1.  More often than not, you will be supervising, managing and motivating non-CPA staff or those working towards the CPA designation. That is more challenging and/or different from managing and motivating people who are actively pursuing or already have a CPA.

2.  Strong Microsoft Excel skills are necessary. For analysis, budgeting, KPI/Metrics development and reporting purposes, Excel skills with Pivot Tables and V- Look Ups are required in industry.

3. Once you have improved financial reporting efficiency and the quality of information provided to the senior executive and/or Board, you will need to come away from your desk and become actively involved within the business. The value you will add, beyond accurate, timely and meaningful reporting and managing your staff effectively, is helping operations leaders and managers to run their departments more efficiently and/or profitably.

Stephen Smyth is the CEO & Managing Consultant of Chief Financial Interviewer, Inc.