Job managing finances of an SME

Hi corporate corral folks,

This is a bit of a weird question, but I hope you will be able to help me out.
Since university, I have always been interested in being the guy who manages the finances of a smaller company.
Not necessary the bookkeeper/accountant, but rather the guy who does things like:
- Help raise funds for the company (debt, whatever means). Liaising with various financial institutions for that.
- Potential M&A (though I dont expect this obviously in smaller firms).
- Deciding which project or piece of equipment to invest in based on analysis. Identifying for example what product line is making us lose money and which one is making us profit, etc.

I have looked at corporate finance...And believe me I've read tons of posts by Harvardgrad08 and other great posters. But I tend to get the feeling that corporate finance = Accounting, not actual FINANCIAL decision making.
For example controllership seems like bookkeeping/journal entries at the base of it.
FP&A sounds like bookkeeping and analysis...But mostly bookkeeping.
Treasury = sounds more financial, but again depending on positions not so interesting (forget prop trading and capital structure and other such things).

Its just the very NARROW scope you have in F500 that seems to disturb me.
And I dont say this arrogantly...I know the business world and how you have to prove yourself and after 30 years if you are very very hardworking you become CFO, but somehow it doesnt feel right to me.

So basically I thought about SMEs.
Is it unrealistic to somehow become CFO of an SME? Or at least work in finance department of a smaller company and advise CEO on various financial initiatives?

Is what Im talking about basically accounting or not realistic?
Would I have to basically be certified accountant to get such a job?
Rephrasing this: Are all finance department (whether F500 or SME) people qualified accountants and at heart accountants, or are there positions for financially inclined people (CFAs etc)? If yes what are they?

Additionally am I right in thinking that corporate finance at F500 is totally not strategic (not finance but accounting) and back office function staffed by accountants?
Is the treasury department of a F500 the real FINANCE department, if yes what is the best way to get in there as an entry level?

Believe me I have done tons of research on this site...I know the overview of F500 finance department (FP&A,controllership, etc) but I am still looking for some more answers, especially on the SME aspect.
I essentially am looking for a finance type role (not accounting) but am looking at non-financial services to do so. Using managerial finance concepts (NPV, etc) in my role to steer a company in the right direction financially.

Kind regards!