How a stay at home mom can become a CFO
We’ve all heard the cliché, “you can’t have it all”. If you’re a financial professional with kids, you’ve probably had at least one person tell you that “something’s got to give”.
With the remote working revolution and flexible work being standardised, this is no longer the case. Roles as senior as that of CFO are becoming possible to manage from your home office. During the pandemic, we all experienced the potential of working from home. For most people, it’s a win-win. You’re more productive and aim to gain a work/life balance.
Two years later and the growth of remote working means that it’s possible to be both a stay-at-home mom and continue to develop your career. With the rising cost of childcare, this situation might tick all the boxes for you.
If you have a background in finance or operations, one role you could consider is that of CFO. It’s one leadership position that is evolving at lightning speed. As a CFO, you’ll oversee the financial operations of the business and play a key strategic role in its future.
In this article we share how you can be a stay-at-home mom and continue to chase your dreams of being a CFO.
What is a CFO?
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key leadership role within any company. They’re a senior financial professional who oversees the finances of the organisation, whether it’s payroll or fundraising opportunities. The CFO is an integral part of the leadership team, feeding into the overall strategy and playing a vital role in decision making.
What makes this position so exciting is that it’s evolving with time. Gone are the days when a CFO focused purely on data, figures, and finances. Their role is increasingly expanding as an advisor to the CEO on all issues, from recruitment to networking.
The different types of CFOs
Although a CFO is a leadership position, not every CFO role is the same. You’ll typically see roles advertised on a part-time, full-time, or interim basis. Wherever you are in your financial career, you’ll be able to find a CFO role that works for you.
As a stay-at-home mom, you might be interested in a part-time or interim position. These roles are typically advertised by start-ups and small businesses who need the support of a CFO but don’t want the financial burden of a full-time management position.
An interim CFO is usually hired with a specific project in mind. You may be called in to help a business improve its finances or prepare them for a fundraising bid with a private equity firm. If you have a specific skill set, such as working with venture capitalists, the interim position may work best for you. It’s an ideal choice for stay-at-home moms who want to work on a freelance basis.
The other option to consider is to be a part-time or a fractional CFO. This option is ideal for balancing the demands of being a stay-at-home mom with your workload. You’ll want to consider your daily routine and how many hours in the day you can reasonably expect to set aside for working.
Choosing your type of CFO position
Financial recruitment agencies like FD Capital are the ideal way to focus your search on the right CFO role for you. You’ll want to consider your previous experience and the reality of your home life.
If your children are very young, you may prefer a part-time role. If your children are at school for most of the day, an interim or even full-time position could work for you. A recruitment agency like FD Capital can help connect you with a company that can accommodate your needs as a stay-at-home mom. This boutique financial agency specialises in CFO positions, including remote roles.
Remote working opportunities for CFOs
The reason why it’s possible to be a stay-at-home mom and CFO is due to the rise of remote working. The pandemic showed us that the reality of video calls, e-mails, and cloud sharing apps means we can work from anywhere.
You could be a stay-at-home mom in New York working for a start-up in London. Remote working means that the sky’s the limit for your career. Start-ups and businesses of all sizes are starting to offer flexible working as standard.
It’s a win-win as research shows that remote working creates a better work-life balance, produces higher productivity, and leads to lower staff turnover.
How to be a stay at home mom and CFO
If you’re considering juggling being a stay-at-home mom and CFO, preparation is key. It all starts with the recruitment process. Using a boutique financial recruitment agency like FD Capital can help you tailor your search to the right positions and companies for you.
In the age of remote working, you don’t have to choose between being a stay-at-home mom and having a career. You can transition from the office to working from home as a CFO. Whether it’s as a part-time, full-time, or interim CFO, you can continue your career while being a mom.
You don’t need to be moving from one CFO position to another. If you’re a financial professional with leadership experience, you have the potential to be a CFO. Focus your search on interim positions or part-time roles with start-ups and SMEs. You can build your experience and continue to grow your career while being a stay-at-home mom.
Once you expand your CV, you can start moving up the ladder as a CFO. With everyone from Fortune500 companies to tech start-ups offering remote working opportunities, the sky’s the limit for your career.
As a CFO, time-blocking and other productivity hacks will be your best friend. As a stay-at-home mom, you can’t leave your home life at the door. Managing your time and creating a routine will make it easier for you to balance motherhood with your
Are you ready to explore a career as a CFO while being a stay-at-home mom? Start your journey today with FD Capital to become a stay-at-home mom and CFO all at once. You can find out more about FD Capital by visiting fdcapital.co.uk
