Career Insights with Ambition Episode 1 Herb To “I took the punt”
Episode Summary:
Welcome to Episode 1 of Career Insights with Ambition, the podcast where we delve into leaders' moments of truth that shape their careers. In this engaging episode, host Chris Crolla sits down with Herb To, the Chief Financial Officer of Atturra, a company with a turnover of $240 million. Herb shares his fascinating career journey, from his early days in Canada to his current role in Australia, highlighting the bold risks he took along the way. With a background that includes working for major Australian companies like Optus and Telstra, Herb offers a wealth of experience and insights for the CFO’s of tomorrow.
Career pride can take many forms, including taking risks in venture capital.
Experiencing the tech bubble burst taught Herb important lessons about resilience.
Success in accounting often comes from consistent hard work and dedication.
Building relationships is crucial for career opportunities and growth.
Patience and loyalty are key qualities in today's fast-paced job market.
Ownership of one's career path is essential for professional development.
Good mentorship can significantly impact career progression.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Herb To and His Career Journey
03:01 The Path to Accounting and Early Career Choices
05:58 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned
09:01 Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth
11:59 Advice for Aspiring CFOs and Career Development
Watch the full video of the podcast here:
Herb’s Moment of Truth:
Herb's Moment of Truth is a poignant reflection on his personal and professional journey. While he admits there was no one moment, instead his career has been 20+ years in the making, he candidly discusses the profound challenges he faced. Throughout his career, Herb has navigated a blend of challenges and rewards, underscoring the critical importance of resilience and the strength of professional relationships in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
Want to follow in Herb’s footsteps? Are you asking yourself how do I become a CFO/ Chief Financial Officer?
Herb’s Words of Wisdom:
Herb's Words of Wisdom offer invaluable guidance for aspiring CFOs. He emphasises the importance of taking ownership of your career, being patient, and recognising that career paths in the corporate world are often shaped by circumstances. Herb also highlights the critical role of building strong relationships and being adaptable to opportunities as they arise. His candid advice, "There's a lot of grinding involved," underscores the dedication and hard work required to succeed in the field.
An overview of life as a CFO:
What are a CFO’s responsibilities?
A CFO’s job description can be varied but essentially in Australia, a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is pivotal in maintaining the financial wellbeing and strategic direction of a company. The CFO oversees all financial operations, including planning, reporting, and analysis. The role of the CFO includes handling budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management to ensure the company stays financially sound. Additionally, the CFO provides strategic advice to the CEO and other executives, shaping the company's long-term financial strategy. They also play a crucial role in risk management, identifying potential financial risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Furthermore, the CFO ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information, working closely with finance and accounting teams to prepare precise financial reports. Overall, the CFO's responsibilities are essential for the organisation's success and growth.
If you’re aspiring to move to a CFO position contact one of our expert recruiters to find out more.
This article was written by Career Insights with Ambition's host Chris Crolla, Director of Ambition, Sydney. Chris started his recruitment career as a resourcer in internal audit back in 2011, and has worked his way up. Chris now leads the Sydney teams including accounting support, qualified finance, and technology & transformation. Chris provides unequivocal support, guidance, coaching, and direction. A keen sports fan, and proud husband and father, he’s passionate about building better futures for the leaders of tomorrow.
