The shift from Financial Controller to Finance Leader is one of the most significant steps in a finance career.  Personally, I found this much more extreme and challenging than going from a junior unqualified accountant to qualified.  

It involves moving beyond backward-looking financial management and stepping into a strategic, forward-focused leadership role.

For those becoming a startup CFO, this change is essential.

The Key Difference

While Financial Controllers focus on compliance, accuracy, and historical reporting, finance leaders, including CFOs, are strategic decision-makers.

They interpret past results to guide the future, even when reviewing management accounts.  (see advanced management reporting here)

Leadership skills necessary and required to understanding business challenges and influencing decisions.

Steps to Transition from a Financial Controller to a future CFO:

1. Adopt a Forward-Thinking Approach
   Develop the ability to forecast, strategise, and identify trends. Help drive decisions that align with future business goals.  (see understanding business goals here)

2. Embrace Leadership
   Influence the leadership team by building confidence, communicating clearly, and connecting financial data with broader organisational objectives.  (see finding your voice in business meetings here)

3. Understand the Business
   Move beyond numbers. Dive into operational insights and collaborate with other departments to add value.  (see business partnering skills here)

4. Focus on Value Creation
   Go beyond reporting to identify areas for growth, cost efficiency, and market opportunities.  (more information on how to lead with value here)

5. Develop a Growth Mindset
   Invest in learning. Courses like Financial Leadership Fundamentals provide critical tools to grow your leadership skills and navigate this transition.  (confidence precedes leadership, see why here)

Why It Matters

Start-ups and scale-ups need leaders who can balance finance with vision, bridging financial data with the company’s future.

Transitioning into this role equips finance professionals with the expertise to lead confidently, positioning them to influence not only the company’s trajectory but also their own finance career.

If you're aspiring to take the leap, consider focusing on leadership development, strategic planning, and continuous learning to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

You can also do this by joining the waitlist for my book on this topic OR registering for the Financial Leadership Fundamentals course.

YOUTUBE

Want to fast-track your finance career growth?  Check out the steps in our Framework below to get started:

1. Sign up to our next workshop.
2. Work with me in the Financial Leadership Foundations course  that includes monthly Q&A sessions where we can discuss all of your questions and how to apply your learnings to your current role. 
3. Download the Advanced Management accounts course to showcase your skills as a finance leader to the Founder, leadership team and the Board.
4. Book at FLF Career Planning session.