Administrative and Financial Director: a strategic role within the company

Discover the key role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the strategic management of a company. Missions, skills, salary, and training: we'll tell you everything!

What is an Administrative and Financial Director?

A key player in financial management and steering

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) develops and implements financial strategies, oversees all accounting and financial operations, and ensures the company's profitability and performance. They play a key role in strategic decision-making, providing detailed financial analyses that guide management in its development and investment decisions.

In what types of companies does a CFO work?

Large companies where he plays a strategic role by supervising a large team and managing complex budgets, multiple financings and international operations.

SMEs : where the CFO can be more versatile, managing accounting, financial management and sometimes even administrative and legal aspects.

Startups : often in a more flexible approach, it helps to structure finances, raise funds and ensure healthy growth in an often rapidly changing environment.

The public sector : in which it ensures the management of public funds, compliance with legal standards and optimization of resources, particularly in contexts of strict control.

What are the duties of an Administrative and Financial Director?

Development of financial strategy and budget management

The CFO defines the company's financial strategy based on its short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. They analyze economic and financial trends to guide investment, financing, and growth decisions.

He oversees budget management: developing the annual budget, ensuring its compliance and adjusting financial forecasts based on results. He ensures optimal allocation of resources and cost control.

Supervision of accounting and management control

The CFO oversees the accounting teams to ensure the accuracy and compliance of the company's financial statements.

He manages the company's cash flow, optimizes working capital and makes decisions to ensure the company's solvency and liquidity.

Finance and treasury management

The CFO manages the company's treasury by ensuring the availability of cash necessary for the smooth running of the business. They optimize financial flows, oversee working capital, and make decisions to ensure the company's solvency. They are also responsible for financing management, whether it involves raising funds, negotiating loans, or managing relationships with banks and investors.

Supervision of administrative and financial teams

Legal, tax and regulatory monitoring

The CFO monitors legal, tax, and regulatory matters to ensure the company's compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They monitor tax and legislative developments, adapt company practices to new standards, and advise management on legal and tax risks. This role helps secure the company's operations and avoid sanctions or financial risks.

What skills and qualities are required to be a good CFO?

Expertise in finance, accounting and taxation

Expertise in finance, accounting, and taxation is essential for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). They must master accounting principles to prepare reliable financial statements, understand financial management to optimize the company's resources and profitability, and be up-to-date with tax regulations to ensure compliance with legal obligations while optimizing the company's tax burden. This expertise allows them to make informed decisions and advise management on best financial and tax practices.

Strategic vision and analytical skills

The CFO must be able to understand the company's long-term challenges and guide financial decisions based on these objectives. Their analytical skills enable them to evaluate financial data, identify trends and risks, and propose appropriate solutions to maximize the company's performance and profitability. This dual skill set allows them to play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and financial planning.

Leadership and managerial skills

The CFO must supervise and motivate their teams while ensuring effective management of various financial and administrative functions. They must be able to unite their employees around the company's objectives, delegate appropriately, and foster cooperation between departments. A good CFO inspires confidence, makes assertive decisions, and supports the professional development of their teams, thereby contributing to the organization's overall efficiency and performance.

Rigor and stress management

Rigor ensures accurate financial analyses, deadlines, and compliance with standards. At the same time, stress management is essential for making informed decisions, even in complex or urgent situations. A good CFO must be able to remain calm under pressure, organize their work methodically, and manage financial crises or unforeseen events without compromising the quality of results.

Proficiency in digital tools and financial software

The CFO must be comfortable using accounting and treasury management software, as well as financial reporting and analysis tools. This includes tools such as Excel, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), performance management software, and budget planning and forecasting tools. This proficiency allows them to optimize financial processes, improve decision-making, and ensure the reliability and efficiency of financial operations.

Administrative and Financial Director: salary and career development

How much does a CFO earn?

Young CFO (less than 5 years of experience) :

Average salary: €50,000 to €70,000 gross per year.

Experienced CFO (5 to 10 years of experience) :

Average salary: €70,000 to €100,000 gross per year.

Experienced CFO (more than 10 years of experience) :

Average salary: €100,000 to €150,000 gross per year, or even more in large companies or high-paying sectors.

Medium-sized company or SME :

The salary can be slightly lower, around €60,000 to €90,000 for an experienced CFO.

Large companies or multinationals :

Salary can reach €120,000 to €200,000 or more, with additional bonuses and benefits.

What are the career prospects for a CFO?

Group CFO : After several years of experience, a CFO can progress to a Group CFO position, where they will be responsible for the financial management of all subsidiaries and the financial strategy across an international group or large company. This role involves a broader strategic vision, complex financial management, and coordination between the group's various entities.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : An experienced CFO with a solid understanding of the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of the business can advance to a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This position involves the overall management of the business, from strategy to execution, with broader responsibility, including leading operations, human resources, and decision-making processes.

Financial Management Consultant : A CFO can also work as a financial management consultant or advisor. They offer their expertise to companies to help them optimize their financial processes, develop financing strategies, or navigate complex restructuring or growth situations. This role can be performed independently or within a consulting firm.

Entrepreneur or business creator : With their experience in financial management, a CFO can also decide to embark on entrepreneurship, by creating their own company or investing in innovative projects.

Which sectors recruit the most CFOs?

Finance : Financial services companies, banks, audit firms, and asset management firms regularly recruit CFOs. This sector requires advanced skills in financial management, compliance, and risk analysis.

Industry : Large industrial companies, particularly in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and aerospace, often need CFOs to manage complex budgets, long-term financing, and infrastructure investments. This sector is a major recruiter of CFOs, particularly in large corporations.

The technology sector : Fast-growing technology companies, particularly startups and digital businesses, are hiring CFOs to structure their financial management, raise funds, and manage research and development investments.

Healthcare : Healthcare establishments (hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical laboratories) are also major recruiters of CFOs, particularly to manage complex budgets, optimize public and private funding and comply with strict sector regulations.

The public sector : Public administrations, local authorities and parastatal organizations recruit CFOs to manage public finances, oversee public spending and ensure compliance with legal and tax standards.

The distribution and retail sector : This sector, particularly in large companies, requires CFOs to manage profitability, margins, inventory and logistics, as well as relationships with suppliers and investors.

How to become an Administrative and Financial Director?

Required training and qualifications

Graduates of a business school specializing in finance, accounting, or business management are often preferred. The most common programs are the Master in Finance or the Master in Management. These schools offer solid training in financial management, business strategy, and management.

A Master's degree in accounting, finance, or management from a recognized university also provides a solid foundation for accessing CFO positions. Training in business administration or organizational management provides the necessary skills in this field.

For professionals with significant experience, an MBA in finance or strategic management is an excellent way to deepen their knowledge and acquire advanced skills in finance, management, and business strategy. This type of training is often chosen by those aspiring to leadership positions.

Additional training in accounting (e.g. DSCG - Higher Diploma in Accounting and Management), risk management or financial auditing may also be useful for accessing the position of CFO, depending on the specificities of the sector of activity.

Typical experience and career path of a CFO

Early career (0 to 5 years) – Management controller, auditor or accountant

After training in finance, a future CFO often starts as a management controller, financial auditor (in firms such as EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC) or accountant.

These positions provide expertise in financial analysis, budget management and reporting.

Increasing responsibility (5 to 10 years) – Financial manager or management control director

After a few years, a professional progresses to positions as financial manager, management control director or accounting director.

He oversees the company's financial management, participates in strategic decisions and begins to manage teams.

Access to the position of CFO (10 years and over)

With solid experience, he can become CFO of an SME or deputy CFO in a large company.

He is responsible for all of the company's finances, from treasury to risk management and financial strategy.

Possible evolution

After several years as CFO, he can move to a position of Group CFO, General Manager or even become a financial management consultant.

Certifications and specializations in finance and business management

Certifications in finance and accounting

DSCG (Higher Diploma in Accounting and Management): Provides access to high-level positions in accounting, auditing and finance.
DEC (Diploma of Accounting Expertise): For those who want advanced expertise in accounting and financial management.
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): International certification in management accounting and financial strategy.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): International recognition in accounting and financial management.

Certifications in financial management and strategy

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Renowned in the field of financial analysis and investments.
FRM (Financial Risk Manager): Specialized in financial risk management.
Certified Treasury Professional (CTP): For CFOs specializing in cash management and financial flow optimization.

Certifications in management and business leadership

MBA in finance or business management: An MBA from a top school allows you to acquire a strategic and managerial vision.
Executive MBA (EMBA): Ideal for executives wishing to progress to management positions.
Lean Finance Certification: To optimize financial management according to the principles of Lean Management.