Why the Modern CFO Thinks Like a Founder
Today’s top CFOs do more than manage finances — they drive strategy, growth, and business clarity.
A few years ago, I was advising a startup on growth, go-to-market strategy, and investor relations when one of the founders said, “Why don’t you just be our CFO?”
I laughed it off. “I’m not an accountant,” I replied.
Back then, I believed a CFO had to be a full-time, in-house expert in compliance and audits. I saw myself as a strategic advisor — not a finance executive.
But that comment made me rethink what a great CFO really is.
Today’s CFOs Are Business Leaders First
The best CFOs today are not just finance experts. They are business operators who know how to turn capital into real growth.
Take Dave Stephenson, who became CFO at Airbnb without a CPA background. He came from Amazon’s operations team. What he brought was not audit knowledge, but experience in scaling businesses and using data to drive growth. That mindset helped Airbnb navigate some of its toughest times.
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Financial Skills Matter — But Judgment Matters More
Yes, a CFO needs to understand cash flow, unit economics, and investor expectations. But more importantly, they must know which decisions will move the business forward.
Should we hire more salespeople? Extend our runway? Raise a new round or wait? These are the questions founders deal with — and a great CFO helps answer them with sharp analysis and real-world planning.
The CFO Brings Clarity, Not Just Control
Startups are fast-moving and often messy. There’s endless data, shifting priorities, and constant pressure. A CFO brings structure — not through red tape, but through focus.
Strong CFOs simplify the complex. They help teams set clear goals, track meaningful KPIs, and connect day-to-day work to the bigger vision.
When I work with founders, I don’t just talk numbers. I help bring a financial lens to major decisions.
The Best CFOs Think Like Founders
In today’s environment, where capital is tight and speed matters, the CFO must be entrepreneurial. You don’t need to be a CPA. But you do need to think like a founder — and act like a partner.
The role of the CFO has changed. It’s no longer just about managing money. It’s about leading with insight, shaping strategy, and driving growth.