talousjohtaja

Talousjohtaja, or chief financial officer (CFO), is the executive responsible for a company’s financial strategy and management. The role includes directing financial planning, accounting, reporting, treasury, and risk management, and it typically sits on the executive management team reporting to the CEO and the board of directors.

Key duties include developing budgets and forecasts, preparing financial statements, ensuring the accuracy of accounting, managing cash flow and financing, overseeing tax planning, and maintaining internal controls. The talousjohtaja also ensures regulatory compliance, monitors financial risk, and communicates with investors, lenders, and other stakeholders as needed. In larger organizations, the role may involve coordinating with auditors and regulators and providing strategic input on capital allocation.

Scope and organization vary by company size. In smaller firms, the talousjohtaja may handle multiple functions and report directly to the CEO. In larger companies, the role is often supported by separate departments such as finance, accounting, treasury, tax, and financial planning and analysis, with a controller and treasurer reporting to the talousjohtaja.

Qualifications and skills typically include a university degree in finance, accounting, economics or law, plus relevant professional experience in corporate finance. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical abilities are essential, as is proficiency with ERP and other financial systems and knowledge of risk management and regulatory requirements.

In Finland, the talousjohtaja is responsible for compliance with Finnish accounting standards and, for listed companies, IFRS. The exact responsibilities and scope vary with organizational size, ownership structure, and sector, but the core function is to safeguard financial integrity and guide strategic financial decisions.