Regarding the finance departments of large healthcare organizations, which statement is correct?

• A. All statements are correct
• B. The department is headed by the Chief Financial Officer
• C. The CFO typically reports directly to the CEO
• D. The CFO is usually assisted by a comptroller and a treasurer

Answer: (A)

The finance function in large healthcare organizations is structured so one senior leader, the Chief Financial Officer, guides the entire department. The CFO serves as the top financial executive, overseeing planning, budgeting, reporting, revenue cycle, capital planning, and internal controls to keep the organization financially healthy. In these large systems, the CFO normally reports directly to the CEO, ensuring financial strategy stays aligned with overall mission and operations, with the board or audit committee providing governance oversight as appropriate. The CFO is typically assisted by specialized officers such as a comptroller (controller) who manages accounting operations, financial statements, and internal controls, and a treasurer who handles cash management, liquidity, debt, and banking relationships. This combination of leadership and supporting roles reflects common governance and separation of duties that support accurate reporting and strong financial stewardship. Because these elements commonly occur together in large healthcare finance departments, all statements describe a typical, correct arrangement.