Your road to CFO from Head of Tax

May 14, 2025

Transitioning from a Head of Tax position to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is an ambitious and attainable goal for senior finance professionals. While the path may present challenges, with strategic planning and skill development, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the CFO role. 

Understanding the CFO role

The modern CFO’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional financial oversight. They are strategic leaders involved in areas such as digital transformation, regulatory compliance, risk management and sustainability initiatives. CFOs collaborate closely with other C-suite executives to drive business growth and value creation.  

Their insights help drive business growth and sustainability in a competitive marketplace. 

In addition to financial guardianship, CFOs are increasingly tasked with promoting transparency and accountability within their organisations. They must ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain the integrity of financial reporting. As trusted advisors to the executive team and board of directors, CFOs are essential in building stakeholder confidence and driving organisational success. 

Acting as a deputy CFO 

Heads of Tax are increasingly taking on more significant roles within the broader finance function, including areas such as controllership and pensions. This shift reflects the evolving nature of the CFO role, which now encompasses strategic leadership in digital transformation, regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainability initiatives. 

As trusted advisors to the executive team and board of directors, CFOs are essential in promoting transparency, accountability, and stakeholder confidence. For tax professionals aspiring to transition to the CFO role, expanding their skill set and gaining diverse experiences in financial planning, corporate strategy, and cross-functional projects are crucial.  

Developing strong leadership abilities and pursuing continuous learning in areas beyond tax can further enhance their candidacy. By strategically broadening their expertise and demonstrating their value in driving business growth and sustainability, Heads of Tax can position themselves as compelling candidates for the CFO role. 

Challenges for tax professionals 

Professionals specialising in tax often possess highly specialised skill sets, focusing on technical and legislative aspects. This specialisation can sometimes be perceived as a limitation when aspiring to broader financial leadership roles like the CFO. However, this challenge can be overcome by deliberately broadening your experience and skill set.  

Strategies for transition 

  1. Expand your skill set: seek opportunities to engage in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), corporate strategy and development functions. Participate in projects involving mergers and acquisitions, business integrations, or other cross-functional initiatives to gain exposure to broader financial operations. 
  1. Broaden your experience: take on roles or projects that allow you to work closely with different departments within the organisation. This exposure will help you understand various business functions and demonstrate your ability to contribute to the company’s overall strategy. 
  1. Enhance leadership skills: develop your leadership capabilities by managing teams, leading projects and mentoring colleagues. Strong leadership skills are crucial for a CFO, as they are responsible for guiding the finance department and influencing company-wide decisions. 
  1. Pursue continuous learning: stay updated with the latest industry trends, regulations and technologies. Consider obtaining additional certifications or attending workshops that focus on areas beyond tax, such as strategic management or digital transformation. 
  1. Network and seek mentorship: build relationships with current CFOs and other senior executives. Seek mentors who can provide guidance, share insights and help you navigate the path to a CFO role. 

Transitioning from a Head of Tax to a CFO is a journey that requires deliberate effort to broaden your expertise and demonstrate your strategic value to the organisation. By expanding your skill set, gaining diverse experiences and developing strong leadership abilities, you can position yourself as a compelling candidate for the CFO role. 

How Brewer Morris can help you make the step up to CFO

A career as a CFO offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, financial expertise and the ability to shape the future of a business. If you have a strong vision for driving financial growth, optimising performance and guiding executive decision-making, a CFO role could be your next career move. 

If you’re exploring new CFO opportunities, browse our latest executive finance roles. Alternatively, if you’re looking to hire a CFO for your organisation, submit a brief and a member of our team will be in touch. 

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