CFO Report Definition
A CFO report (also called a CFO package, financial report package, or executive financial report) is a periodic document prepared by the Chief Financial Officer or finance team that summarizes a company's financial position, performance, and strategic outlook.
Unlike basic financial statements, a CFO report interprets the numbers and provides actionable insights for executive decision-making.
Key Components of a CFO Report
- Executive Summary — One-page overview of financial health and key metrics
- Income Statement Analysis — Revenue, expenses, margins, and profitability trends
- Balance Sheet Summary — Assets, liabilities, equity position, and key ratios
- Cash Flow Analysis — Operating, investing, financing flows, and runway
- KPI Dashboard — Key performance indicators with targets and actuals
- Trend Analysis — 12-month trends and year-over-year comparisons
- Strategic Recommendations — Action items and priorities
Who Needs CFO Reports?
CFO reports serve multiple audiences:
- Business Owners — Understand financial health without being financial experts
- Executive Teams — Make informed strategic decisions
- Boards of Directors — Oversight and governance responsibilities
- Investors — Track performance of their investments
- Lenders — Monitor covenant compliance and loan health
How Often Are CFO Reports Prepared?
Frequency depends on business needs:
- Monthly — Most common for active management and advisory clients
- Quarterly — Typical for board reporting and investor updates
- Annual — Minimum for strategic planning and year-end review