The discipline of finance and accounting has a broad spectrum of numerous lucrative career opportunities. Some of the most appealing roles or jobs in the discipline of accounting entail chartered accountants, chartered certified accountants, chartered management accountants, chartered public finance accountants, forensics accountant, and stockbrokers (Ciarocco, 2018). Top appealing finance jobs include chief finance officer (CFO) financial analyst, budget analyst, actuary, credit analyst, and attorney (Zoni & Pippo, 2017). The primary focus job will be on the role of a CFO. The guiding organization researched is World Vision International. Therefore, research done is on the role of a CFO at World Vision International. The international scope of the organization makes it ideal as an example that shows the functions, requirements, and all about a CFO in a large organization. The information applicable to other senior roles, especially in companies that have a global reach.
By reading about the role of a chief financial officer (CFO) at World Vision International and about the career in itself, I draw several lessons. CFO’s can work in various environments that match their passions. They can work in organizations whose causes resonate with their childhood dreams for ideals they support while effectively providing their professional skills. For instance, a chief financial officer who believes in the world’s collective effort of helping each other in poverty alleviation and providing necessities can gladly deliver the value of financial management and accounting skills to further the vision, mission, and objectives of the organization. Crucial lessons to note from the research are that choosing a career should not depend on the huge perks for the jobs in the field. One needs to consider what the job entails against their interests, personalities, and abilities. Working in non-governmental organizations goes beyond the financial gains in the form of salary packages. It demands first having a passion for something one believes in and changing lives positively.
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Knowledge gained from the research shows that the role of a CFO is dynamic just as it is in other senior positions in finance and accounting. The CFO not only oversees annual and long-term financial goals but is does daily supervision of financial personnel. Senior roles in accounting and finance, require academic proficiency, certification, and prowess in the discipline. The positions also require one to be a leader and have high emotional intelligence (EQ). Career choices to be a CFO should be about getting the best out of the personnel working under them.
Senior roles require one to understand the strategy, business operations, and can spur growth in their organization. Notably, the CFO gets remuneration depending on their qualifications, experience levels, and the geographical location. Top careers in finance and accounting require training through formal education and on-the-job training in lower related roles. For a CFO, they need at least a bachelor's degree, an MBA, and certifications. They should serve in roles such as a financial analyst for a considerable number of years. The job requires certifications for various reasons, such as helping to bridge concepts and skills with industry practice and professional standards. Certifications also help candidates and practitioners to demonstrate their competency and thorough understanding of areas of the disciplines, such as an exhaustive comprehension of treasury management. Skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, time-management, and technical skills are handy in preparation for the job (Schobel & Pond, 2020).
My career path is in accounting and financial management. After reading about the CFO’s role at World Vision International, the information will influence my studies and future career. I intend to study advanced math, especially pre-calculus and calculus. I will also enroll in computer science classes and pursue coursework in economics, computer coding, and statistics in preparation for college-level accounting. I will endeavor to study learning materials that help me develop my planning, implementation, and management of finances as early as now. Beginning to acquire these skills at this stage of my life will help me gain expertise at a personal level before translating it to an organizational level later in life. Selections of study subjects will consider the value they add in preparation for a future career in financial management and accounting, particularly in a top role such as a CFO.
The role of CFO requires the highest levels of integrity, sound financial management, and budgetary skills. While the technical aspects of such skills and abilities can be learned in college and beyond, mastering the basics at a personal level before replicating them at a corporate level is necessary. The information encourages me to pursue my dream of becoming a CFO. It inspires the possibility of becoming better by learning, working hard, and applying the knowledge I gain daily to improve my expertise. I now know that I have to develop my financial leadership skills, hone my interpersonal skills, develop my creative and problem-solving skills, and develop exceptional integrity.
The information has strengthened my resolve to plan and work towards acquiring skills that will lead me into the career of financial management. I will henceforth study units and subjects related to accounting, finance, leadership, and budgeting. Further information fuels my desire to become an accomplished financial professional. I plan to pursue a bachelor's in finance, an MBA in a related field, and a CPA. It has also enlightened me to do job searches of jobs related to finance and accounting, with careful attention to job requirements and job responsibilities to streamline my list of skills, certifications, and training that I need to acquire. I will gain experience working at entry jobs or associate-level financial management roles to prepare for senior positions. The information has highlighted the high value of getting the necessary certifications and licenses, and therefore, guides me to envision my future career as a senior-level accomplished financial practitioner.
References
Ciarocco, N. J. (2018). Traditional and new approaches to career preparation through coursework. Teaching of Psychology, 45(1) , 32-40.
Schobel, K., & Pond, G. (2020). Public CFO competencies–A National Defence case study examining the balance between financial and strategic priorities. Canadian Public Administration, 63(2) , 229-246.
Zoni, L., & Pippo, F. (2017). CFO and finance function: what matters in value creation. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change .
