9 LESSONS FROM CFOS WHO LEADHOW TO GET AHEAD IN FINANCE

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

To get ahead in finance, the best advice is from those who are already there. Read on for 9 big lessons from talented CFOs.

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

Many people think finance is the domain of the bean-counters, but finance is really everybody’s business. It’s about leadership, bringing people on a journey and all contributing to that one outcome.

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Lily Viertmann FCPA CFO, Department of the Environment, Australia Finance

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

You have to be motivated, passionate and persistent to get where you want to go. Once you’re there, you have to be patient, focused and engaged with stakeholders. If you don’t do both, you might get there, but you’ll fall over pretty quickly.

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Wayne Stokes FCPACFO, Carnival Australia

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

Make sure you understand what’s going on across the business, outside of finance, then use the numbers to tell that story. You add value by providing insight around the

future implications of what’s happening and its impact on performance.

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Kylie Archer CPACFO, Seafolly

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

Have a positive mindset and attitude – and never wait for your

boss to give you instructions. Be proactive as it’s always easier

to set the pace rather than run after another person. Never be

insecure or defensive. Be sincere, gracious, patient and confident.

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Tan Wee Ko FCPACFO, Challenger

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Most good things are harder than they might appear at the outset; there will

always be hard yards ahead. Show trust and let good people do good things. Also, you have to connect the story to the numbers.

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Scott Dilley FCPACFO, Department of Social Services

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

Take on the challenges others won’t. Don’t be put off because it’s hard or dirty – it will become an opportunity. If you get bored, get out.

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Andrew Clark FCPACFO, Airservices Australia

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

Be bold. Have the courage to change industries because skills are transferable. You’ll learn about a whole new world.

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Nicole Peck CPACFO, Barwon Health

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

You need a great team. How to build a great team, with diversity of thinking –

you don’t want a bunch of “yes” people – is one of the most important things to

learn as a leader.

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Laura Lillas FCPACFO, Partners in Performance

LEADERSHIP . STRATEGY . BUSINESS

One of the worst things you can do as a senior leader is not be approachable. You become like the emperor with no clothes – no one tells you what the problems are, they only tell you the good news or what they think you want to hear.

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David Spong FCPACFO, Ericsson

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