Textbooks can teach you accounting.
But surviving (and thriving) as a CFO in India? That’s a different game altogether.
At CFO Emeritus, we’ve seen what separates a good finance leader from a great one.
Here are 14 real-world skills every serious CFO (or aspiring one) must master:
🔑 The CFO’s India Playbook
1️⃣ Cash flow > P&L
Liquidity drives survival more than paper profits.
2️⃣ GST refunds = lifeline
Quarterly liquidity often depends on chasing them relentlessly.
3️⃣ No surprises for promoters
Bad news early is always better than bad news late.
4️⃣ Banking is about relationships
Ratios matter, but trust gets you credit faster.
5️⃣ Check TDS before payments
A missed compliance here can spiral into penalties.
6️⃣ Working capital rules
In India, it matters more than net profit.
7️⃣ Deadlines aren’t soft
Statutory dates are flexible only in theory, never in practice.
8️⃣ FX hedging is survival
INR swings can wipe margins overnight.
9️⃣ Always keep a Plan B lender
Sanctions stall last minute — backup funding saves you.
🔟 Family-run businesses are unique
Boardroom decisions often happen outside the boardroom.
1️⃣1️⃣ ROC filings are critical
One wrong filing can derail fundraising.
1️⃣2️⃣ Negotiate vendor credit upfront
Terms are flexible only if you discuss before signing.
1️⃣3️⃣ SEBI doesn’t wait
Keep disclosures ready before they knock.
1️⃣4️⃣ The best CFOs wear many hats
Part lawyer. Part negotiator. Part crisis manager.
🎯 Final Thought
Being a CFO in India isn’t about memorizing standards.
It’s about anticipating risks, building relationships, and staying battle-ready.
At CFO Emeritus, this is the toolkit we bring to every founder and business we partner with.
📩 Want to strengthen your finance function with a strategic partner?
Email us at office@cfoemeritus.com or drop a DM.
