Executive Assistant vs Financial Director/CFO vs Consultant

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

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

Consultant: Provides expert advice and solutions in a specific domain

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Consultant: Typically reports to a project manager or client lead

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

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

Consultant: Focuses on analyzing, advising, and strategizing for clients

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

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

Consultant: High-level decision-making in their area of expertise

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

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

Consultant: Integral in developing strategies and solutions for clients

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Consultant: Often works independently or collaborates with client teams

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

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

Consultant: Participates in client meetings to provide insights and advice

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Consultant: May manage or oversee specific initiatives or projects for clients

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Consultant: Communicates effectively with clients and stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills

Consultant: Continuously develops expertise and knowledge in their field