Controller to CFO: How to make it Happen

I will confess up front that I used a "catchy title" for my post to generate some interest. I have been a financial professional for over eight years and I often hear people discuss the challenges in making the leap from the Controller, Director or Treasurer's office to the C-suite.  

Although, I have not made it there yet, as a former senior staff member at AFP I have talked to many that have made it and have discussed with them how they got there.

Almost ever single one pointed to a mentor that has been invaluable to his or her success. The least painful way to make the jump is to have a mentor within your employer who "pulls you up" or markets you initernally to pave your road to the C-Suite. Finding a job that offers a boss as a mentor who has an incentive to get you to the C-Suite is the best situation to get the keys to the party.

However, other strategies which may seem obvious are networking and adding value to colleagues within and throughout your organization. Those viewed as problem solvers or "rain makers" will have a leg up on the climb up the ladder. Involvement in professional associations and serving on Boards of Directors are also often good ways to make an  impression on those already in the C-suite at your organization.

I will leave the rest of the conversation for those of you who have made it to the C-Suite and are kind enough to help the rest of us get there.