CFO'S FIRST YEAR CHECKLIST

A Roadmap to SuccessAs a CFO, your first year sets the foundation for driving financial excellence and strategic impact. Here's a practical guide to navigate your first 180 days and beyond.0–30 Days: Understand•Familiarize with the Business Model: Dive deep into how the company generates value and earns revenue.•Meet Finance, Accounting, and Audit Teams: Understand their workflows, challenges, and goals.•Review M&A Activities and Major Projects: Assess ongoing strategic initiatives.•Understand Reporting Tools and Timelines: Gain clarity on key financial reports and deadlines.•Identify Key Trends, Expenses, and Profitability: Analyze historical financial data to spot opportunities and risks.•Engage with External Stakeholders: Build relationships with investors, partners, and other key stakeholders.31–90 Days: Optimize•Develop Financial Strategy Aligned with Objectives: Establish a roadmap for achieving organizational goals.•Identify Financial KPIs and Set Targets: Define clear metrics for measuring performance.•Assess Risks and Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulations and address potential risks proactively.•Review Financial Statements to Gauge Health: Evaluate the company’s current financial position.•Engage Teams for Long-Term Planning: Foster collaboration across departments to align financial and operational strategies.•Foster Cash Flow Culture Across All Levels: Ensure cash flow is a core focus throughout the organization.91–180 Days: Drive•Mentor the Finance Team: Build and empower your team to drive financial efficiency.•Allocate Resources to High-Priority Projects: Focus on initiatives that yield the highest impact.•Implement Financial Strategies Developed in the First 90 Days: Begin execution of strategic plans.•Monitor Risks and Adjust as Necessary: Stay agile and adapt to emerging challenges.•Evaluate Budgets for Alignment with Objectives: Refine budgets to support long-term goals.181–365 Days: Evolve•Refine Strategies Based on Outcomes: Continuously improve plans based on performance.•Evaluate Capital Structure and Growth: Assess funding strategies to support scaling initiatives.•Build Stakeholder Relationships: Strengthen connections with key partners and investors.•Review Financial Performance Over the Past 6 Months: Conduct a thorough evaluation to identify trends.•Assess ROI of Planned Investments: Measure the effectiveness of resource allocation