Cyber security threats are constantly evolving. We’ll work with you to develop and test robust people, process and technology defences to protect your data and information assets.
Working with borrowers and private equity financial sponsors on raising and refinancing debt. We can help you find the right lender and type of debt products.
Regulatory change, pressure on cost management and growth, and increased investment in technology and data are dominating the financial services industry.
Media companies must stay agile to thrive in today’s highly competitive market – we’re here to support your ambitions.
Webinar
Webinar: The CFO of the future
17 Apr 20245 min read
Catch up on our latest CFO event, where we discussed how the Chief Financial Officer role could evolve over the next five years, and how you can set yourself and your finance team up for success.
Contents
What are we hearing from the CFOs we work with?
In our finance consulting team, Lucy Etherington helps CFOs and other finance leaders to clarify and set their vision for their own role and for their finance team within the wider organisation.
To open the event, Lucy shared how we're seeing the skills, attributes, remit and responsibilities of finance leaders evolve, the changes we expect to see over the next five years, and how you can prepare.
The video is playing.This video is playing in mini-player mode.
“You don’t need to be the expert in all things digital, but you do need to have an awareness of what could potentially be automated, the quality of data and the systems that that you're going to be relying upon, and what the appropriate solution for your business might be now, in two years’ time, and in the long term."
Navigating change
“Change is the new normal. Understanding the breadth of change and the cost of change - or the cost of not making a change - needs to be high up on finance leaders' agenda, but you also need to think about the impact of change on your people. As a finance leader, how are you bringing people with you on that journey?”
Factoring in ESG
“ESG is coming into the remit of a lot of finance leaders who we work with. As a CFO, you need understand what your business strategy is, and the ways in which ESG is likely to impact it. Will it create risks? For example, if a customer asked what your net zero policy is, would you be able to answer? There are a lot of areas within the ESG remit that need to be high up on a CFO's agenda."
Strengthening team management skills
“There are lots of different skills within finance teams now - you might have more data scientists, more coders and so on – which means that the team management skills CFOs need are shifting. You’re going to be a partner and a leader for many, and you will need to be able to adapt. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and have the right team around you to support you on the areas you’re not as confident influencing.”
Amplifying KPIs
“Finance is often seen as the function that manage and report on the KPIs - but it's a responsibility of the finance leader to be go beyond that to really amplify what those KPIs are around the business, make sure that they're understood, and that people understand their contribution to them.”
Catch up on the panel session
We were fortunate to be joined by three seasoned finance and business leaders for a discussion, hosted by Head of Finance Consulting Simon Davidson, around the future of the CFO role.
Topics of discussion include:
which aspects of the CFO role will stay constant and which will change
the evolving role of the CFO on the technology agenda
the key attributes and leadership styles Boards are looking for in their next CFO.
The video is playing.This video is playing in mini-player mode.
Christina Geary, Commercial Director, BJSS
Technology is unavoidably going to become an increasingly important part of finance leaders' roles. A lot of recent opportunities around technology involve using it to drive efficiencies as well as growth - and that clearly involves investment. As a CFO, you need to understand what exactly you're investing in, and what benefits you're going to get.
Barry Nightingale - former CFO of The Restaurant Group, Yearsley Group and Betfred
The CFO role won't go back to the pure technical finance director role it used to be. Fundamentally, you need to be able to engage effectively with the Board, with shareholders, with staff, with the whole business and with your external stakeholders.
Philip Wilbraham, Group Finance Director, Jardine Motors
Developing your leadership skills and executive presence is what will get you to the next level. If you go into all your interactions with a high level of curiosity and ask a lot of questions, people will be willing to open up, let you really see and understand the business, and help you to build strong relationships with the people around the decision-making table. It will unlock opportunities for you.
An Executive Finance Recruiter's view
Chris L'Amie has over twenty years of experience in supporting businesses with executive appointments, and currently leads Page Executive's CFO appointments across Northern England and Scotland.
Catch up on his presentation for insight on:
the key skills and attributes companies are looking for in the future CFO
how the pathway to landing your first CFO role has evolved
how to demonstrate strategic leadership behaviours throughout the application process.
The video is playing.This video is playing in mini-player mode.
“Most businesses now take financial acumen for granted - it can be measured and assessed with empirical data about business performance. But how does that leverage against somebody's entrepreneurialism and enabling businesses to evolve and grow? We're seeing much more of a narrative around how businesses interview for those skills across the spectrum, from FTSE 100 clients right through to very small businesses who are looking for the right-hand person to the MD.”
Chris L'Amie, Partner and CFO Practice Lead at Page Executive
FD Intelligence: hot topics, events, and insight for today's finance leader
Join our community of over 10,000 finance leaders to receive invites to future CPD events, as well as other insights and content to help you succeed in your role.
