CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data
CFOs lead financial strategy, operations, and reporting for AEC firms. They oversee accounting, financial planning, project profitability, risk management, and provide strategic guidance to firm leadership.
What Does a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Do?
CFOs lead financial strategy, operations, and reporting for AEC firms. They oversee accounting, financial planning, project profitability, risk management, and provide strategic guidance to firm leadership.
What Does a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Responsible For?
- Develop and execute financial strategy and business planning
- Oversee accounting, finance, and administrative operations
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and credit facilities
- Analyze project profitability and firm performance metrics
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations
- Advise leadership on strategic business decisions
- Manage banking relationships and capital structure
CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Qualifications & Requirements
Technical Skills
- •Financial analysis and strategic planning
- •GAAP and financial reporting
- •Project-based accounting (e.g., Deltek, Unanet)
- •Budgeting and forecasting
- •Cash flow management
- •M&A and succession planning
- •Tax planning and compliance
- •ERP and financial systems
Professional Competencies
- •Strategic and analytical thinking
- •Leadership and executive presence
- •Communication with non-financial audiences
- •Business partnership with firm leadership
- •Risk management mindset
- •Decision-making under uncertainty
- •Change management
Education & Certifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business; MBA or Master's preferred
Certifications:
CPA required; CMA or MBA a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- +10-20 years of progressive financial leadership experience
- +Experience in professional services or AEC industry
- +Proven track record managing firm finances
- +Experience with project-based accounting systems
CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Market Outlook
Executive Leadership Role
CFOs in AEC firms often progress to COO or CEO roles, or may pursue firm ownership/partnership. Many also serve on boards or provide advisory services.
Typical Career Progression:
Sample Job Description Templates
CFO
Position Overview
Lead financial strategy and operations for our established architecture and engineering firm. Partner with principals to drive profitable growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- •Develop financial strategy and business planning
- •Oversee all accounting, finance, and administrative functions
- •Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and credit facilities
- •Analyze project profitability and firm performance
- •Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes
- •Provide strategic financial guidance to leadership
- •Ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements
Requirements
- •Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA preferred
- •CPA required
- •15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience
- •Experience in professional services or AEC industry required
- •Strong knowledge of project-based accounting
- •Proven track record driving financial performance
- •Executive presence and strategic mindset
CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Salary Ranges (2025)
$185,000
Mid Level: $140K – $180K
Senior Level: $180K – $250K+
Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.
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