The chief financial officer's qualifications for the chief executive officer's job

The changing character of the role of the CFO raises the question of whether the terminal role for someone starting in the financial track is the CFO position or whether the training received in financial management prepares an individual to accept the responsibility of the CEO position. An examination of the responsibilities of both roles comparing their similarities and differences is helpful in answering this question. Job descriptions will vary from institution to institution, depending upon the special needs and circumstances that exist. However, certain characteristics are common to both the CEO and the CFO. Table 2-1 presents a brief comparison of these two roles.