search icon

Breakthrough finance

Tomorrow’s finance leader will be a visionary. 
Download the CFO 3.0 guide
CFO 3.0 header: illustration of woman sitting and looking through telescope

How CFO 3.0 is changing the game for the finance function

It's no longer enough to recognize the need for change. Today's finance leaders must drive change and transition from historian to visionary. This is what it means to become CFO 3.0.

Almost three-quarters of financial decision makers now have responsibility for driving digital transformation
CFO 3.0 statistics: graphic showing an annulus with text: 57%
More than half see digital-first skills as integral to the future of finance
CFO 3.0 statistics: graphic showing an annulus with text: 93%
Nearly all say that automation has positively improved productivity

CFO 1.0. The historian

You’re at the start of your digital journey, and looking backwards into the rear-view mirror.  

  • As a strong individual with high financial acumen, you’re a historian of past performance 
  • Your role reflects the traditional view of the finance professional as a historian of company financial data and past performance. 
  • Around three quarters (76%) of financial decision makers find thinking of new ways to help the business with financial matters as a challenging part of their job.

CFO 2.0. The real-time analyst

You have modern financial tools to automate your finance function. You’re able to help the business strategically. 

  • You use real-time data and dashboards to provide the support and analysis needed to help a business improve operational and management performance. 
  • You add the “why” to what happened, helping the organisation use data to gain strategic insights. 
  • Most financial decision makers (90%) have already begun automating processes to drive efficiencies.
""
""

CFO 3.0. The visionary

We’re entering a new era where artificial intelligence and machine learning brings us to a new phase of finance. 

  • You use data and emerging technology to create a vision of the future of the business, and may well be in the driving seat of transformation. 
  • Instead of simply using a rear-view mirror, you’re using data and predictive analytics to look ahead and plot a new direction.  
  • The vast majority of financial decision makers (91%) believe that AI will be a benefit to the workplace.

Welcome to the era of CFO 3.0

Our report CFO 3.0: Digital transformation beyond financial management, based on a survey of 500 Canadian senior in-house financial decision makers, provides unique insight into the evolution of the chief financial officer.  

Download this important research for original insight into the evolution of the CFO.

  • CFO 1.0: Why it’s up to finance to drive the digitalization of the finance function in a fast-changing world.
  • CFO 2.0: The evolution of finance, why you need to use automation tools for better productivity.
  • CFO 3.0: The path to ‘visionary.’ How artificial intelligence and machine learning allows you to predict the future.
Download the CFO 3.0 guide

Becoming CFO 3.0: Latest advice and insights

The Path to Cash Flow Positive: Strategies for SaaS Startups

The Path to Cash Flow Positive: Strategies for SaaS Startups

Here are the steps SaaS companies can take to become cash flow positive in a changing economic environment.

Read More
Read More
Infographic: the true impact of automation

Infographic: the true impact of automation

Key findings from the Close the Books 2023 survey.

Read More
Read More
What is inventory?

What is inventory?

Explore the essentials of inventory - its definition, valuation methods, types, tracking systems, and effective management strategies for businesses.

Read More
Read More
How automation revolutionizes finance and fuels career growth

How automation revolutionizes finance and fuels career growth

Explore how automation is revolutionizing the finance sector, streamlining operations, opening new career growth opportunities and improving work-life balance

Read More
Read More
What is inventory turnover?

What is inventory turnover?

Discover the power of the inventory turnover ratio—a crucial KPI for businesses. Learn its calculation, implications, and strategies to improve it.

Read More
Read More
A comprehensive guide to assets and asset management

A comprehensive guide to assets and asset management

Unlock the potential of assets and master the art of asset management with this comprehensive guide. Explore the definition and critical role of assets in business. 

Read More
Read More
What is markup percentage?

What is markup percentage?

Discover the ins and outs of markup percentage. Learn how to calculate it, understand its role in pricing strategies, and adapt to your industry.

Read More
Read More
What is deferral in accounting?

What is deferral in accounting?

Discover the world of deferrals in accounting. Learn about deferred revenue, payments, and how deferral differs from accrual in this comprehensive guide.

Read More
Read More

Give Feedback