Executive Assistant vs Project Manager vs Financial Director/CFO

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Project Manager: Leads and manages specific projects

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

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Project Manager: Reports to a project sponsor or senior manager

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Scope of Responsibilities:

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

Project Manager: Oversees project lifecycle from initiation to closure

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

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Project Manager: Decision-making within the scope of the project

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

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives

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

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Project Manager: Manages project teams

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication

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

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Project Manager: Communicates project updates and liaises with stakeholders

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills