Executive Assistant vs Director of Operations vs Financial Director/CFO

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Director of Operations: Oversees day-to-day operational activities within an organization

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

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Director of Operations: Typically reports to the COO or CEO

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

Director of Operations: Broad operational scope, including managing resources, processes, and budgets

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

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Director of Operations: Considerable operational decision-making authority

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Director of Operations: Participates in operational strategy and its execution

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

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Director of Operations: Oversees operational teams and departments

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Director of Operations: Leads operational meetings and strategy sessions

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

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Director of Operations: Responsible for operational project oversight

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Director of Operations: Oversees operational communication within the organization

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Director of Operations: Focuses on operational management and process improvement

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills