Christine Schneider, Regional Director (North America) at CFO Recruit, has called on business leaders to rethink the crucial role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in driving strategic growth, cautioning that many CEOs underestimate the depth and foresight strong financial leadership brings to an organization.
Sharing insights from a recent conversation with a CEO, Schneider revealed a growing trend of business heads who believe they can effectively manage without a CFO. “I was introducing an exceptional CFO who could make a significant impact on their business,” she recounted. “But the CEO said, ‘I understand the P&L well enough; I don’t really need a CFO. The COO and I are reviewing the numbers and making informed decisions on our own.’”
Schneider noted that this mindset is more common than many assume—and often comes with hidden risks. “Blind spots are inevitable, even for the most financially savvy leaders,” she said. “A CFO doesn’t just crunch numbers; they bring foresight, structure, and scenario planning that uncover risks and opportunities others might miss.”
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She explained that collaboration between CEOs and CFOs creates richer, more strategic planning environments. “A good CFO aligns ambition with resources, ensuring growth plans are sustainable, not just optimistic,” Schneider emphasized. “Involving finance early in the process shapes strategy, rather than reacting to numbers later.”
According to Schneider, many CEOs only recognize the importance of a CFO when it’s too late. “Too often, we get the call after something has gone wrong,” she said. “By then, opportunities may have been missed or costly mistakes made. The real value of a CFO lies in preventing problems before they arise—and in transforming good decisions into truly strategic ones.”
With businesses navigating economic uncertainty, Schneider’s message is clear: a CFO isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity.
