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Become visionary. Become CFO 3.0

The finance function is evolving. Discover how trailblazing finance leaders are driving a digital-first agenda.
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Key report statistics

Nearly half of financial decision-makers are facing increased demand to provide overall business counsel
Around three quarters believe CFOs drive digital transformation in their business
Virtually all say financial management tools can benefit their business

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. 
  • However, 44% of financial decision-makers say that the availability of real-time data has transformed the role of the finance professional in the past five years. 

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. 
  • Nearly all (92%) financial decision-makers agree that improving productivity is one of the biggest benefits to automation. 

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.  
  • Nearly all (93%) financial decision-makers are happy for technology to carry the weight of daily accounting tasks.

Welcome to the era of CFO 3.0

Our report CFO 3.0: Digital transformation beyond financial management, based on a survey of 500 US 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.

IMA webinar CFO 3.0: Digital Transformation Beyond Financial Management

Join us as Timothy Harfield of Sage reveals how the role of the CFO has transformed and explores how emerging technologies are shaping the CFO of the future. Exclusive Sage research reveals that, in contrast to the CFO of yesterday who either functioned as a historian (CFO 1.0) or an analyst (CFO 2.0), CFO 3.0 is a new breed of trailblazing finance leader who uses data and emerging technology to create a vision for the future. Discover how to prepare as your role continues to evolve in response to constant change.

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