Stepping up to Finance Director: What it takes to make the move

How to Become a Finance Director: Key Skills, Mindset & Steps to Step Up

At some point in their careers, many Financial Controllers ask the same important question: “What does it really take to step up to a Finance Director role?” It's a common crossroads in many Finance Director careers, where ambition meets the need for strategic growth.

It’s a fair question - and one we hear often at Talentedge. The answer isn’t simply “more experience” or “a few more years biding your time in an FC position” It’s about having a growth mindset, expanding your capabilities and positioning yourself as a strategic leader within the business - before you try to make the step.

So, if you’re eyeing the move from Finance Controller to Finance Director, here are the key areas to focus on:

Think beyond the numbers

As a Finance Controller, you’re likely a technical expert. But as a Finance Director, you’ll be expected to operate as a commercial leader. This means broadening your perspective beyond reporting and compliance to understand how finance underpins wider business success.

Start engaging in commercial discussions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and build your strategic thinking muscles. A strong FD brings financial insight and a sharp understanding of how the business competes and grows.

Own the bigger picture

Fulfilling an FD role isn’t just about reporting performance, it’s about shaping what happens next. This means taking ownership of forward-looking activities: forecasting, scenario planning, investment analysis and risk management.

The best Finance Directors are active contributors to business strategy. Step into that mindset early.

Strengthen your leadership capabilities

FDs operate at board level. That means influencing decisions, leading teams, and often being the voice of reason under pressure. It's not just about financial acumen, it’s about how you lead.

Work on your communication skills, especially when it comes to making financial insights clear and actionable. Build your emotional intelligence and your ability to bring others along with your vision. Great finance leadership is one of the biggest differentiators at this level.

Get comfortable with ambiguity

Financial control often involves precision, structure, and clear frameworks. Finance Directorship? Not always so neat.

As an Finance Director, you’ll sometimes need to make decisions with limited data, respond to rapidly changing business conditions and operate in grey areas. Developing a level of comfort with uncertainty and learning how to make sound decisions regardless, is crucial.

Broaden your exposure

If your current role leans heavily on technical reporting, look for opportunities to stretch beyond that remit. Involvement in commercial finance, M&A activity, fundraising, systems implementation or operational decision-making can help you build the well-rounded experience boards look for in their Finance Director.

Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, put your hand up for side projects, seek mentorship from your existing FD, or volunteer for cross-functional initiatives. The more diverse your experience, the more confident you’ll feel stepping up.

We have interviewed numerous CFOs over the years (you can read some of those interviews here) and nearly all of them talk about the importance of actively seeking out exposure to areas beyond their core role as the key to future career success.

Build your personal brand as a future finance leaders

Perception matters. If you want to be seen as an FD-in-waiting, start acting like one now.

Contribute strategic ideas in meetings. Network with other finance leaders. Seek feedback, stay curious, and invest in your career development. Most importantly, make your ambition known- sometimes, the right opportunities only come when others see your potential.

What to do next

Stepping up from Financial Controller to Finance Director isn’t a straight line—but it’s absolutely achievable with intention, preparation, and the right support.

At Talentedge, we specialise in helping accountants at every stage of their career map out their next move and realise their potential. Whether you're exploring opportunities, looking to broaden your experience or simply want a sounding board for your career strategy, we're here to help.

We work closely with ambitious Financial Controllers and senior finance talent across high-growth startups, established SMEs and global groups - and help them not only secure the right role, but prepare for it too.

So, if you're ready to take that next step or just want a confidential chat about what your path to FD could look like, contact us to find out more.

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