​For many, the term "managing up" might evoke concerns about complex dynamics or the perception that your insights are misunderstood by the people whose support you need. 

However, your ability to communicate effectively with the CEO and the Board Directors isn't just a soft skill, but one of the biggest advantages to ensuring you're an indispensable strategic partner.

As workplaces rely more heavily on technology and AI software, just delivering the quarterly results won't be enough. Your ability to effectively communicate is a strategic necessity that will establish your relationship with the board and management team, as well as directly influence major decisions on investment, risk, and corporate direction.

Here’s a straightforward framework for effective collaboration between the board and yourself.

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Understanding the Business Strategy, Risk, and Growth

Before opening a report or spreadsheet and building your presentation, it's crucial to understand that CEOs and Directors don't just want to discuss the numbers. They also want to hear about the implications of those numbers.

Their focus areas are strategy, risk, and long-term value, so if you can use data to formulate a high-impact narrative that informs decision-making in these areas, then you're on your way to building a culture of trust and respect with your leadership team.

In an article by the Journal of Accountancy, it was found that while CFOs rated their ability to communicate 'with employees and stakeholders was 73; other executives gave finance leaders a rating of 59' out of 100. This perception gap is what could prevent finance professionals from maintaining effective and consistent communication with company leaders.

It demonstrates the need to shift from just reporting data to presenting real-time actionable insights.

For example:

• Reporting on data: "Our debt-to-equity ratio increased from 1.5 to 2.1 this quarter."

• Offering strategic insights based on data: "Our increased debt-to-equity ratio now places us at the upper limit of the risk tolerance set by the Board's Finance Committee. To mitigate exposure and maintain our strategic capability, we recommend initiating a targeted equity raise in Q3, focusing on securing capital at a maximum dilution rate of 5%."

It seems obvious, but it can be easily missed when the pressure is on to deliver impact. When you communicate well, you showcase your strategic foresight alongside your technical skill—and that's the foundation of true executive trust.

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5 Strategies for Building Strategic Communication Channels

Mastering high-level communication requires a disciplined and deliberate approach. Consider using these five strategies to ensure your message gets across with clarity and conviction:

1. Lead with the Critical Insight

You need to grab attention quickly, so try not to bury your most important point among all your data and insight. Start your presentation or report with the most critical insight, and the high-impact conclusion that matters most to the business.

By providing the key takeaway upfront and then providing the data and analysis to back it up, you respect their time and guarantee they absorb the core message before the discussion moves on.

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2. Translate Numbers into Business Outcomes

Finance professionals are fluent in terms such as EBITDA, COGS, and working capital days. But the CEO and non-executives want to understand the impact on market share and operational efficiency. You need to be the translator.

Instead of saying, "Our improved cost of goods sold resulted in a 15% increase in EBITDA," you could try this: "Our operational efficiency initiatives have directly boosted profitability by 15%, which frees up £X in capital for our planned market expansion." Always link the financial metric back to a real, tangible impact on the business strategy.

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3. Know Your Audience: Tailor Your Message Every Time

Trying to apply a one-size-fits-all approach is a common pitfall. Your CEO, the Audit Committee, and the full Board all have different priorities, varying levels of financial acumen, and unique communication styles. You need to match your communication style to the people you're talking to.

Here's a general example:

Understand what each individual cares about most and deliver the right level of detail required.

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4. Master the Art of Data-Driven Storytelling

You should use data to tell a compelling story that connects financial performance to the broader market context, the competitive landscape, and the company’s strategic goals.

For example, don't just show revenue growth. Tell the story of how that growth was achieved: the challenges the sales team overcame, the successful product launch, or the market opportunities that were capitalised on. Use professional, clear visuals to power this storytelling and make complex data instantly digestible.

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5. Anticipate, Pre-Read and Maintain Executive Composure

Showing preparedness is the quickest way to build confidence in your own leadership. Before any high-level meeting:

• Anticipate: Put yourself in their shoes. What's the hardest question they could ask about your results or recommendations, and how can you prepare concise, data-backed answers for it?

• Pre-Read: Distribute meeting materials in advance. This gives executives time to digest the information so the meeting itself can be a high-level discussion, not a drawn-out first-time review.

• Defend Factually: When your analysis is challenged, rely solely on your data and reasoning. Focus on facts over emotion to maintain credibility.

Conclusion

A finance leader’s role is no longer confined to keeping the books; you are a crucial player in the success of the organisation. Effective communication with your CEO and Board is a critical skill that can transform your function from a cost centre into a strategic, value-driving team

By shifting your focus from reporting details to presenting strategic insights, you can elevate your role from scorekeeper to indispensable strategic partner, setting yourself up for the next step in your career.

Ready to take on a role where your communication skills can make a profound impact?

Register your details with us here to discuss how top talent is using these essential leadership skills to advance their careers and influence decision-making.