VP/Head of Finance Jobs & Career Guide
The life of a VP of Finance is a strategic chess game. You analyze financial data, yes, but it’s about using that information to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately drive business success. It’s a collaborative role – working closely with various departments like marketing and operations to ensure everyone’s aligned on financial objectives. The most exciting part? The constant evolution. The financial landscape is ever-changing, with new regulations, technologies, and market trends. As a VP of Finance, you’re at the forefront, adapting your strategies and leading the team to navigate complexities. It demands strong financial acumen, but also excellent communication and negotiation skills to be a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior management.
VP of Finance or Head of Finance?
- Head of Finance: This is a more general term for the most senior finance person in a company, particularly in smaller or younger organizations. They oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and treasury management.
- VP of Finance: This title is more common in larger, established companies. A VP of Finance typically has a broader scope of responsibility beyond just overseeing day-to-day operations. They may be involved in strategic financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations.
There are ~85,000 VPs of Finance in the US compared with just ~10,000 Heads of Finance suggesting the growing popularity of the VP title.
A Day in the Life
Here is what a typical day might look like for a VP of Finance at a large software company:
- 8:00 AM: Start the day by reviewing global financial news and economic trends that could impact the company’s market and operations. This may include updates on foreign exchange rates, technology sector performance, and regulatory changes.
- 8:30 AM: Check emails and respond to urgent messages from the executive team, department heads, or external stakeholders like investors and bankers.
- 9:00 AM: Meet with the finance department to discuss daily priorities and review the financial dashboard that includes key performance indicators such as cash flow status, profit margins, and budget variances. This is a crucial time to address any immediate issues.
- 10:00 AM: Conduct a financial strategy session with senior finance managers and analysts to review the current financial model and forecasts. Discuss potential financial scenarios and the impact of new software product launches or existing product updates on the financial outlook.
- 11:30 AM: Join a cross-functional meeting with heads of R&D, marketing, and sales departments to align on upcoming projects and their financial implications, ensuring budget allocations support strategic company objectives.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch
- 1:30 PM: Review and sign off on high-value contracts or expenditures that require VP-level approval. This might include major purchases, investment decisions, or contracts with new clients.
- 2:30 PM: Meet with the CFO to update on the financial health of the company, discuss any issues needing escalation, and strategize on any upcoming financial presentations to the board.
- 3:30 PM: Oversee the preparation of a quarterly earnings report or a presentation for the board of directors. Review key financial statements and performance metrics, ensuring all information is accurate and well-presented.
- 4:30 PM: Spend time on professional development or team mentoring. This could involve reading up on new financial regulations, technology trends, or conducting a brief training session with junior finance staff.
- 5:30 PM: Wrap up the day by setting tasks for the next day, reviewing schedules for key financial deadlines, and ensuring all department needs are aligned with overall financial strategies.
- 6:00 PM: Depart from the office or log off from remote work, though availability for critical issues or urgent communications often continues.
Position | Company | Location | Posted |
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Director Internal Audit | Cone Health | Greensboro, North Carolina US | 10/17/2024 |
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Vice President – Research Analyst | Bank of America | San Francisco, California US | 10/17/2024 |
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Director of Enrollment Operations | Ohio University | Athens, Ohio US | 10/17/2024 |
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Senior Director of Human Resources and Administration | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, Missouri US | 10/16/2024 |
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Controller – Central | Suffolk County Community College | Selden, New York US | 10/16/2024 |
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Executive Director – Research Operations | Case Western Reserve Univesity | Ohio | 10/16/2024 |
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Human Resources Director | The City of Des Moines, Iowa | Des Moines, Iowa US | 10/16/2024 |
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Director, Strategic Pricing Actuary | MetLife | New York City, New York US | 10/16/2024 |
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Company
Cone Health
Location
Greensboro, North Carolina US
Posted
10/17/2024
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Company
Bank of America
Location
San Francisco, California US
Posted
10/17/2024
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Company
Ohio University
Location
Athens, Ohio US
Posted
10/17/2024
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Company
College of the Ozarks
Location
Point Lookout, Missouri US
Posted
10/16/2024
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Company
Suffolk County Community College
Location
Selden, New York US
Posted
10/16/2024
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Company
Case Western Reserve Univesity
Location
Ohio
Posted
10/16/2024
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Company
The City of Des Moines, Iowa
Location
Des Moines, Iowa US
Posted
10/16/2024
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Company
MetLife
Location
New York City, New York US
Posted
10/16/2024
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