A successful Chief Financial Officer (CFO) should possess a blend of hard skills related to finance and management, as well as soft skills like leadership and communication.

Here are some of the most critical skills for a CFO:

1. Financial Expertise: It goes without saying that a CFO must have a deep understanding of finance, accounting, budgeting, and financial law related to their industry. This knowledge forms the basis of their ability to manage a company's finances and advise on financial decisions.
2. Strategic Thinking: The role of the CFO extends beyond financial management to include strategic planning. They need to understand how different elements of the business interact, anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, and help guide the company's strategy to maximize profitability and growth.
3. Data Analysis: In today's data-driven world, a CFO should be proficient in interpreting complex financial data and using it to inform strategic decisions. This includes understanding financial modeling, forecasting, and various data analysis tools.
4. Leadership: As a top executive, a CFO must be able to lead a team, manage a wide range of personalities, and inspire others to follow their vision. They need to be able to make tough decisions, often under pressure, and to take responsibility for these decisions.
5. Communication: CFOs must be able to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial information to other executives, board members, employees, and external stakeholders like investors. This involves translating complicated financial concepts into language that non-financial stakeholders can understand.
6. Risk Management: A significant part of a CFO's job is identifying and managing financial risk. They must understand the potential risks facing the organization, how these risks could impact the company's financial status, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
7. Ethical Responsibility: A CFO must have a strong sense of ethics and ensure the organization maintains financial compliance and transparency. They are responsible for upholding the financial integrity of the company and ensuring that all financial reporting is accurate and complies with laws and regulations.
8. Technological Savviness: With the rise of fintech and digital transformations in business processes, a successful CFO must be technologically adept and open to leveraging new technologies for financial functions.

Each of these skills is important because they allow the CFO to effectively manage the company's financial health, make informed strategic decisions, lead their team, and maintain the company's financial integrity and accountability.