Do you think finance departments are the best place to train future CEOs
... Some one who has not just been a “bean counter” their whole career is going to be a more well rounded leader and not worry about what the effects of what we are doing right now have on us financially but what we can do now to increase our earnings in the near or distant future. ... Indeed, some boards appear to be specifically seeking out experienced finance executives to help lead their companies in the post-Sarbanes-Oxley world. ... Another pro of a CEO coming out of the finance department is that in a lot of companies the CFO is expected to interact with analysts and stockholders. ... This requires the finance chief to not only be articulate on business and financial issues, but to have good presentation skills and to be quick on his or her feet.” With going on these conference calls and road shows the CFO is pretty much in a “train the trainer” situation, consistently learning from the CEO he is traveling with, being mentored constantly and also learning what mistakes not to make from the CEO. ... In conclusion, a CFO can make a great CEO if he comes from a finance department where the CFO has been a integral part of the company by not just being the head bean counter, but working with the CEO, giving briefs and traveling to all the different functions and meetings the CEO goes to, especially if the company has a great mentorship program.