Saturday, November 11, 2006

The CFO takes on a more complex task


Custodian of stability and partner in strategy

CFOs face higher expectations and a mandate to restore trust. At the same time, they are being asked to support business strategy more actively through such techniques as scenario and risk modeling. As a result, CFOs are in a brighter spotlight and on a faster path up or down the career ladder.

How are CFOs managing these new roles and expectations? To better answer that question, Mercer and Russell Reynolds Associates recently conducted more than 60 interviews with CFOs and stakeholders.

A variety of external pressures including new regulations have affected the CFO’s relationship with the board (where interactions have become more intense, with boards adamant about not being surprised) and auditors (who have grown more rigid about discrepancies and less willing to commit themselves on controversial issues).

See full Article.