A Chief Financial Officer is an organisation’s most senior finance leader, responsible for its financial health, strategy and financial risk. But what does a CFO do all day, and what does it take to support one?
For an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant, supporting a CFO means understanding the priorities behind the diary, not simply organising it.
What Does a CFO Do?
CFO stands for Chief Financial Officer. A CFO leads financial planning, reporting, cash flow and financial risk management, helping the CEO and board make informed decisions about the business’s future. They also oversee the finance team and relationships with investors and lenders.
In smaller businesses, the role may be hands-on; in larger organisations, strategy and oversight take greater priority.
A Typical Day in the Life of a CFO
8am: Reviewing the Numbers
The day may begin with cash balances, financial dashboards and market updates. Are results on track? Does anything require immediate attention? The assistant prepares briefing materials, prioritises correspondence and flags time-sensitive approvals.
9am: Leadership and Finance Meetings
Conversations with the CEO and finance team connect financial performance with wider business priorities. Topics might include costs, recruitment plans or changes to forecasts. The EA coordinates diaries across time zones, circulates agendas and records actions, ensuring discussions lead to clear next steps.
12pm: Investors, Lenders and Advisers
The CFO may meet investors, discuss funding with lenders or review questions from auditors. During an acquisition or fundraising process, these conversations can dominate the day. The assistant coordinates meetings, handles confidential documents and provides a professional first point of contact.
2pm: Forecasting and Strategic Decisions
Afternoons may involve budget reviews, investment proposals and board papers. The question is not simply what the numbers say, but what the business should do next. The EA chases contributions, maintains document version control and judges what to escalate and what to solve independently.
5pm: Reporting and Preparing for Tomorrow
Before finishing, the CFO may review reports and upcoming month-end or year-end deadlines. The assistant checks outstanding approvals, confirms tomorrow’s priorities and protects preparation time.
How Do You Become a CFO?
A common UK route involves an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, followed by senior finance experience. Commercial judgement, leadership and the ability to explain complex information clearly are equally important.
How to Get a Job in Finance as an EA or PA
Previous finance experience helps, but transferable skills matter too. Focus on:
Discretion when handling sensitive information.
Confident communication with senior stakeholders.
Excel, PowerPoint and financial terminology.
Complex diary management and deadline coordination.
An executive assistant to a CFO may also coordinate audits, compile board packs and support the wider finance team.
When applying, highlight relevant achievements rather than listing duties. Our guide to tailoring your CV explains where to start. Temporary assignments can also help build sector experience.
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