Executive Assistant vs Communications Director vs Financial Director/CFO

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Communications Director: Oversees internal and external communication strategies

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

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Communications Director: Reports to CEO or executive leadership

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

Communications Director: Manages all aspects of communication, including media relations and corporate messaging

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

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Communications Director: Significant in communication-related decisions

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Communications Director: Involved in planning and executing communication strategies

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

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Communications Director: Leads the communications team

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Communications Director: Leads communication strategy meetings

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

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Communications Director: Manages communication-related projects

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Communications Director: Oversees all communication activities and strategies

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Communications Director: Grows in communication strategy and leadership

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills