CFO 4.0 - The Future of Finance 251. CFO 4.0 Revisited: What are Boards looking for in a CFO? with Patrick Dunne
Nov 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Dunne, an experienced chair and author of 'Boards', shares invaluable insights on what boards look for in a CFO. He emphasizes the importance of trust and respect in the CEO-CFO relationship and highlights key qualities like integrity and strategic skills that boards value. Patrick also dives into how new CFOs can foster strong connections and navigate board dynamics, offering practical tips on leadership and communication that can make or break senior relationships.
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Fundamentals Trump Flair
- Integrity, relevant technical competence and management skills form the non-negotiable base for a strong CFO.
CFOs Must Be Persuasive
- Effective CFOs need sales skills to influence investors, boards and peers around finance and forecasting.
- Communication and persuasion are as vital as technical knowledge.
Relevance Is Multi-Dimensional
- Relevance includes ownership structure, capital intensity and situational pressures, not just industry experience.
- Situational experience often outweighs sector expertise for CFO fit.
