A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the top financial strategist in a business. Unlike an accountant or bookkeeper who mainly reports on past expenses, a CFO looks ahead to shape the company’s future direction. In other words, an accountant shows where the company has been, while a CFO focuses on where it needs to go and how to get there. This forward-looking mindset makes the CFO a critical partner in planning business growth and improving profitability, rather than just keeping the books.
A CFO’s role goes beyond bookkeeping – it’s about analyzing financial data and planning strategically for the future. They turn financial reports and metrics into actionable business plans.
CFOs ensure the basics are covered: they work to build a data structure that supports good decision-making. This includes:
This groundwork is essential because strategic decisions are only as good as the data behind them. In fact, having complete and accurate financial data is a MUST as the basis for strategy; basing decisions on bad numbers can be detrimental. By establishing solid reporting and controls in these areas (often with the help of services like LedgerFi), a CFO can devote more time to forward-thinking strategy.
Importantly, a CFO’s perspective is future-focused. They analyze trends and forecasts, asking “What should we do next?” instead of only tracking what was done before. This proactive approach turns the CFO into a true business strategist who uses financial insights to drive smarter decisions. And with tasks like bookkeeping and data accuracy handled well – something LedgerFi assists with through expert bookkeeping and reporting – the CFO can concentrate on guiding the company’s next moves effectively.
What exactly does a CFO handle on a day-to-day basis? In broad terms, their responsibilities span all aspects of financial leadership. Here are some of the core areas a CFO focuses on:
It’s clear that CFOs add value through strategy and financial stewardship – but do smaller businesses really need a CFO, especially if they’re not giant corporations? The answer is that while not every small business needs a full-time CFO, every business can benefit from CFO-level strategy. Many small business owners who held off on hiring financial leadership say they regret not doing it sooner. High-level financial insight can be a game-changer for guiding growth and avoiding pitfalls, no matter your company’s size.
A few rules of thumb can signal when it’s time to bring in CFO expertise. For instance, companies often start considering CFO help once they surpass around $1 million in annual revenue, as financial complexity tends to increase beyond that point. If your business is doing seven figures and growing, a CFO’s guidance can ensure you’re managing that growth sustainably.
Another telltale sign is when the CEO or owner is spending too much time being the “de facto” CFO. If you, the business owner, find you’re buried in financial spreadsheets or unsure about the financial impact of decisions, it’s probably time to seek help. In short, when financial decision-making starts to overwhelm your team or distract from other areas, it’s time for CFO-level support.
The good news for small businesses is that you don’t necessarily have to hire a full-time, in-house CFO to get these benefits. There are flexible options to tap into CFO strategies based on your needs and budget:
Every business is unique, so the right approach might be different – some companies start with a few virtual CFO consultations and later move to a fractional CFO as they grow. The key is that you have access to strategic financial thinking when you need it.
A CFO’s impact on a business can be summed up simply: they help you make smarter decisions, plan for growth, attract investment, and stay compliant. A CFO enables more informed decision-making while also making sure your financial plans support your growth goals so you can scale up with confidence.
CFOs boost your credibility with banks and investors, making it easier to secure funding on good terms. And, of course, they keep your business on solid financial footing in regards to tax laws and regulations, so you won’t run into compliance troubles with the IRS. In short, a CFO brings the kind of financial leadership that turns a good business into a great one.
Ready to strengthen your company’s financial future? You don’t have to shoulder the financial strategy alone. Consider reaching out to LedgerFi for a consultation on how we can help manage your financial strategy needs without the cost of a full-time CFO.
With the right partner handling your financial strategy, you’ll gain peace of mind and more time to focus on what you do best: growing your business. Let us know how we can help your business take the next step forward.