Executive Assistant vs Financial Director/CFO vs Program Manager

Primary Role:

Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives

Financial Director/CFO: Manages financial health, including strategies and operations

Program Manager: Oversees specific programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals

Reporting Relationship:

Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support

Financial Director/CFO: Reports to CEO or executive board

Program Manager: Reports to a senior manager or director

Scope of Responsibilities:

Executive Assistant: Focused on day-to-day tasks and administrative duties

Financial Director/CFO: Responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting

Program Manager: Manages program objectives, resources, and timelines

Decision-Making Authority:

Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions

Financial Director/CFO: Key decision-maker in financial matters

Program Manager: Decision-making within the scope of program management

Strategic Planning:

Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity

Financial Director/CFO: Integral to financial aspect of strategic planning

Program Manager: Participates in strategic planning of program objectives

Team Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff

Financial Director/CFO: Oversees the financial team or department

Program Manager: Manages program teams and coordinates with other departments

Meeting Involvement:

Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes

Financial Director/CFO: Attends executive meetings, particularly around financial planning

Program Manager: Leads program-related meetings and updates

Project Management:

Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role

Financial Director/CFO: Involved in financial projects and initiatives

Program Manager: Responsible for end-to-end program management

Communication:

Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication

Financial Director/CFO: Communicates financial information to stakeholders

Program Manager: Communicates program goals and updates to stakeholders

Professional Development:

Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills

Financial Director/CFO: Develops financial management and strategic skills

Program Manager: Develops in program management and strategic coordination