What is the primary role of a CFO?

The primary role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is to oversee financial operations and manage financial risks within an organization. This includes responsibilities such as financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring the effective management of the company's financial resources. The CFO helps develop financial strategies that align with the company’s overall goals, overseeing financial planning and analysis to ensure that the organization remains financially healthy and compliant with regulations.

In addition to financial oversight, the CFO plays a critical role in managing financial risks, analyzing market trends, and ensuring that financial practices are sound and sustainable. This expertise is essential for making informed decisions that affect the company's profitability and long-term success.

Other roles mentioned, such as overseeing marketing strategies, managing human resources, or setting production quality standards, fall under different functions within the organization and are handled by respective departments or executives, not by the CFO. This delineation makes it clear why the focus of a CFO's role is primarily on financial operations and risk management.