The Chief Financial Officer

Jason Karaian is Senior Europe Correspondent at Quartz, where he writes about business, finance and economics. He previously covered the financial services industry for The Economist Intelligence Unit and served as deputy editor of the European edition of CFO magazine.

From back-office accountant to front-line executive, the rapid rise of the chief financial officer is unrivalled by any other corporate role. With access to every facet of the business, CFOs now wield a level of influence matched only by chief executives.

This book explains how CFOs earned their privileged position, and what the future may hold for them. It describes their ever-expanding role, and how they are transforming their departments to help them deal with it. With insights from current and former CFOs, it benefits from a first-hand perspective on finance leaders' aspirations and doubts. It is a useful reference for finance chiefs to learn from peers and benchmark their own performance; those looking to build a career in corporate finance; managers seeking to improve their relationship with the finance department; and service providers - banks, accountancies and consulting firms - and anyone who wants to get on the good side of the keeper of the corporate chequebook.

What is what with the power behind so many corporate thrones.

What is what with the power behind so many corporate thrones.