportunity. The ability to recover and adapt is a trait that defines strong executives.
Build the Right Team
Even the most capable CFOs have gaps in their knowledge or experience. Recognizing this is a strength, not a weakness. Surround yourself with a team that complements your skill set. Whether it’s deep technical accounting, systems knowledge, or strategic finance, building a strong bench will elevate both your performance and that of your organization.
Looking to accelerate your route to CFO, or want more guidance on the career route you take? Reach out to us for a confidential conversation about your next steps: hello@mackiemyers.com
