Raw numbers are useful for compliance, but they don’t help you make smarter decisions. That’s where a CFO steps in. A good CFO doesn’t just hand you reports, they interpret the story behind them.

At RJD Advisory, we think the right financial insights clear up confusion. This clarity leads to confident action.

Here’s what you should expect your CFO to deliver.

1. Management Reports That Tell a Story

A standard profit and loss statement shows what happened. A CFO report explains why it happened.

A CFO should provide a monthly management report that:

• Summarises financial performance in plain language

• Highlights variances between budget and actuals

• Explains the key reasons behind those movements

• Recommends actions to improve results next month

The best reports don’t bury you in numbers, they give you focus. In 10 minutes, you should understand your performance and know exactly where to act.

2. Cash Flow Forecasts and Scenario Modelling

Cash flow surprises are stressful, avoidable, and often a sign of poor visibility.

Your CFO should maintain a rolling cash flow forecast. This usually covers the next 13 weeks and can extend up to 12 months. It should:

• Identify upcoming cash gaps or surpluses

• Test “what if” scenarios (e.g. slow debtor payments or sales drops)

• Model funding requirements before they become urgent

This forward view helps you make proactive decisions. You can adjust payment schedules, secure finance, or delay spending before cash runs low.

3. Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Dashboards

Your CFO should define and track the KPIs that actually drive value in your business.

These might include:

• Financial KPIs: gross margin, EBITDA %, debtor days, working capital, cash conversion cycle

• Operational KPIs: project profitability, utilisation rates, sales conversion, client retention

• Value KPIs: recurring revenue %, customer concentration, reliance on owner

Your CFO links operational and financial metrics. This shows how daily activities impact cash and profit.

Modern CFOs often use cloud dashboards (e.g. Fathom, Spotlight, Power BI) to make this visual and easy to digest.

4. Budgeting and Forecast Reports

Budgets aren’t just for corporates. A CFO uses them to align strategy and spending.

Expect quarterly or monthly budget vs actual reports showing:

• Variance analysis (where results differ from plan)

• Updated forecasts based on performance to date

• Revised projections for revenue, costs, and cash

This rolling approach keeps your business financially flexible. It makes sure decisions are based on data, not just hope.

5. Break-Even and Sensitivity Analysis

Every owner should know their break-even point. This is the minimum sales needed to cover costs.

Your CFO can work this out and show how small changes in price, volume, or cost impact profitability. This is called sensitivity analysis, and it’s invaluable for:

• Pricing reviews

• Growth planning

• Staffing and resourcing decisions

It turns uncertainty into measurable scenarios, helping you take calculated, not emotional, risks.

6. Profitability by Segment, Product, or Client

Not all revenue is good revenue. Some customers or products generate profit; others drain resources without contributing.

Your CFO should produce profitability analysis showing:

• Gross margin by product, service, or division

• Profit per client or job

• Cost-to-serve comparisons

This insight lets you focus on what matters most. Cut unprofitable lines and invest more in what works.

7. Strategic Insights, Not Just Spreadsheets

The difference between a bookkeeper and a CFO isn’t just in the reports. It’s in the discussion that comes after.

A good CFO will:

• Present data in business language, not accounting jargon

• Highlight risks and opportunities

• Link numbers back to your goals, growth, succession, or sale

• Challenge assumptions with evidence

Their role is to turn numbers into decisions. That’s where real value lies.

8. Regular Meetings and Accountability

CFO reporting shouldn’t be an email attachment you never open. It should be part of your monthly rhythm.

Look for structured meetings each month or quarter. We’ll discuss results, track progress, and agree on next steps. This consistent accountability ensures that plans turn into measurable outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• CFO reports go beyond compliance, they guide decision-making.

• Expect monthly management reports, rolling forecasts, KPI dashboards, and profitability analysis.

• Insights matter more than numbers; a good CFO explains why results occurred and what to do next.

• Regular review meetings keep financial strategy aligned with business goals.

Want Reporting That Actually Helps You Run the Business?

At RJD Advisory, our virtual CFO services provide business owners with clarity and insight. This helps them make confident decisions, beyond just looking at spreadsheets. We turn complex financial data into clear insights. These insights help you manage cash flow, boost performance, and increase value.

We support small and medium-sized businesses with:

• Strategic financial planning

• Budgeting and forecasting

• Cash flow management

• Exit planning and valuation

📞 Book a free consultation today to discuss the right CFO solution for your business.