Executive Assistant vs Chief of Staff at HoldCo vs Financial Director/CFO

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Strategic and operational advisor, focusing on portfolio management

Financial Director/CFO: Manages financial health, including strategies and operations

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Reports to HoldCo executive, possibly CEO or board

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Scope of Responsibilities:

Executive Assistant: Focused on day-to-day tasks and administrative duties

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Overseeing operations and strategy across the portfolio of companies

Financial Director/CFO: Responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Considerable, influencing decisions across the portfolio

Financial Director/CFO: Key decision-maker in financial matters

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in strategic planning for the holding company and its entities

Financial Director/CFO: Integral to financial aspect of strategic planning

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Coordinates across various management teams within the portfolio

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Involved in high-level meetings, providing insights and alignment

Financial Director/CFO: Attends executive meetings, particularly around financial planning

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Oversees projects that affect multiple companies within the portfolio

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Facilitates communication across the portfolio and with external stakeholders

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Chief of Staff at HoldCo: Develops expertise in portfolio management and strategic oversight

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills