• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Leader

Chief executive officer


What is a chief executive officer and what do they do?

A CEO is the highest-ranking individual within an organisation, and has responsibility for the results, performance and success of the company. They will determine the vision and direction of the business, as well as developing and implementing long-term strategies with the aim of increasing shareholder value.

The CEO is the top operational decision-maker and will oversee all departments within the organisation, ensuring that each of these business areas is operating efficiently and effectively, and that targets are being met. The role provides inspirational leadership to the executive team and to the wider business, and sets the overall company culture.

The CEO reports is accountable to the board of directors. Occasionally the postholder may sometimes also be the chair, (although generally accepted principles of corporate governance would recommend that this is not the case). The roles and responsibilities of a CEO will vary depending on the company size and structure. In smaller companies, the CEO will have a wider remit and, as well as driving company strategy, they will be involved in more ‘hands-on’ activities, such as the hiring of staff. In larger companies, they will focus on high-level corporate strategy and policy, as well as liaising with shareholders.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
View all capabilities

Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

units 12

Online course

Business management insight 10 course pack

At every level, finance professionals need to have an understanding of how their business or organisation is run and managed, from the basics of understanding the organisation's structure, to being part of the team that implements strategy and change. This pack from BPP will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to understand your organisation’s structure, processes and strategy. Be proactive and involved in decision making, and develop the forward-thinking expertise needed to be an expert in your organisation. 

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of: 
 

  • implementing strategy and analysing its success
  • change management
  • operational processes and how to make them more efficient
  • managing yourself and stakeholders.
units 5.5

Online course

Drive your personal skills 5 course pack

This five-course pack from BPP will develop the personal skills you need to drive yourself forward in your professional development. Advance your own skills to confidently deal with change, be assertive and manage yourself and your team.

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of:
 

  • how to deal with change and improve business performance
  • managing yourself, individuals and teams
  • how to communicate difficult messages and feedback in the right way.
Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA Qualification prepare you for this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.

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Case study for this role

From AB magazine interview

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The view from Maryam Zafar ACCA

CEO of FTAC, Lahore, Pakistan
Read