Achieving a balance between the demands of a Controller or CFO role and personal well-being is not just a personal ambition but a critical strategic necessity. High levels of stress and extended working hours—common attributes of these positions—can lead to burnout, impaired decision-making, and diminished leadership effectiveness.
A recent study reveals that job burnout has reached an all-time high of 66% in 2025, with concerns that return-to-office mandates may exacerbate employee stress, hence the necessity of work-life balance for CFOs and controllers.
Prioritizing work-life integration is essential for individual health and resilience, and maintaining optimal professional performance over the long term.
The High Stakes of Imbalance & Implications for CFOs in Modern Finance
CFOs are increasingly stepping into executive roles characterized by elevated stakes and greater external visibility compared to traditional financial management functions. This evolution in role dynamics has posed significant challenges in achieving work-life equilibrium, as CFOs are now making more public-facing decisions and operating with increased scrutiny within their organizations.
Alarmingly, 84% of CFOs have previously indicated they experienced chronic burnout in their positions, while 34% are considering leaving their jobs in 2025. This pervasive state of burnout not only undermines their health and wellness but also detrimentally affects the operational efficiency of their organizations.
Key stressors include the pressures of financial operations management, the urgency of meeting stringent deadlines, and the complexities associated with navigating multifaceted regulatory environments. If these challenges are not addressed, most organizations experience losses due to staff turnover, hence the necessity of work-life balance for CFOs and controllers. Here are some strategies for achieving a sustainable work-life balance:
Define Balance on Your Terms
Work-life balance is inherently subjective and contextual. Take the time to articulate what balance means for you personally and professionally. This could manifest as an emphasis on family engagements, opportunities for travel, or the pursuit of enriching personal interests. Understanding your definitions and priorities is crucial for implementation.
Organize Your Day for Maximum Productivity
Developing a well-structured daily schedule is essential for optimizing efficiency. Utilize time management techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to allocate adequate focus to professional obligations and personal responsibilities. This deliberate organization ensures that neither sphere is neglected, promoting a wholesome integration of work and life.
Delegate with Purpose and Clarity
Identify tasks that can be assigned without compromising quality and make informed decisions about who on your team is best equipped to handle them. Empowering your team through effective delegation alleviates individual workload while creating an environment conducive to team development and resilience, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.
Leverage Technological Advancements
Implementing software solutions that can streamline routine tasks, such as AP/AR, financial reporting, reconciliations, or budgeting and forecasting, significantly reduces time wastage. This strategic time allocation allows enough focus on higher-level, strategic initiatives and personal pursuits that contribute to your well-being.
Prioritize Self-Care as a Strategic Imperative
The importance of self-care cannot be overstated in high-pressure environments. Establish a regimen of regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These elements are essential for maintaining physical health and for sustaining mental acuity and emotional resilience, which ultimately contribute to enhanced performance in your professional life.
Cultivate Robust Support Networks
Surrounding yourself with a network of trusted advisors, mentors, and peers is invaluable. Actively engage with individuals who comprehend the intricacies and pressures of your role. Their perspectives can offer critical insights and emotional support, enriching your decision-making process and reinforcing your resolve to a more intentional approach to achieving work-life balance, aligning your professional ambitions with personal fulfilment.
The Organizational Imperative
Organizations stand to gain significantly when their financial leaders have a sustainable work-life balance. Leaders who achieve this equilibrium tend to exhibit enhanced effectiveness, exhibit superior strategic decision-making capabilities, and contribute to a more positive organizational culture. It is imperative for companies to acknowledge the importance of this balance and to implement supportive measures, such as flexible work arrangements and comprehensive wellness programs.
The necessity of work-life balance for CFOs and controllers transcends personal fulfilment; it is integral to professional excellence. By integrating these strategies into their routines, financial leaders can protect their well-being while simultaneously steering their organizations toward sustained success.
