David Buley’s Post

How can I get a Finance Job? Working for the CFO can mean working in Financial Control or FP&A. Here is an overview of the different jobs that are available. #financialcontrol #fpa #financecareers https://lnkd.in/dhV9emD3

Do you know the difference between a finance director and a head of finance? 🤔 The exact differences between seemingly similar finance roles can be hard to pin down. To many, they can seem like the same thing. And to make matters worse, sometimes they can be. Cut through the finance jargon once and for all. 👇 Explore job descriptions for accounting and finance teams to understand their definitions and core responsibilities. 

Is Finance & Accounts, a support function? Recently came across a debate on categorizing Finance & Accounts function as a support function in many Organizations – Sharing my personal thoughts on this subject! As part of senior leadership team, I maintain an unbiased stand, taking a neutral view on all the functions which is important from an Organization’s perspective – However, as a finance professional, I consider viewing  F&A as a mere support function as very unfortunate development Even today,  few people in many Organizations think ,  F&A’s core job is just book keeping/Audit as they are oblivious to the real role played by Finance function in the Organization - Unfortunately, they see, feel and appreciate this function only to the extent of impact it creates on them directly This function is involved in every aspect of Organization right from Company’s incorporation activities, defining Capital structure, funds management, FX management, managing 5 key stakeholders ( Investors, Management, Employees, Biz Partners, Banks) , Tax, Internal/External Audits, Process Controls, Op Ex Management, BCP etc apart from working closely with the Biz teams - and their engagement in most of these activities are more qualitative and not necessarily measurable To highlight, F&A is the only function which stays through out the life of any Organization - Even when a company gets liquidated, last man walking out would be an accountant!!                I am not adding any emotional element into this subject nor trying to project this function as  holier than others - My only point is the connection this function has with the Organization is unique, intertwined with every aspect of the Organization which cannot be brushed aside just as a “Supporting activity” It requires deeper understanding to accept the fact that “Salt” is not a ‘Side dish”!!

Quick refresher of difference between Finance and Accounts Role.

Do you or anyone you know need a helping hand in the Finance Organisation? I am on the lookout for my next assignment within financial management. I am especially interested in interim positions as I am sharing my time between professional growth working within my trade and periods of volunteer work within environmental conservation. Please like, share, spread the word. If you know of vacancies or would like to hear more, I am always available for a cup of coffee. +45 26277010 WORK EXPERIENCE: Financial Management experience from midsized to large international companies. Broad and deep knowledge within Finance: general accounting, business analytics, controlling, statutory reporting, tax and cash management. KEY COMPETENCIES: Financial Reporting- for internal stakeholders as well as shareholders and statutory institutions. Stakeholder Management- managing internal and external communication to match stakeholder expectations. Business Analytics- building financial and business planning models and using them to communicate strategic directions to stakeholders across departments and levels. Change Management- devise and drive change processes that improve workflow and use of Financial Software. Project Management– design, plan, execution & follow up. ‘On time, on budget’. MOST PROUD OF: Perseverance- successfully managed yearlong disputes with overseas tax authorities saving the company M’USD. Work Smart- optimisation of workflows to reduce time from weeks/days/hours to days/hours/minutes. Strong passion for information and knowledge sharing has led to many cross departmental projects. “You make coming to work fun”.

Career paths: What does a Financial Accountant do and what career path can it lead to? Financial accountants play a pivotal role in an organisation by recording, analysing, and reporting on an organisation’s financial health and performance. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities: 1. Recording Transactions: Financial accountants meticulously record all financial activities within an organisation, ensuring compliance with accounting standards. 2. Preparing Financial Statements: They compile financial statements such as balance sheets, profit and loss (P&L) statements, and cash flow statements. 3. Ensuring Compliance: Financial accountants ensure that the organisation adheres to regulatory requirements and accounting principles. There can be severe consequences for directors if they don’t have good Financial Accountants! 4. Financial Analysis: They analyse financial data to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks, helping management make informed decisions about the organisation’s future. 5. Auditing and Internal Controls: Financial accountants may also be involved in auditing processes to ensure the integrity of financial information and the effectiveness of internal controls. In essence, financial accountants serve as guardians of financial integrity, providing valuable insights and ensuring transparency in financial reporting. A Financial Accounting career pathscan often lead to an Accounting Manager or Financial Controller role. It’s a role that gives a great foundation in accounting and can also be a stepping stone into other areas of finance. #Accounting #Finance #FinancialAccounting #CareerInsights

Key Skills for Finance Professionals Explained. Are you working in the finance and accounting field, contemplating essential skills for diverse roles? Discover a dashboard, created to help you understand the different competencies and their levels needed for various roles in finance and accounting. Accountant: - Intermediate knowledge of Accounting Standards (IFRS or GAAP) - Basic knowledge of taxes, both indirect and direct depending on the jurisdiction - Basic proficiency in Data Analysis and Visualization - Effective communication and presentation abilities - Basic IT skills, especially in Office Suite (particularly Excel) and ERP applications Senior Accountant: - Advanced understanding of Accounting Standards and Taxes - Intermediate proficiency in Financial Reporting and Managerial Reporting - Intermediate skills in Data Analysis, Visualization, Budgeting, and Forecasting - Basic leadership and management abilities to oversee teams (AR or AP) - Basic expertise in Process Analysis and Improvement Finance Manager: - Advanced expertise in Accounting Standards and Taxes - Advanced proficiency in Financial and Managerial Reporting, Data Analysis, and Budgeting - Advanced skills in Leadership, Management, and Relationship Management - Advanced proficiency in Process Analysis and Improvement - Intermediate knowledge in Business Acumen, Risk Assessment, and Management CFO: - Expertise in Business Skills, including Strategy Development and Execution - Expert proficiency in Finance (Forecasting, Investments) and Analytics - Expert skills in Leadership, Communication, and Stakeholder Management - Advanced proficiency in Risk Management - Advanced understanding of Accounting Standards and Taxes - Advanced skills in M&A, Capital Structuring, and Value Creation Internal Auditor: - Expertise in Risk Assessment - Expert understanding of Regulatory Knowledge - Advanced to Expert skills in Analytical Skills and Reporting - Advanced knowledge of Accounting Standards - Advanced proficiency in Relationship Management, Communication, and Presentation Tax Specialist: - Expertise in Tax Knowledge and Tax Strategy - Expert understanding of Regulatory Knowledge - Expert problem-solving skills - Advanced proficiency in Communication and Presentation - Intermediate knowledge in Accounting FP&A Analyst: - Expertise in Data Analytics & Visualization - Expert proficiency in Budgeting & Forecasting, and Investments - Expert understanding of Business Operations - Expert proficiency in Managerial Reporting - Advanced skills in Communication and Presentation Stay tuned for more insights in finance, accounting, and CFO expertise. #cfo, #accounting, #finance, #cspfinance, #royalcfo. P. S. Reposts, likes and comments are appreciated. Check out my previous posts, too. Want to get in touch? – DM me.

Title: The Key Missions of a Mid-Career AccountantAs an accountant progresses in their career, their role and responsibilities often evolve to encompass more strategic and leadership-oriented tasks. Mid-career accountants play a vital part in driving the financial health and performance of their organizations. Here are some of the key missions and responsibilities that mid-level accountants typically take on:Financial Reporting and Analysis A mid-career accountant is often responsible for overseeing the full financial reporting cycle for their company or department. This includes preparing accurate and timely financial statements, analyzing financial data, and providing insights to management. They may also be tasked with improving financial reporting processes and controls.Budgeting and Forecasting Mid-level accountants play a central role in the budgeting and forecasting functions. They work closely with department heads to develop annual budgets, monitor budget variances, and provide forward-looking financial projections. Strong forecasting skills allow them to identify potential financial risks and opportunities.Performance Management Mid-career accountants serve as strategic business partners, translating financial data into actionable insights that drive organizational performance. They analyze key performance indicators, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve profitability, productivity, and efficiency.Internal Control and Compliance Ensuring strong internal controls and compliance with accounting standards and regulations is a critical responsibility for mid-level accountants. They may lead internal audit projects, document policies and procedures, and provide training to other finance team members.People Management As they advance in their careers, mid-career accountants often take on supervisory or managerial roles. This requires skills in team leadership, performance management, and professional development of junior staff.

Finance Managers vs Accounting Manager. Yes, both are way too different. It's a common issue for many business owners. Both roles deal with numbers, but they serve different purposes. An Accounting Manager ensures that daily financial transactions are recorded accurately. They handle the nitty-gritty of financial statements, reconciliations, and compliance. On the other hand, a Finance Manager looks at the bigger picture. They analyze financial data to guide strategic decisions, forecast future financial performance, and manage investments. Their job is about planning and advising, not just reporting. So, what's the pain point? Many businesses blur these roles, leading to missed strategic opportunities or compliance issues. If your financial reporting is solid but your forecasts are off, you might be mixing up these functions. To fix this, clearly define these roles in your organization. Ensure your Accounting Manager focuses on accurate record-keeping, while your Finance Manager concentrates on strategic planning and analysis. Distinguishing these roles helps avoid overlap and gaps in financial management.

33 potential roles for you in Finance and Accounting, compiled by Josh Aharonoff, CPA. 33 Roles in Finance & Accounting The opportunities in Finance & Accounting are never ending… and the field continues to be one of the most versatile fields out there, yielding incredible ROIs for anyone who decides to pursue a background in Finance & Accounting. Let’s dive into 33 roles spanning a wide range of areas & levels of seniority across the profession 👇 ◼️ Accounting → Key tasks include creating financial reports and overseeing monetary operations. 👤 Bookkeeper 👤 Accounts Payable Clerk 👤 Accounts Receivables Clerk 👤 Payroll specialist 👤 Senior accountant 👤 Controller 👤 Cost accountant 👤 Financial systems analyst 👤 Inventory specialist ◼️ FP&A → Involves generating forecasts, comparing projected versus actual results, and in-depth analysis of margins and metrics. 👤 FP&A Analyst 👤 FP&A Manager 👤 VP of Finance ◼️ Auditing → Focuses on verifying the reliability and completeness of financial documents, ensuring compliance, and overseeing control mechanisms. 👤 Internal Auditor 👤 Forensic Accounting specialist 👤 External Auditor 👤 IT Audit manager ◼️Treasury → Manages a company's monetary assets, risk assessment, and investment strategies. 👤 Credit Analyst 👤 Risk Analyst 👤 Treasury Analyst 👤 Chief compliance officer 👤 Foreign exchange analyst 👤 Corporate Treasurer ◼️Tax → Ensures adherence to tax regulations, aims to minimize tax obligations, and advises on tax-related strategies. 👤 Tax associate 👤 State and local tax specialist 👤 Tax director 👤 International tax specialist 👤 Tax attorney 👤 Tax research analyst 👤 Transfer pricing manager ◼️Corporate Finance → Identifies investment opportunities and supports various financial goals. 👤 Investment Banker 👤 Head of Mergers & Acquisitions 👤 VP of Capital Markets 👤 Valuations Analyst And then, of course, there's the ultimate position... The Chief Financial Officer Placing this role in a single category is challenging, as a CFO can be involved in nearly every aspect mentioned, depending on the company's size and nature. === These are 33 positions I've observed - and there are many more out there.