Guide to CFO Success: Leadership Strategies for Corporate Financial Professionals

CHAPTER FOUR

Should a CFO Moonlight?

THE SHORT ANSWER IS yes.

This answer might surprise you a little. I previously mentioned that Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior corporate finance professionals take their jobs, responsibilities, and careers very seriously. Serious and responsible professionals do not moonlight. They should be completely dedicated to their primary role, shouldn't they?

This answer is yes, as well. CFOs and future CFOs need to be completely dedicated to their employers and their careers.

“So, Samuel,” you are asking, “how can you call for complete dedication on one hand and advocate moonlighting on the other hand?”

CFOs who are dedicated to their employers and their careers must moonlight to be able to give their best to both.

Moonlighting gives you more visibility. It allows you to gain and improve skills you do not currently have. Moonlighting gives you the opportunity to meet new people and grow your network. All of these things have a positive impact on your employer and your career.

Does that mean you should leave the office early, take long lunches, spend the day on the golf course, and be unavailable for days at a time?

PERCEPTION IS REALITY

There is a potential downside to spending time on projects outside your direct employment. People may think that you are not pulling your weight. This perception can be a problem if not managed properly.

A bigger ...