The days when the chief financial officer was mainly responsible for internal controls and compliance are long gone. While financial discipline remains critical, today’s CFOs play key roles in developing strategy, fostering innovation, and driving growth.

As the role expands, CFOs face challenges their predecessors never encountered: labor shortages, social and environmental concerns, increased regulation, and global competition, to name just a few.

CFOs are also more visible, both internally and externally, than they were in the past. The green visor and insular persona of the bean counter stereotype doesn’t apply today — if it ever did. To be effective, CFOs must be both personable and analytical. They need to be excellent communicators who exude credibility and are confident discussing any aspect of the business, not just the financials.

This business guide discusses habits that top CFOs cultivate to meet today’s high expectations and demands.