The Chief Financial Officer is the top financial executive, overseeing the company’s financial health and strategy.
What do they do? CFOs are responsible for all things financial: accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury (managing cash and debt), and financial planning & analysis. They build and lead the finance team (controllers, accountants, analysts) and ensure accurate financial records. A CFO “is responsible for the fiscal health of the business”, which includes making sure revenues and expenses stay in balance. Key duties include preparing financial statements, attesting that reports are accurate (especially in public companies, CFOs certify filings to the SEC), creating budgets and forecasts, and advising the CEO and board on financial strategy and investments. CFOs also often handle capital raising (debt or equity financing) and evaluate major expenditures or M&A opportunities. They might decide how to allocate capital to various projects and are deeply involved in strategy – acting as the strategic advisor who uses financial data to guide business decisions. In essence, the CFO is both chief accountant and chief strategic financier: from ensuring daily financial operations run smoothly (payroll, payables, etc.) to charting how the company can financially support its growth plans.
How is success measured? A CFO’s success is gauged by financial performance and sound financial management. Concrete metrics include profitability (did margins improve under their watch?), cash flow and liquidity (is the company well-funded with optimal debt levels?), and the accuracy of financial forecasts (few surprises or restatements indicate strong control). Investors and boards also look at return on assets/capital and expense management efficiency. For example, if a CFO implements cost controls that improve the company’s operating margin, that’s a win. Another key area is capital structure management: a successful CFO maintains the right balance of debt and equity, potentially lowering the cost of capital. The CFO is also expected to ensure compliance with financial regulations – success includes clean audits and no significant control weaknesses. Strategic contributions are perhaps the ultimate measure: has the CFO provided insights that drive strategy (like identifying a profitable acquisition or divestment)? As one description puts it, CFOs analyze the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses and “propose strategic directions”. If those strategic financial moves translate into improved shareholder value – higher stock prices, better credit ratings – the CFO is clearly succeeding.
Salary Range (USA): CFOs are very well-compensated, reflecting their critical role. In mid-sized U.S. companies, a CFO might earn a base salary in the $200,000–$300,000 range, whereas large public company CFOs often have base salaries in the high $300Ks or above. Including bonuses and stock, total compensation varies widely. According to one 2025 report, the median base salary for a public-company CFO was about $362,000, with median total compensation around $506,000 per year. However, those are medians – in practice, many Fortune 500 CFOs take home several million annually in total pay. On the other end, CFOs of smaller companies (or nonprofits) might earn low-to-mid six figures. Data from salary surveys show an average CFO salary (all company sizes) around $228,000 to $312,000 (figures vary by source). Additionally, CFOs frequently receive performance-based bonuses (often 30–60% of base) and equity. In private equity or high-growth tech environments, equity stakes can be significant. In summary, for a mid-to-large firm one can peg CFO total compensation in the high six to low seven figures, scaling up dramatically at the largest firms. For example, public company CFOs’ packages often include stock grants that, if the company does well, can elevate their pay substantially above the cash salary.