Gaining experience in operations and working overseas are key elements in building a successful career as a finance director, and most of those in the role would make the same career choice if they were starting again, according to research by recruitment specialists Hays.

Based on research with over 800 UK FDs, its report The DNA of a Finance Director - the makings of a finance leader, found that two thirds (68%) gave 'get involved with operations not just the numbers' as their top tip for the next generation of FDs.

A third (32%) said that the operations function is the most important business discipline to partner with, and a similar proportion (37%) said they believe the role of the FD will have an increased focus on returns in IT and transformation projects over the next five years.

Working overseas was also viewed as beneficial for career development as the vast majority (98%) of those FDs who had done so said international experience helped them progress. Europe, North America and Africa topped the list of regions where UK FDs had worked. Over a quarter said a better work-life balance or family reasons would make them consider overseas opportunities, with three times as many men (35%) compared to women (11%) citing this as a reason they would consider working outside the UK.

Three quarters (74%) of those polled said if they had their time all over again they would still be a FD, and over half were planning further moves up the career ladder, with 29% looking for a role as a group CFO or FD in a larger organisation and 12% aiming to become a CEO.

Karen Young, director of Hays senior finance, said: 'UK FDs are ambitious and eager to climb the career ladder with the ultimate career goal of a bigger finance role in a larger organisation. How they reach this goal varies but it's clear that international experience can be of considerable benefit to career progression. Understanding different cultures, laws and accounting practices, particularly in emerging markets, can be invaluable.'