Finance

Dramatic industry shifts prompted by increased regulation, new calls for transparency, rapid advances in technology and uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions are increasing demands on finance teams. That means excelling as a financial officer today comes down to more than knowledge of just dollars and cents.

High-level financial officers need an impressive—and hard-to-find—skill set. Not only do they need strategic financial skills in capital planning, mergers and acquisitions, business planning, investor relations, tax and financial planning and analysis, but they also need business acumen. They must be capable of growing a business through disruption and managing through change. At the same time, they’re responsible for guaranteeing the integrity of the organisation’s financial condition and reported results. They have the ultimate responsibility for enhancing shareholder value by controlling risks and managing costs—and surviving scrutiny from regulators, the board of directors and shareholders.