Entrepreneur op-ed argues CFOs should expand influence beyond finance functions
An Entrepreneur contributor writes that the modern CFO role increasingly stretches beyond accounting, treasury and financial planning into sales, product development, operations, technology, risk and strategy. Drawing on experience across construction and financial services CFO roles, the author says financial reporting, liquidity and controls should remain the foundation of the job rather than its outer limit. The piece calls for CFOs to embed themselves in commercial functions like sales pricing and incentive structures.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The commentary reflects a broader trend some business leaders describe of finance chiefs taking on cross-functional influence as companies seek tighter alignment between financial oversight and operational decision-making. This could suggest organizations may increasingly expect CFOs to weigh in on areas like sales strategy or technology investment, though the extent of that shift likely varies by company and industry. As an opinion piece, the claims reflect one executive's perspective rather than documented industry-wide change.
- Author argues CFO responsibilities should extend beyond traditional finance duties into sales, tech, risk and strategy.
- Core finance duties like reporting and controls are framed as a foundation, not a ceiling, for the role.
- The piece is a personal opinion based on the author's own CFO experience in construction and financial services.
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Published there as: “The CFO’s Role Is Bigger Than Finance. Here’s How They Can Add Value Across the Business.”
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