path to CFO / CSO ?

hey guys, Have any of you guys in corporate finance have any insights in how one can prepare for CFO roles, and how one might be able to navigate the path towards that role?

I was the deputy CFO of a public company before, but it was by virtue of the new CFO, who knew me, just wanting someone to be his bitch and update slides and numbers in the public presentation. I occasionally got to present to investors and analysts as well - but that was more rare.

In Asia, the role of CFO is essentially a glorified IR head. The FP&A functions are handled by the corporate controller - in a totally different team - that typically does not report to the CFO. Rather they work in separate silos.

My own experience is growth capital PE, some VC, and some real estate PE. I don't have deep accounting or FP&A chops.

If I was to try to get back to USA and start on the path towards a CFO goal, how might that be done? And barring CFO, would a CSO type of role be at all something I might target?

Thanks in advance.

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