A successful CFO should possess a range of technical and soft skills, as well as certain inherent qualities:

1. Financial Acumen: A CFO should possess a deep understanding of financial management principles, accounting standards, financial modeling, taxation, and risk management. They should also have a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret complex financial data.
2. Strategic Thinking: CFOs need the ability to see the bigger picture and contribute to strategic planning. They should be able to identify potential business opportunities and threats, align financial strategy with business goals, and advise on strategic investment and growth strategies.
3. Leadership Skills: A CFO leads the financial department and plays a crucial role in leading the entire organization. They should possess strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate their team, delegate effectively, and make critical decisions.
4. Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are key, as CFOs need to communicate complex financial information clearly and succinctly to various stakeholders, including employees, management, board members, investors, and regulators.
5. Technological Savvy: With the growing importance of digital technologies in finance, a successful CFO needs to understand the latest technology trends and be able to leverage technology to enhance financial processes and decision-making.
6. Integrity: As they deal with sensitive financial information, CFOs must demonstrate a high level of integrity, honesty, and ethics. They should instill a culture of transparency and compliance within the organization.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: CFOs should have strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve financial and operational issues, as well as create strategic plans to prevent future issues.
8. Change Management: The ability to manage change effectively, be it regulatory, technological, or organizational, is vital. A successful CFO should be adaptive and resilient, leading their team through periods of change.
9. Risk Management: CFOs should have the ability to identify potential risks and establish effective risk management strategies to protect the organization's assets and ensure financial stability.
10. Negotiation Skills: A CFO often negotiates contracts, acquisitions, or financing arrangements. Hence, they should have strong negotiation skills, striking favorable deals while maintaining strong relationships with all parties involved.