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From Public Accounting to CFO: The Leadership Wake-Up Call

The article explores the transition from being an audit partner to becoming a CFO, focusing on leadership in growth and people rather than just numbers. Melinda Lawrence shares insights on stepping out of the technical comfort zone at the CFO level. The discussion illustrates how audit expertise serves as a foundation but is not sufficient for a CFO role.

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By Troy Ashby · Ai in FinanceCfo LeadershipCorporate FinanceExecutive Leadership
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Key takeaways

01

The CFO role involves leading people and growth.

02

Audit expertise is just the starting point for a CFO.

03

CFOs must step out of their technical comfort zones.

On this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Troy Ashby talks with a leader shaping accounting and finance. Watch the full conversation above.

What really happens when an audit partner becomes a CFO? Melinda Lawrence unpacks the leap from public accounting to leading growth, people, and transformation.

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About the author

Troy Ashby
Troy AshbyPresident, Benchmark Search, Benchmark Search

Troy Ashby is President at Benchmark Search and host of Beyond the Ledger, where he talks with the leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping accounting and finance.

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About the Experts

Troy Ashby
Troy Ashby

President at Benchmark Search

Benchmark Search

Troy Ashby is President at Benchmark Search and host of Beyond the Ledger, where he talks with the leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping accounting and finance.

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Melinda Lawrence

CFO

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Melinda Lawrence discusses the transition from an audit partner role to that of a CFO, and the importance of leading growth and people.

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