A lot of people ask us what they need to do next in their career to one day become a finance director. And the truth is there isn’t a one size fits all answer. Every finance professional’s journey is different. But there are clear themes, and a few smart decisions that can dramatically improve your chances of reaching FD level.
Start with the end in mind
Before making your next career move, ask yourself a bigger question: what kind of business would you like to work in. Is it a small business that’s fast-paced and constantly changing? Or is it a larger more long-established business Is Private Equity the holy grail for you?
The answers to these questions will help guide your next steps.
Target experience that matches your ambition
It may sound obvious, but if you want to work in a small company, then you’ll need to start getting some relevant SME experience. That could mean stepping out of a large organisation and into a smaller one – even if the job title feels like a sideways move.
Similarly, PE-backed companies look for people who understand the world of Private Equity and can demonstrate this in practical terms. That means exposure to deal cycles, investor reporting, cash pressure and turnaround culture.
Whatever your path, your experience needs to align with the type of business that you’re aiming for.
Don’t underestimate leadership
You’ll obviously have to demonstrate a breadth of experience across a finance function, but the human and leadership element of an FDs role can’t be overstated. You may have all of the technical, financial & commercial wizardry in your arsenal, but if you’ve no experience of leading teams, then the top table will always be out of reach.
Often what separates an FC from an FD isn’t technical ability – it’s leadership. You can’t delegate vision. If you haven’t yet led a team or taken ownership of delivering through others – that’s a development gap worth closing.
Build the right network – and use it
Your next role won’t always come through a job advert. Building up a network of go-to professional advisors & mentors can also help enormously. These are often the people who will recommend you. Impress them enough, and they might even be the door openers that help get you land your first FD job. This does, of course, include the dreaded recruiters!
If you’re not sure what your next step should be – we’re always happy to talk. Simply get in touch and one of our consultants would be happy to talk through your career aspirations.
