Focus on becoming a DAF: skills, background and realities of the role
What does a CFO really do? Career path, skills, salary, business vision and role evolution in 2026.
Expert note: This article was written by our chartered accountancy firm. Information is current as of 2026. For a personalised review of your situation, contact us.
Focus on becoming DAF: skills, career path and realities of the role
Updated March 2026 - The DAF (administrative and financial director) is one of the most strategic profiles in a company. Performance driver, cash guarantor and partner of general management, his role continues to expand.
See also: Accounting consultant, Head of accounting mission and Digitalization of the finance function.
What is an administrative and financial director?
The DAF is responsible for all administrative and financial functions of a company. He supervises accounting, treasury, management control, reporting, banking relations and often human resources and legal matters in mid-sized structures.
In 2026, the position is evolving rapidly. The digitalization of tools, mandatory electronic invoicing, new ESG standards and the desire of managers to have real-time data are transforming the daily life of the CFO. He is no longer just a senior accountant: he is a true co-pilot of growth.
What does a CFO really do on a daily basis?
According to the job descriptions from APEC and France Travail, the main missions of the DAF cover several areas:
Financial and budgetary management
- Development and monitoring of annual budgets;
- Construction of cash flow and forecast plans;
- Analysis of gaps and implementation of corrective actions;
- Preparation of management dashboards.
Treasury and banking relationships
- Daily management of financial flows;
- Negotiation of credit lines and overdrafts;
- Monitoring of WCR (working capital requirements);
- Optimization of the investment of cash surpluses.
Internal control and compliance
- Implementation of accounting and financial procedures;
- Tax, social and regulatory monitoring;
- Coordination with the auditor;
- Preparation of audits and financing files.
Administrative supervision
In many SMEs and ETIs, the CFO also supervises HR, legal, IT functions and sometimes purchasing. This versatility is particularly appreciated in structures with 50 to 500 employees.
Hayot Expertise Advice: a good CFO does not just explain the past. It helps the company decide on the future: cash, margins, investments, financing, risks.
What are the decisive skills to become CFO?
The ideal profile combines solid technical know-how and marked human qualities.
Technical skills (hard skills)
- Mastery of financial analysis and reading of accounting statements;
- In-depth knowledge of company law, tax law and social law;
- Ability to build financial models and business plans;
- Familiarity with ERP and management tools (Sage, Cegid, Pennylane, Power BI, Tableau);
- Understanding of cyber security and data protection issues (GDPR).
Behavioral skills (soft skills)
- Ability to synthesize and popularize with non-financials;
- Rigor and sense of organization;
- Business vision and strategic mind;
- Leadership and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams;
- Change management, particularly in digitalization projects.
ONISEP also underlines that the CFO must know how to "translate financial issues into operational decisions". This ability to bridge the gap between finance and the field is what distinguishes a good CFO from an excellent CFO.
What courses and diplomas can you become a DAF?
There is no single path to the CFO position. The routes are varied, but certain profiles recur frequently.
The most popular training courses
- Business school diploma with finance specialization;
- Master's degree in corporate finance, management control or accounting;
- Accounting diploma (DEC) for profiles from the firm;
- MBA finance or executive MBA for profiles undergoing retraining or development.
Typical professional experiences
- External audit (Big Four or regional firms): 3 to 7 years before a company transition;
- Accounting expertise: excellent school of rigor and versatility, ideal for SMEs;
- Management control: analytical profile which naturally evolves towards global management;
- Corporate finance (investment banking, corporate finance): profile oriented to transactions and strategy;
- Accounting department: internal progression, often in structural groups.
On average, you need 8 to 15 years of experience before accessing a DAF position in an SME. In large groups, the journey is often longer and involves intermediate positions of accounting director or management control manager.
What is the salary of a DAF in France in 2026?
The remuneration of a DAF varies considerably depending on the size of the company, the sector of activity and the geographical location.
| Company size | Annual gross salary range |
|---|---|
| SME (10-50 employees) | 55,000 to 80,000 EUR |
| PME/ETI (50-250 employees) | 75,000 to 110,000 EUR |
| ETI (250-5,000 employees) | 100,000 to 180,000 EUR |
| Large companies | 150,000 to 300,000+ EUR |
| To these fixed salaries are frequently added variables (10 to 30% of the fixed salary), benefits in kind (vehicle) and, in certain structures, stock options or BSPCE. |
How will the role of the DAF evolve in 2026?
The DAF profession is undergoing a profound transformation. Several underlying trends are reshaping the perimeter of the position.
The DAF, pilot of data finance
**With the generalization of cloud tools, accounting automation and artificial intelligence, the CFO spends more and more time on strategic analysis and less on pure accounting production. Repetitive tasks (entry, reconciliations, lettering) are automated, freeing up time for management.
The conductor of digitalization
Mandatory electronic invoicing (deadline 2026-2027), the dematerialization of expense reports and the implementation of real-time dashboards place the DAF at the center of digital transformation projects. He must know how to choose the right tools, integrate them and train the teams.
The preferred contact for banks and investors
In a context of still high interest rates and tightening credit conditions, the DAF is on the front line to negotiate financing, convince investors and present solid applications. Its ability to communicate about the financial health of the company is decisive.
The partner of managers on performance and risks
The modern DAF anticipates instead of observing. He alerts on cash flow derivatives, proposes growth scenarios, assesses operational and tax risks, and actively participates in strategic decisions.
**To learn more about this development, see our article on Digitalization of the finance function.
Internal DAF or outsourced DAF: which solution for your company?
Not all companies have the means or the need for a full-time DAF. Using a DAF outsources is a solution that is increasingly popular with growing startups and SMEs.
When to recruit an internal DAF?
- Workforce greater than 100-150 employees;
- Turnover greater than 10-15 million euros;
- Need for daily and complex financial management;
- Fundraising, acquisition or sale projects.
When to opt for an outsourced DAF?
- Startup or SME with 10 to 100 employees;
- Need for occasional or partial expertise (2 to 5 days per month);
- Financial structuring project before recruitment;
- Willingness to benefit from an external and objective perspective.
Hayot Expertise Advice: many SMEs benefit from starting with an outsourced CFO to structure their finance function before taking the step of full-time recruitment.
CTA: **Structure a** DAF function adapted to your company size
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to become a CFO?+
There is no single compulsory diploma. The most common profiles are business school diplomas (financial specialization), masters in corporate finance or management control, and the accounting diploma (DEC). A finance MBA can also be an asset, particularly for career-developing profiles.
What is the average salary of a CFO in an SME?+
In SMEs (10 to 250 employees), the annual gross salary of a DAF is generally between 55,000 and 110,000 euros, depending on the size of the company, the sector and the geographic location. Variables and benefits in kind frequently supplement this remuneration.
What is the difference between a CFO and an accounting director?+
The Accounting Director is focused on accounting production, financial statements and compliance. The DAF has a broader scope: he supervises accounting but also treasury, management control, banking relations, and often administrative functions (HR, legal, IT). The DAF is a strategic partner of general management.
Can you become CFO without going through the audit or the firm?+
Yes. If auditing and accounting expertise are common paths, it is entirely possible to access the position of CFO from management control, corporate finance, or even through internal progression within a company. The main thing is to develop a global vision of business management and to know how to dialogue with all stakeholders.
What are the prospects for development of a DAF?+
An experienced CFO can progress to positions of deputy general manager, general manager, or join a board of directors. Some CFOs create their own consulting firms or turn to private equity. The versatility of the role opens many doors.
Article written by Samuel HAYOT
Chartered Accountant, registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Need a quote or personalised advice?
Our accountancy firm supports you through all your steps. Get a free quote to review your situation and receive a bespoke fee proposal, or contact us directly.