Center of the Storm: The CFO's Role in Start-ups And Rapidly Growing Companies

Chief financial officers (CFOs) and senior financial executives are critical to the success of start-up and early stage growth companies by providing key insights, according to Center Of The Storm: The CFO’s Role In Start-ups And Rapidly Growing Companies, a research report released by Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF).

FERF’s research, sponsored by Robert Half and Protiviti, found these leaders play key roles in not only managing a young and fast-growing company’s finances, but also in setting broader strategic goals and establishing and achieving financial and non-financial milestones. Further, as companies grow, the need for this financial and strategic acumen becomes more acute.

Other key findings include:
  • CFOs are critical to raising capital, either through venture capital funding, private investments or private equity investments
  • Establishing sound reporting systems and tools can allow for improved reporting metrics and communication to investors
  • CFOs are playing an essential role in setting and monitoring company strategy, and maintaining balance between investing in growth, building market share and preserving capital for future opportunities

The research is based on interviews with 17 subject matter experts on financial management best practices, company management and Board advisors, across industries.