Edit your writing 3 times

Most finance professionals write a report, read it through once, fix the typos, and hit send. That's not editing. That's proofreading.

For finance professionals aiming for CFO roles, clear writing signals clear thinking. And clear writing requires good editing.

Here's what real editing looks like:

• Pass 1: Structure. Read for logic and flow. Does your argument make sense? Are sections in the right order? Cut anything that doesn't support your main point.
• Pass 2: Clarity. Read for plain English. Replace jargon. Shorten sentences. Make sure a non-expert could follow your thinking.
• Pass 3: Polish. Fix any remaining typos, tighten word choices and check the formatting. This is the only pass most people do.

Why three passes of editing? Because you can't fix everything at once. Your brain needs different modes for different tasks.

Try this technique with your next board paper or budget report or long email. Three passes. You'll see the difference.