What challenge does the CFO primarily focus on?

The significance of balancing growth and profitability lies at the heart of a CFO's responsibilities. A Chief Financial Officer is tasked with ensuring that the organization not only grows in revenue but does so in a manner that is sustainable and profitable. This dual focus is essential because while pursuing growth, a company must also manage costs and ensure that its financial health isn’t compromised.

The challenge of balancing growth and profitability involves analyzing financial statements, understanding market trends, and making strategic decisions that align with the overall business goals. By maintaining this balance, a CFO can guide the company towards long-term success rather than short-lived financial gains that could lead to instability. This balance informs various strategic decisions, from pricing and product development to investment in new technology or market expansions.

In relation to the other options, increasing operational speed is more aligned with operational management, enhancing leadership skills pertains to personal development and organizational culture, and managing supply chain risks is typically within the domain of supply chain management rather than a primary focus of the CFO role. Each of these areas, while important, does not capture the overarching financial strategic challenge that a CFO must navigate in the context of sustaining both growth and profitability.