Let’s be honest – the CFO role isn’t what it used to be.
You’re not just managing budgets and closing the books anymore. You’re steering strategy, partnering across the business, keeping up with tech like AI, and still expected to spot the risks before they hit.
It’s a lot.
And while every CFO is juggling those same pressures, some just seem to handle it differently. They don’t just keep the wheels turning; they move the business forward.
So what are they doing that others aren’t?
We’ve pulled together the habits we see in the most effective CFOs. The ones who’ve earned real influence, built brilliant teams and taken finance from support act to lead role in the business.
1. They Lead With Solutions, Not Problems
It’s easy to play devil’s advocate, but it’s far more valuable to be the CFO who asks: “What would it take to make this work?”
Highly effective CFOs do more than identify the risks; they come up with solutions to avoid them. We see CFOs who are working collaborators, not as the finance police.
Instead of pushing back on product expansion plans, they analyse different scenarios, highlight operational constraints, and make things happen.
2. They’ve Got Strategic and Commercial Nouse
Top CFOs really get under the skin of their business
That means understanding which buttons move margin, what customers really value and how commercial decisions impact the bottom line. You’ll find them in product strategy sessions, talking to sales leaders or pressure-testing growth plans, not just turning up at the boardroom once a quarter with a slide deck.
If you want to connect the dots, spend time with your commercial teams, listen in on sales calls, shadow product meetings and be curious. Suddenly, pricing strategies will make more sense. Customer friction points become obvious. And the numbers tell a clearer story because you’ve seen the context behind them. That kind of insight doesn’t come from a report. It comes from being close to the action.
3. They’re Not Afraid of AI
AI’s already embedded in finance teams, whether it’s been formally rolled out or not.
Plenty of people are quietly using tools like ChatGPT to draft reports, summarise board packs or clean up datasets. No guidelines. No visibility. Just… quietly getting on with it (except last Tuesday when ChatGPT went down – did you cope ok?).
The point is, if your team’s already using GenAI, but there’s no structure around it – that’s a risk. But it’s also a big opportunity.
The most effective CFOs aren’t trying to become AI experts; they’re just asking better questions to figure out which tools are actually in use, which are adding value and how to train people properly
You don’t need to lead the AI revolution. But you do need to lead the conversation.
4. They Don’t Wait to Communicate
When things aren’t going so well, the best CFOs don’t wait to address the problem. They get out in front of the issue, bring the right people in early and explain what’s happening in plain English. Despite being the bearer of bad news sometimes, these actions do help to bring clarity and build trust.
They don’t wait for the next board meeting or monthly report. By then, it might be too late. And honestly, teams respect honesty, even when the news is tough to take.
People don’t expect perfection. But they do expect clarity.
5. They Build Real Relationships
You can have the world’s best forecast model, but if your commercial team doesn’t trust you, it won’t matter.
The most effective CFOs put in the work to build strong relationships across the business. Listening, supporting, asking good questions, spotting gaps. CFOs are the ones people go to before a decision’s been made, not after.
Why? Because they’ve earned that influence by showing up consistently, not just when there’s a fire to put out.
6. They’re Obsessed With Microhabits
A habit is hard to break. So if you can consistently and continuously make small, positive tasks a daily occurrence then good things will happen.
Those CFOs who make the biggest impact are building momentum through small, consistent habits. So why not try:
- Creating time for ‘thinking time’
- Reviewing priorities with the CEO on a weekly basis
- Delegating with intent – and sticking to it
- Keeping forecasts live, not just revisiting them quarterly
- Catching up with key people before there’s a problem
They know that when the basics run like clockwork, they’ve got the headspace to focus on the bigger picture.
7. They Put Their Team First
Leading people well is one of the hardest things to do, and that’s where great CFOs really set themselves apart.
The CFOs we admire don’t just care about the numbers. They care about their people. They mentor. They celebrate wins. They create space for their teams to learn and grow.
Some are sending their teams on AI upskilling courses. Others are carving out space for well-being and balance. All of them know that culture starts at the top, and they need to lead by example.
It’s Not About Being Busy. It’s About Being Clear.
The most effective CFOs don’t work 100-hour weeks. They’re smart with their time and clear on where they add the most value.
With so many business ups and downs, new AI tools popping up and changing team expectations, it’s time to be smarter with your time. Think about where you spend time that someone else could do? Then switch that to think about the one thing you’re not doing; only you can. That’s where you’ll start winning.
Great CFOs don’t go it alone. If you’re ready to shape a world-class team, we’re ready to help.
