We surveyed 618 CFOs to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical CFO. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a CFO?
Low
High
Working as a CFO typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that CFOs are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a CFO?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a CFO typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a CFO?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a CFO.
Do CFOs work full-time or part-time?
89% of CFOs work in full-time roles while 11% work part-time.
Is being a CFO stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for CFOs, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a CFO?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a CFO.
How competitive is the workplace for CFOs?
Low
High
CFOs see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a CFO require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
CFOs will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are CFOs allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
CFOs are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do CFOs have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
CFOs have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a CFO physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a CFOs is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are CFOs exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, CFOs tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a CFO require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for CFOs.
Does being a good CFO require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a CFO.