Written by Richard M. Kopplin, CMAA Fellow, Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow and Thomas B. Wallace, III, CCM, CCE, ECM 

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play a pivotal role in the financial health and strategic direction of clubs. Their presence in the boardroom can significantly influence decision-making processes, provide essential financial knowledge and context while mitigating financial risks. CFOs can be additive in the boardroom in the following ways:

1)       Strategic Financial Leadership

CFOs give the board a clear picture of the club’s finances as they interpret financial data, identify trends and provide insights that are critical for strategic planning and decision-making. CFOs can steer conversations about long-term financial plans, making sure the board’s strategies and decisions line up with the club’s goals.  They can present forecasts, investment strategies and capital allocation plans that support the club’s growth.

2)       Risk Management

With their expertise in managing financial risks, CFOs can identify potential issues early and offer ways to mitigate them. This includes things like market changes, credit risks and operational challenges which ensures the board is well-prepared to handle uncertainties. CFOs make certain the club follows regulatory requirements and meets financial standards. Their understanding of compliance can steer the board from legal trouble and uphold the club’s reputation.

3)       Enhancing Financial Transparency

CFOs enhance the board’s understanding of the club’s financial health by providing clear and concise reports. This transparency helps board members make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date financial information. CFOs can facilitate discussions about financial performance and challenges. By creating an environment of transparency and trust, they can encourage constructive debates and collaborative problem-solving.

4)       Supporting Business Strategy

CFOs make sure financial goals are aligned with the club’s strategic objectives. They help the board see how financial strategies support growth, innovation and improve competitive positioning.

CFOs can also offer great insights on potential investments, mergers, and acquisitions, helping the board assess opportunities and make smart investment decisions that produce long-term value.

While CFO’s can certainly provide valuable insights in the boardroom, they must do so in a way that is beneficial and productive, not overly detailed or convoluted. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts for CFO’s in the boardroom:

Do’s

1. Communicate Clearly: Use straightforward language and avoid financial jargon to ensure all board members, regardless of their financial expertise, understand your points.

2. Be Transparent: Provide honest and transparent assessments of the club’s financial health, including potential risks and challenges.

3. Prepare Thoroughly: Come to board meetings well-prepared with accurate data, reports, and analyses to support recommendations.

4. Stay Strategic: Focus on strategic issues rather than getting bogged down in minutiae. Keep the big picture in mind.

5. Engage Actively: Participate actively in discussions, offering insights and perspectives that add value to the conversation.

Don’ts

1. Avoid Overcomplicating: Don’t overcomplicate your presentations with unnecessary details. Keep it relevant and to the point.

2. Don’t Be Reactive: Avoid being solely reactive to problems. Be proactive in identifying issues and proposing solutions.

3. Don’t Dominate Discussions: Ensure contributions are meaningful but don’t dominate the conversation. Allow space for other board members to share their views as well.

4. Avoid Bias: Present information objectively without letting personal biases influence your analysis and recommendations.

5. Don’t Neglect Soft Skills: While financial acumen is crucial, so are interpersonal skills. Build strong relationships with board members to facilitate better collaboration and decision-making.

CFOs have a unique and crucial role in the boardroom. They can provide invaluable financial expertise and club knowledge that supports decision-making and eliminate risk while promoting club growth. By following best practices and recommended behaviors, CFOs can boost board effectiveness and be a significant factor in elevating the board’s performance.

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE is the leading executive search and consulting firm in the private club industry.