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CFO 4.0 - The Redefined CFO

Discover how today’s CFOs have diversified their responsibilities, embracing non-traditional skills, implementing emerging technologies and championing purpose-led initiatives.
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CFO 3.0 header: illustration of woman sitting and looking through telescope

Key report statistics

CFO 3.0 statistics: graphic showing an annulus with text: 70%
Over two-thirds of CFOs still make decisions based on gut feeling
CFO 3.0 statistics: graphic showing an annulus with text: 70%
70% of CFOs have full responsibility for digital transformation
CFO 3.0 statistics: graphic showing an annulus with text: 77%
77% of CFOs are unable to provide insights without financial management technology
CFO 1.0 - the historian: animated illustration with an abacus and caculator

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. 
  • 51% of finance leaders say thinking of new ways to help the business with financial matters is the most challenging aspect 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. 
  • 77% of finance leaders will be unable to provide insights if they don’t invest in financial management technology. 
CFO 2.0 - the real-time analyst: animated illustration of bar and segment charts with lightbulb
CFO 3.0 - The visionary: animation illustration of a tablet with pie charts and dashboard graphics with force layout diagram

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.  
  • 95% of finance leaders say their role has significantly changed over the last five years, with over two thirds of CFOs (70%) having full responsibility for digital transformation.

Take the CFO challenge

Do you have what it takes to be a future CFO? Take the CFO challenge to discover if you can truly call yourself a visionary.
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CFO 4.0 - The Redefined CFO

Today’s CFOs have diversified their responsibilities, embracing non-traditional skills, implementing emerging technologies and championing purpose-led initiatives. 

Download this research report to learn more about the non-traditional skills finance leaders are fostering that are enabling them to navigate contemporary complexities.
Download the guide

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