The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director of FP&A (in a large organisation)
3-5 years at Director levelSkills to master
- Deep expertise in enterprise-wide financial planning, strategic forecasting, and managing large, complex finance teams. You'd need to demonstrate a clear ability to influence business unit strategy and present to senior leadership regularly.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple annual budget cycles and long-range planning processes.
- Consistently delivered highly accurate forecasts for a multi-£M business unit.
- Proven ability to mentor and develop senior finance managers.
- Track record of identifying and driving significant cost savings or revenue opportunities.
- 2
Head of Treasury / Group Treasurer
3-5 years at Head of Treasury levelSkills to master
- Mastery of capital markets, debt and equity financing, risk management (currency, interest rate), and cash flow optimisation. You'd need to show how your treasury expertise translates into broader strategic financial leadership.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed significant debt facilities or capital raises.
- Implemented effective hedging strategies that protected company profitability.
- Optimised working capital and cash flow across multiple geographies.
- Demonstrated strong relationships with banks and financial institutions.
- 3
Chief Accountant / Financial Controller (in a large organisation)
5-7 years at Chief Accountant levelSkills to master
- Expertise in financial reporting, technical accounting, internal controls, and managing external audits. The transition requires a strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset beyond pure compliance.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led the financial close and external audit for multiple years.
- Implemented significant improvements in financial reporting processes and controls.
- Managed complex technical accounting issues (e.g., M&A accounting, revenue recognition).
- Proven ability to translate accounting impacts into strategic business insights.