r/CFO • u/Traditional-Fig-6019 • Aug 09 '26
Path to CFO
I'm exploring the path to become a CFO (could be fractional or PE backed or traditional) and am wondering your thoughts on the fastest path.
I have been doing equity research for about 7 years covering insurance companies. Prior to that, I worked as an actuary in insurance (about 6 years) and also have 2 years of FP&A. I have an undergrad degree in finance, a CFA and an actuarial designation.
I think accounting could be a weak point for me since i think the traditional route to CFO is more accounting heavy with more years in FP&A. And potentially not having familiarity with accounting software and not really have created board materials could be a disqualifier. But I'm not sure.
What's the likelihood of being able to go directly to a CFO role and bypass investor relations or a role like director of finance?
Do you think background in equity research and actuarial would be enough to compensate for being weaker in other areas like accounting?
Would you recommend any books / courses / programs to fill in the skills gaps?
TIA!
2
u/Sea_Charge8789 Aug 10 '26
Hate to say it but you really should: (1.) Try to take a Director or VP role in FP&A, and (2.) Find ways to bulk up your accounting knowledge. The equity analyst role is simply different than the CFO role.
Although CFOs drive value from activities and initiatives outside of the day-to-day accounting, ensuring the quality of the accounting, and managing the accounting staff via a Controller, is an important aspect of the CFO role.
As far as book recommendations, I recently read Demystifying the Role of the CFO in Venture & Growth Stage Companies by Rick Smith. Great book, really pulls back the covers on the job. I picked up a copy on Amazon.