From Graduate to CFO

Building a career in finance can be both rewarding and challenging. From your first graduate role through to senior leadership, there are many pathways to success. While no two journeys are identical, understanding the typical steps and opportunities along the way can help you make informed decisions about your career progression.

Starting Out: Graduate and Entry-Level Roles

Most finance professionals begin their journey in graduate schemes or junior roles such as Accounts Assistant, Finance Analyst, or Trainee Accountant.

However, there are mainly two distinctly different routes – training in a firm of accountants (Practice) or working your way up through organisations in Industry / Public Sector / Charity.

Both routes provide great learning paths, but Practice will be more focused on Audit, VAT, statutory accounts (depending on the size of firm) and the other hands-on experience with invoicing, reconciliations and bookkeeping. At this stage, many also work towards professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), which remain a cornerstone for long-term progression in the UK finance market.

Building Experience: Part-Qualified to Newly Qualified

As you progress through exams and gain experience, roles such as Assistant Management Accountant or Financial Analyst open up through the business route. This stage is often where you start to specialise, whether in management accounting, financial reporting, or commercial finance. Employers value candidates who can balance technical accounting skills with the ability to interpret numbers for the wider business.

In Practice, you’ll take on more responsibility with the clients whose accounts/ audits you’re looking after. The work may stay similar, but clients will rely on you more.

Stepping Up: Finance Business Partner and Manager Roles

Once qualified in business, the next step often involves roles with greater responsibility and business exposure. Finance Business Partner positions are particularly popular in the UK, giving finance professionals the chance to influence decision-making and work closely with non-finance teams. Alternatively, Finance Manager/ Controller roles provide experience leading small teams and managing end-to-end processes.

In Practice, you tend to make your choice about your future sometime from qualifying to c.5 years after. Do you move into business or do you continue your path in Practice. It’s a personal choice.

Broadening Horizons: Senior Manager to Head of Finance

As you move into more senior positions, your responsibility will change significantly whether you’re in large or small business.

Large corporates offer a multi-ranged ladder for career progress where your team sizes will increase in what type of role you’ve taken on. ‘Head of’ function becomes the focus and working to develop your team becomes critical. Roles such as Senior Finance Manager, Group Reporting Manager, or Head of Finance involve overseeing multiple teams, driving process improvements, and working with senior stakeholders.

In SMEs, the focus starts to shift from technical delivery to leadership and strategy. Providing support to the CEO/ FD on commercial matters helps to build the knowledge and understanding for future steps into a No.1 role.

Reaching the Top: Finance Director and CFO

The final stage for many finance professionals is a move into Finance Director or Chief Financial Officer roles. These positions demand not just financial expertise, but also strong commercial acumen, communication skills, and the ability to shape the overall direction of the business. Many CFOs in the UK today emphasise the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and building strong teams as key success factors.

Many move from senior positions in large corporates into CFO/ FD roles in smaller businesses when they look to take that first step into the No.1 role.

Key Takeaways for Early-Career Finance Professionals

• Invest in qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA remain critical to long-term progression.
• Seek variety: Exposure to different finance areas early in your career will help you discover your strengths.
• Develop commercial awareness: Understanding how finance supports wider business strategy will set you apart.
• Focus on soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and influencing skills are as valuable as technical ability.
• Network and learn from others: Speak with professionals at different stages of their journey to gain perspective.

Final Thoughts

Your finance career won’t always follow a straight line, and that’s part of what makes it exciting. Each step, whether in practice, industry, or a mix of both, builds the foundation for your future. With the right blend of qualifications, experience, and personal growth, the path from graduate to CFO in the UK is not only possible, but full of opportunity.