CFOs, what's on your agenda?

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “How can I establish credibility with the expansion of my role into non-traditional finance responsibilities such as HR strategy, sustainability, and data quality?”
• “What strategies can I adopt to attract and retain top talent with non-conventional finance skills, such as ESG strategy and automation expertise, in the evolving finance function?”
• “In what ways will the CFO's role be influenced by the increasing importance of technology and digital transformation, and how can CFOs ensure they have the necessary understanding to steer the direction of technological initiatives?”
• “What steps can current and aspiring CFOs take to develop their leadership and executive presence, and how will these skills be crucial for driving strategic growth and navigating emerging risks in the future?”

Explore more insights on this topic:

• The CFO of the future: what will the role require by 2030? Simon Davidson explores what will stay the same, what could change, and how to prepare.
• We were joined by three experienced finance leaders for a panel discussion on how their role is evolving. Catch up on demand.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “Where do I start when taking that first step with automation?”
• “What are the practical and pragmatic applications of using digital and automation within finance? Can it really add value?”
• “What are some best practices for implementing digital and automation technologies in our business, and how can we ensure successful adoption and integration with existing systems and processes?"
• “How can we identify cost-effective solutions for replacing legacy systems and implementing new technologies, while also ensuring long-term business growth and success?"
• “What is the best application of digital tools – to automate operational finance or to identify cost saving opportunities and create value for the business?”

Explore more insights on this topic:

• Join our virtual event at midday on 24 September on how CFOs can bridge the gap between tech and finance.
• Uncover five steps you can take to enhance the forecasting process and facilitate informed decision making in your finance function.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• How can we gain a clearer understanding of the potential risks involved in deploying AI tools, and how can we develop a robust risk management framework to address these?
• AI solutions are more advanced, but they entail higher costs. How can I assess their value to ensure they are worth the investment?
• What steps should we take to stay informed about evolving regulations around AI and maintain compliance in a rapidly changing landscape? 

Explore more insights on this topic:

What are the key trends in technology risks in 2024, and how can businesses respond? Gain an overview here

Alex Hunt and Nikhil Asthana set out the challenges of AI adoption and share practical steps your business can take now to overcome them. 
 

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “While we acknowledge the challenge of attracting and retaining the right talent, we struggle with the strategic thinking and planning required to identify necessary skills and address gaps and facilitate 'squiggly careers'. How can we improve in this area?”
• “As we navigate a transaction, we are concerned that we may not be fully utilising the potential of our people. How can we ensure that we are optimising their value during this time?”
• “Finance business partnering is a priority for us. However, we can’t always free resource from Operational Delivery and Business Protection sub teams because of the different skillsets needed. How can we help the business make good decisions and prompt action?”
• “What strategies can we implement to reduce unwanted attrition, maximise agility and resilience in our people, and have access to a broad range of skills across the organisation to grow and nurture talent?”

Explore more insights on this topic:

• 77% of mid-market business leaders believe a lack of necessary skills is impacting their productivity. Find out why and what the potential solutions are.
• Effective finance business partnering demands a distinct skillset not taught for accountancy exams. Find out how our three-day Finance Business Partnering: development programme can help.
• Strategic workforce planning is a vital part of broader business planning. Katie Nightingale shares seven practical steps to get started.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• "With the change in government and the tax policies set out in Labour’s manifesto, we need to understand the impact both for our business and our shareholders. What can we do to navigate these potential changes?"
• “A new residence-based regime is set to replace the current 'non-dom' rules. This could have an impact on short-term tax reliefs for employees working in the UK. What actions can be taken to consider the impact on affected employees, mobility spend, and the potential opportunities to adapt the firm's mobility offering?”
• “With the implementation of a merged R&D scheme for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024, we have been getting to grips with the new regime and ensuring we are ready for it. Are there any further changes anticipated under the new Labour government?"
• “With a change in government, what does the future of the capital allowances regime look like?"

Explore more insights on this topic:

• Watch on demand: How will the General Election shape the tax landscape? We cover what's next for the R&D regime, capital allowance impacts and more.
• HM Treasury published draft legislation and its technical note on the VAT treatment of school fees and business rates for private schools in the UK in July. Read an analysis of the changes.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “What alternative sources of financing are available to businesses that are no longer able to secure borrowing agreements or financing through traditional high street banks?”
• “Tight liquidity in the current economic climate is impacting our business. We have customers who are struggling to make payment on time. What steps can we take to protect our business and minimise the impact?”
• “As a company, we have set a goal to control costs and reduce them by a minimum of 20% over the next six months in order to manage cash flow challenges effectively. To achieve this, we plan to focus on reducing discretionary spending, renegotiating contracts with suppliers, and finding ways to cut overhead costs”
• “How might access to capital be influenced by our environmental performance and commitment to net zero projects, and what steps can we take to ensure sufficient funding for sustainable initiatives?” 

Explore more insights on this topic:

• We surveyed nearly 50 UK-based lenders to understand their views on ESG and sustainable finance. Uncover the key findings. 
• Listen to our 'Behind the transaction' podcast for a review of H1 2024 from a debt market perspective and views on the outlook for borrowers in H2.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “The current inflation and supply chain disruption have led to significant pressures on our cost base. To reduce costs sustainably, we need to take steps to eliminate non-value-add spending, optimise value-add spending, and create a leaner cost structure that reflects projected affordability. This will require a careful analysis of our spending patterns, as well as a willingness to make tough decisions about where to allocate resources.”
• “How can we leverage policies that promote sustained growth and prosperity that support stability and resilience on a global scale, without having a massive impact on cost?”
• “How can the result of the election impact the economy, and what steps can businesses take to prepare for potential changes in government policies?”
• “What steps can businesses take to prepare for potential changes in economic conditions, particularly with regard to failing inflation and input costs?”
• “Interest rates have fallen for the first time post-COVID-19. What steps should we be taking to prepare for potential changes in funding costs?  
• “How does the current economic climate impact a business's ability to plan and make sound investment decisions, and what strategies can businesses employ to mitigate associated risks?”

Explore more insights on this topic:

• Every two months, we survey 600 mid-sized business leaders to understand their expectations and priorities for the future. Uncover their views from the latest round.
• Following the UK general election, Head of Economic Consulting Schellion Horn outlines five actions the Labour Government could take to help businesses.

Key questions on CFOs' minds:

• “What steps can our business take to ensure compliance with the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)? What are the potential transaction risks associated with non-compliance, and how can they be mitigated?”
• “How might the implementation of the FSR impact our business operations, particularly if we have complex delivery structures and supply chains with a significant European nexus?”
• “What approaches can be used to determine whether a subsidy received from a public authority is CMO compliant?”
• “How can our business be confident that a subsidy received is consistent with the seven subsidy control principles and mitigate the risk that a public authority must take back its subsidy?”
• “With new reporting rules for transfer pricing policies and documentation emerging with increasing regularity, we must ensure that we are well positioned to adapt to changes in the regulatory landscape.”

Explore more insights on this topic:

• The Foreign Subsidies Regulation: gain insight on this new area of competition law and how it could impact your business.
• Our tax team use HMRC’s annual statistics to explain how they’re approaching transfer pricing and diverted profits tax (DPT) cases – and how businesses can proactively manage their own challenges in 2024.