Iter Advisors

Finance glossary

CFO: definition of Chief Financial Officer

Updated on 2 October 2026By ·

In one sentence

The CFO, for Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for financial management. He coordinates the management of results, cash flow and financial risks, according to the responsibilities entrusted by the company.

Definition of CFO

CFO is a job title. It does not describe employee status, nor a mode of service, nor a certification. The scope may include budget, reporting, financing and coordination of accounting work.

CFO and DAF: how do the titles differ?

DAF is the French abbreviation for directeur administratif et financier. The two titles can describe the same role. A title alone does not establish signing authority, HR responsibilities or a position in corporate governance.

What a CFO does in a startup

Priorities depend on the business: cash flow, revenue, margins or investor reporting. Explore our the profession of CFO and the responsibilities and deliverables of an external CFO.

The Fractional CFO: the solution for SMEs and startups

One Fractional CFO intervenes in a service framework. The part-time describes an agreed partial availability. No workforce threshold automatically determines the choice between employee and service provider.

FAQ - CFO

CFO and chartered accountant: what’s the difference? The CFO runs the finance function; the chartered accountant carries out the work agreed with the client, which may also include advice. Set out their respective responsibilities.

CFO and CFA: what’s the difference? CFO is a position; CFA designates a professional qualification in financial analysis.

Testimonials

What our clients say

Client feedback on our finance and HR support.

Read our clients' reviews

Let's talk about your project

Tell us your priority, situation and timeline. The first conversation helps define the scope and next steps.