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25. July 2025

Cfos Now Lead Like Founders: How Finance Chiefs Are Becoming Business Operators

Cfos Now Lead Like Founders: How Finance Chiefs Are Becoming Business Operators

The Evolution of the CFO Role: Why Today’s Best Financial Officers Think Like Founders

In recent years, the role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of traditional financial historians who focused solely on compliance and audit readiness. Today’s CFOs are business operators in disguise, equipped with the strategic mindset and operational insight necessary to drive growth and success.

This shift in perspective is not just a result of industry trends, but also a reflection of the changing landscape of startups and small businesses. With capital becoming increasingly scarce and execution speed becoming a critical factor, the CFO’s role has evolved to become more entrepreneurial and partner-like.

Dave Stephenson, former CFO of Airbnb, exemplifies this new breed of CFO. Not a CPA by training, Stephenson joined Airbnb from Amazon’s operations team, bringing with him a deep understanding of growth metrics, scale experience, and operational insight. During Airbnb’s most challenging years, his commercial mindset and ability to think strategically made all the difference.

While financial fluency is still essential for a CFO, strategic judgment and operational expertise have become equally important. A great CFO must understand unit economics, cash flow dynamics, and shareholder expectations, but also know which levers to pull and when. This requires a nuanced understanding of budgeting, prioritization, and scenario planning.

For example, consider the question of whether to hire 10 more sales reps or extend the company’s runway by six months. These are not just financial decisions; they’re strategic choices that require careful consideration. A CFO who can help founders answer these questions is one who brings clarity to chaos.

Startups are messy environments, with too much data, too many bets, and constant change. A CFO’s role is to bring structure and focus to this chaos, rather than through bureaucracy. The strongest CFOs simplify complexity, define healthy KPIs, and create alignment between vision and execution. They’re not just asking “How much are we spending?” but also “Is this moving the business forward?”

Itay Sagie, a strategic adviser to tech companies and investors, specializing in strategy, growth, and M&A, echoes this sentiment. “The best CFOs are not just number-crunchers; they’re business thinkers who understand how to turn capital into outcomes,” he notes.

Sagie’s own experience as a strategic adviser has given him a unique perspective on the evolving role of the CFO. He works closely with founders, providing guidance on growth strategy, investor relations, and M&A. “I’ve seen firsthand how a great CFO can bring clarity to chaos,” he says. “They’re able to simplify complex financial issues, define healthy KPIs, and create alignment between vision and execution.”

The key to success for a CFO lies in their ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations. They must be able to speak both languages and understand the nuances of each. This requires a deep understanding of business fundamentals, as well as an intimate knowledge of the company’s unique challenges and opportunities.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the role of the CFO will continue to play an increasingly important part in driving growth and success. By thinking like founders and acting like partners, these financial leaders are helping companies navigate the complex world of startups and small businesses with ease.

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