In today's business landscape, aspiring CFOs must develop a diverse skill set to succeed. They should stay up to date on technology, work closely with other teams, and be adaptable to changes in strategic priorities.

As the role of the CFO evolves in today's business landscape, it's important for aspiring finance professionals to develop a diverse skill set to prepare for the challenges of the future. To gain some insights into the qualities that CFOs should be focusing on, we spoke with Bob, a seasoned financial executive who has worked with several controllers who have gone on to become successful CFOs.

Bob stressed the importance of staying up to date with technology and best practices, which can be accomplished through reading and attending webinars. However, he also emphasized that it's critical to step out of one's comfort zone and challenge oneself to learn new things.

In particular, Bob highlighted the need for CFOs to work closely with other business units, rather than simply focusing on the finance function. This means developing an understanding of the company's technology stack and being able to communicate effectively with other teams, such as marketing or sales.

Moreover, CFOs must be willing to adapt to changes in their company's strategic priorities. For example, if a company's marketing budget is a significant line item, the CFO should be able to understand and analyze marketing data in order to make informed decisions.

Overall, the role of the CFO is becoming increasingly complex, and CFOs must be prepared to adapt and evolve in order to meet the demands of the job. By staying up to date on technology and best practices, stepping outside of their comfort zone, and developing a broader understanding of the company's business functions, aspiring CFOs can position themselves for success in the years to come.

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