Chief Financial Officer: example job description
Job specification template for a Chief Financial Officer position
Developing an accurate job description for a CFO is crucial for attracting the right candidates to your organisation. Tap into the expertise of our finance recruitment specialists by downloading our customizable template. With a wealth of experience in connecting CFOs with leading firms across Australia, we have a deep understanding of what appeals to top-tier candidates.
Our template is easy to use, enabling you to effortlessly incorporate specific details about your requirements. It includes sections for a comprehensive job overview, key responsibilities, and the essential skills and qualifications.
Complete the form to access the example and use the guidance to tailor the job specification to the position you need to fill.
The importance of a detailed job description for hiring a CFO:
Clarity of expectations
A comprehensive job description clearly outlines the responsibilities and expectations for the CFO role. This helps ensure that candidates understand the scope of the position, including strategic financial management, risk assessment, and leadership duties, thereby attracting individuals who are truly qualified and aligned with the organisation's goals.
Attracting the right candidates
By detailing the required skills, qualifications, and experience, a well-crafted job description helps attract candidates who possess the necessary expertise. This specificity can filter out unqualified applicants and draw in those who are a better fit for the role, ultimately streamlining the recruitment process.
Alignment with organisational roles
A detailed job description ensures that the CFO's role is aligned with the company's strategic objectives. It highlights how the CFO will contribute to financial planning, corporate governance, and overall business strategy, ensuring that potential candidates understand how they will be expected to impact the organisation's success.
Access our best-in-class Chief Financial Officer job description
Understanding the CFO Role
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What responsibilities do they have within a company?
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is essential for managing a company’s financial health and strategic direction. They handle financial planning and analysis, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance, and managing risks. The CFO oversees capital structure, funding, and investment opportunities, while implementing cost management strategies to enhance profitability. They also collaborate with the CEO and executives on strategic initiatives and lead the finance team, focusing on talent development to meet the organization’s financial goals.
For a detailed overview of a CFO responsibilities, download our job description template.
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What is the typical CFO salary in Australia?
The Robert Walters Salary Survey offers current information on salary ranges and contract rates for CFO across various regions and sectors in Australia
This comprehensive survey enables you to evaluate your salary and benefits package in relation to national and regional averages, helping ensure your offer stays competitive in the current job market. Offering an attractive salary and benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in the finance sector.
Download your copy of the survey for the latest insights on salary ranges and contract rates for CFO in Australia.
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What is the current market like for hiring a CFO?
The Australian market for hiring CFOs in 2025 remains highly competitive as the role of finance leaders continues to evolve. Organisations are seeking CFOs who can deliver strategic insight and drive transformation across areas such as digital innovation, sustainability, and risk management—especially in response to economic uncertainty and regulatory changes.
With inflationary pressures, global supply chain disruptions, and increased scrutiny from ASIC and the ATO, there is a growing need for CFOs who can safeguard financial stability while enabling long-term growth. Demand is strong across all sectors, with tech and high-growth businesses prioritising experience in capital raising and scalability, while more established industries focus on financial discipline, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
A persistent talent shortage is placing upward pressure on salaries, while hybrid work models have expanded the talent pool beyond traditional metropolitan areas. To secure top talent, companies must offer compelling remuneration packages and clearly define the CFO’s role as a strategic business partner.
Discover more about our finance and accounting recruitment services.
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What traits does a successful candidate exhibit?
A successful CFO typically exhibits a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Here are some key traits:
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, is essential.
Strategic Vision: Ability to align financial strategies with the company’s overall goals and drive long-term growth.
Leadership Skills: Capability to lead and inspire a finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
Communication Skills: Effective in communicating complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, including the board of directors and investors.
Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate changing economic conditions and industry landscapes, and to embrace new technologies.
Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks to protect the organization’s assets.
Integrity and Ethics: Strong ethical standards and integrity, ensuring transparency and compliance in all financial dealings.
Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with other departments to drive business objectives.
Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills to tackle financial challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Focus on Continuous Improvement: Commitment to enhancing processes, systems, and skills within the finance function and the broader organisation.
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What expertise does Robert Walters have in hiring CFO's?
With over 25 years of experience, Robert Walters' specialist Accounting & Finance recruitment team excels at connecting businesses with top finance talent, including CFOs, across diverse industries and locations. Our team has a comprehensive understanding of the finance sector's intricacies, enhanced by local market insights from Australian offices. Many of our recruiters have firsthand experience in finance, providing them with a unique perspective on the key traits that make an exceptional CFO.
Utilize our industry expertise and experience with our CFO job description template. Developed from strategies honed over decades, this template is crafted to help you attract the most qualified CFO to your organisation.
Download your copy now and start the process of securing a top-tier CFO who can drive your company's financial success.
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