How to Spot a Future Finance Leader (Before Your Competitor Hires Them)
The Best Future CFOs May Already in Your Team – Do You Know Who They Are?
Every business wants strategic, commercially-minded finance leaders.
But here’s the reality:
- By the time someone is “ready” for leadership, your competitors have already noticed them.
- If you wait until your Finance Director resigns to start looking for a replacement, you’re too late.
- Most future CFOs don’t announce themselves—they develop quietly (or leave for a better opportunity).
So, how do you identify and keep the next finance leader in your business before someone else poaches them?
Here’s what to look for.
1. They Don’t Just “Do the Job” – They Improve It
Most finance professionals are great at reporting the numbers—but future leaders ask bigger questions.
- Instead of just compiling reports, they analyse trends.
- Instead of just following processes, they optimise them.
- Instead of waiting for instructions, they bring solutions.
Not a future leader:
- “Here’s your month-end report.”
- “Tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.”
- “That’s how we’ve always done it.”
Potential future leader:
- “Month-end trends show a pattern in overspending—we should look at X.”
- “I’ve spotted a gap in forecasting—here’s how we can improve it.”
- “What if we automate this process to save time and reduce errors?”
How to develop this?
- Give them ownership. Let them take on a project and see what they do with it.
- Encourage strategic thinking. Ask them, “If you were in charge, what would you change?”
- Expose them to leadership discussions. If they’re good enough to be in the room, invite them in.
Rule of thumb: If they only do what’s asked, they’re a solid hire. If they go beyond it, they’re a future leader.
2. They Speak “Finance” AND “Commercial”
A great Finance Director or CFO isn’t just good with numbers—they understand how those numbers drive business decisions.
- They can talk finance with the CEO… but also explain it in plain English to the sales team.
- They connect the dots between financial data and commercial strategy.
- They don’t just track costs—they influence revenue.
Not a future leader:
- “The profit margin dropped 3% this quarter.”
- “We missed budget.”
Potential future leader:
- “The profit margin dropped 3% because of X. Here’s how we fix it.”
- “We missed budget, but I’ve identified three areas where we can recover.”
How to develop this?
- Give them exposure to commercial teams. Let them work with sales, marketing, and operations.
- Challenge them to make recommendations, not just reports.
- Get them comfortable presenting to senior leadership.
Rule of thumb: If they can explain financials to a non-finance person without making their eyes glaze over, they’re a future leader.
3. They Handle Pressure Like a Pro
Finance leaders don’t just manage numbers—they manage crises.
A future Finance Director is the person who:
- Keeps calm when a forecast goes off-track.
- Can handle tough conversations with senior stakeholders.
- Takes responsibility instead of shifting blame.
Not a future leader:
- Panic mode when things go wrong.
- Blames other teams instead of finding solutions.
- Avoids difficult conversations.
Potential future leader:
- Steps up when challenges arise.
- Takes accountability instead of making excuses.
- Balances urgency with long-term thinking.
How to develop this?
- Give them high-pressure projects and see how they handle them.
- Put them in difficult conversations and watch their approach.
- Coach them through decision-making under stress.
Rule of thumb: If they can handle chaos without losing their cool, they’ve got leadership potential.
4. They’re Curious, Not Just Competent
The best finance leaders never stop learning.
- They don’t just follow industry trends—they question them.
- They’re always looking for ways to improve.
- They proactively seek out knowledge, not just wait for training.
Not a future leader:
- “I’ve been doing this the same way for 10 years.”
- “I only focus on my core role—I don’t need to learn beyond that.”
Potential future leader:
- “Have we looked at how other companies are handling this?”
- “I read an interesting piece on financial automation—should we explore it?”
- “I’m taking a course on commercial finance to broaden my skills.”
How to develop this?
- Give them opportunities to expand their knowledge.
- Encourage external learning (mentorships, courses, conferences).
- Challenge them with new projects that push them out of their comfort zone.
Rule of thumb: If they’re always asking questions and looking for better ways to do things, they’re leadership material.
5. They Motivate & Develop Others
Finance leaders don’t just do great work—they build great teams.
A future CFO isn’t just someone who excels individually—they’re someone who elevates those around them.
Not a future leader:
- Keeps knowledge to themselves.
- Avoids mentoring junior team members.
- Works in isolation.
Potential future leader:
- Coaches others without being asked.
- Delegates effectively while still being accountable.
- Inspires confidence in their team.
How to develop this?
- Give them mentoring opportunities. Let them train a junior finance analyst.
- Test their leadership with small teams or projects.
- Give them visibility in team meetings—do others respect their input?
Rule of thumb: If people naturally turn to them for guidance, they’re a future leader.
Final Thought: Identify, Develop & Retain Your Finance Leaders Now
Future finance leaders are already in your business—you just need to spot them.
✅ Look for problem-solvers, not just task-doers.
✅ Find those who understand commercial strategy, not just finance.
✅ Test their ability to handle pressure, change, and people.
✅ Give them real opportunities to lead before your competitors do.
Want to attract and retain top finance talent?
We Do Group can help you find finance leaders before your competitors snap them up.
We Do Benchmark can help you ensure your salaries are competitive—so your best people don’t leave.
