Why CFOs are hiring virtual assistants

Topics:
CFOs, virtual assistants, executive support
Posted by:
Richard Hollingsworth
on
March 22, 2022

The role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) varies from company to company, but its fundamental importance never wavers. In the modern world, a CFO is no longer just responsible for balancing the books and the ever-increasing facets to the role explains why so many are turning to executive virtual assistants.

Accounting

As the name suggests, controllership of a company’s finances is one of a CFO’s core responsibilities. From bookkeeping to budgeting, CFOs need to be constantly updated on company-wide financials. They have a duty to digest and evaluate this information, be it for either internal or external consumption.

In short, it’s a time-consuming and laborious mission, which has no margin for error. A financially-astute assistant, such as a Fyxer, can vastly reduce the burden by carrying out a range of tasks, such as analysing statements, inputting data and double-checking balance sheets. 

Communication

Whether working for a company of 20 or 20,000, CFOs are relied upon by all parts of a business to constantly assess and communicate key financial data. For smaller companies, this may be inter-departmental; for MNCs, this may be inter-continental. In any case, establishing effective lines of communication is crucial.

Fyxers are the perfect conduit. Not only do they provide gatekeeper services, ensuring that access to the CFO is controlled regarding to priorities, but they will build up relationships cross-company to ensure the smooth flow of information. This could be internal logistics, such as providing data to operational managers or performance updates to the CEO, as well as external, such as assuming responsibility for investor relations.

Compliance

From contracts to leases, tax to audit, insurance renewal to regulatory standards, compliance is a key plank for any CFO. A plank where the volume of work can swell at certain periods of the year. 

Not only will Fyxers keep on top of compliance needs throughout the year, reducing the chance of a bottleneck period, but as they work on an hourly basis their workload can fluctuate in tandem with their CFO. Whether it’s filling out and paying taxes or supporting an annual corporate insurance renewal process, Fyxers can cut a CFO’s compliance workload in two.

Strategy and growth

Nowadays, modern CFOs have an instrumental role in formulating strategy and growth plans. Responsible for assessing past, present and future finances, CFOs will look to create an economic model that best enables long-term growth.

Fyxers can be a crucial cog in this process. A trusted partner, they can help draft reports or act as a soundboard for ideas. In addition, by carrying out internal research, they can determine which parts of a business are the most efficient: policies can be then introduced to capitalise on this, whilst improving less-productive areas.

Administrative support

As with all executives, time can be a CFO’s nemesis. With pulls on their attention from internal and external sources, one of a Fyxer’s key roles is to free up the CFO’s time, by taking care of all non-critical tasks.

A Fyxer will be the CFO’s first point of administrative support, assuming control of scheduling, calendars, meetings, expenses and travel, as well as internal and external correspondence. They will manage and monitor the CFOs priorities, adapting as they change and constantly striving to increase their CFO’s productivity. 

Pressure cooker

Alongside the CEO, a CFO is under continuous pressure. Investor scrutiny and internal scrutiny. Employee expectations and shareholder expectations. Cutting costs and growing revenue. Having another set of eyes and ears helps make a CFO more efficient, so they can thrive in the areas they are needed most. 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

SUBSCRIBE NOW
MSF logo
secret escapes logo
Clearscore logo
La Fosse Associates logo

STEVE, Blenheim chalcot

“It feels as if I’m getting 15-20 hours of my personal time back, giving me back my sanity. Do I feel less stressed? Yes, one million percent.”

FAQs

HOW Long does it take to get started?

After an initial discovery call, we will put forward a proposal and ask for you to give us the go-ahead. Once the contract is signed we can deploy your bespoke team of Fyxers within 24-72 hours.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE MY TEAM OF FYXERS?

After our discovery call we create a team from our pool of talent that is matched to your particular needs. One advantage of working with FYXER is that you gain a team with multiple skill sets, experiences and capacities, working across different time zones.

What happens in my first few days working with FYXER?

In your kick-off call with your Account Director and lead Fyxer we will discuss current priorities and urgent tasks, also confirming the style of communication and working that best suits you. Once we are set up on your systems your Fyxers will start owning tasks on day 1.

Will I always work with the same person?

You will have a dedicated Fyxer who leads the day to day delivery of work for you, supported by a team of Fyxers, matched to your specific needs. Our account management team will be your main point of contact and trusted advisors at every stage of working with FYXER.

What happens when my Account Director or MY Fyxers are on holiday?

Because you will have a team supporting you, it means when your AD or any Fyxers are away, there is always someone that is familiar with your needs and the specific support you receive from FYXER. This ensures you receive a consistent level of service.

What does the day to day experience look like for me?

We create a communication and management structure tailored to what works best for you. You will have regular and open communication channels to confirm tasks and priorities with your Fyxers, this usually involves a combination of Slack, email and calls alongside more structured weekly stand ups. Each month you have a monthly meeting with your Account Director to cover strategic priorities, feedback and any new projects or areas you need help with. Once onboarding is complete, your Fyxers use your systems so will be executing tasks and owning workstreams in the background whilst you get on with the important stuff.

How does FYXER handle sensitive information?

Data security and confidentiality are of the utmost importance to us. We use secure, encrypted software which gives you the ability to share sensitive data, whether personal or business, safely and securely with FYXER. A fundamental pillar of your relationship with FYXER is having total trust that any confidential information you share with us will be treated as such.

Will I meet my Fyxers in person?

We do meet clients in person regularly, however we pride ourselves on our ability to work remotely and the majority of our relationship will be remote.

How do you deal with offline or IRL tasks?

We have working hubs in cities including New York, San Francisco, London, Manchester, Cape Town and Doha and local partners who can deliver in person tasks in other major cities across the world.

What if I need support outside the scope of your regular services?

Our support extends across executive, business and personal tasks. Read more on our services page. However, if you need help beyond our regular services you can discuss this with your Account Director and we will create a bespoke solution.