Evolution of the Finance Function

Evolution of the Finance Function

The role of the CFO is evolving rapidly, and finance is being called on to provide deeper visibility into the business and to strategically partner with the entire organization in providing more value.

CFOs spend too much time doing the tactical blocking and tackling of transaction processing. This affords them little time to understand how to make sense of the data coming from other silos in their business and leaves the majority of finance leaders to make important decisions based on “gut feel.”

One example of how finance leaders can go beyond the tactical to strategically partner with the business. Finance should provide high-quality customer service and must be constantly training and teaching the organization. CFOs can’t assume people in the business understand the role and responsibilities of finance, so it is imperative to lead the conversation and align everyone behind the CFO’s plan in order to achieve true company buy-in.

Having other business units involved in the plan through the use of shared data is important and keeps the CFO from being perceived as the “bad guy” handing out an arbitrary plan. They should use a process that gives people a common, simple platform that provides visibility into the data that enables internal customers of the finance organization to participate in, understand, and buy into the plans from the CFO.

The changing role of the CFO requires them to spend less time sorting through data and more time understanding what the numbers tell them about the past and the future. Moving forward, connecting plans across the organization will simplify the standard blocking and tackling in finance, allowing leaders to better partner and strategically plan with the organization.

Connected planning throughout the organization encourages finance leaders to become the central source of truth and data in the business. Going forward, the CFO role will no longer be about getting the books closed; rather, it will be about analysing all of the information coming from across the enterprise and charting a course for where the company can grow.

Do you need help with putting you on track to successfully achieve your company’s goals? Or your business is growing, and you know it’s time for professional financial assistance, but you can’t afford a full-time CFO. Let our part-time CFOs provide a cost-effective yet comprehensive solution. We work with your team to craft the ideal solution for your business.  Send us an email or sign up for our free business diagnostic review and we will get in touch with you.

 

This is article will be useful to you “Guiding principles for a successful business”

Like our content “Evolution of the Finance Function Finance Function”? Why not have it sent directly to your inbox? Leave a comment and subscribe to our articles on business tips and tactics that will help you grow and make quantum leaps in profits in your business here.

Related Articles

financial advisor This is a good discussion that could easily make it into a full article, however, for many companies especially SMEs this is

Bookkeeping In aligning business strategy with financial management, regular bookkeeping is the foundation for the entire process as informed decisions cannot be made without

Should I in-source or outsource my finance function A common question I’m asked is whether to outsource or directly employ a finance team. My

Contact Us

Address

17 Military street, Onikan, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Phone

+234 703 417 2590

Email

info[at]midridgeinternational.com

Subscribe Now For Exclusive Offers And Updates!

Subscribe to our newsletter for the most recent blog posts, promotions, and updates delivered right to your inbox.