INTHEBLACK April 2025 - Magazine - Page 49
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CFO INSIGHTS: KEY TRENDS
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FINANCE
The Hays CFO Viewpoint report provides in-depth insights into
the evolving landscape of finance leadership, offering valuable
perspectives from senior finance leaders across key industries
in Australia and New Zealand. Caroline Edwards, Hays business
director, senior finance recruitment New South Wales, shares key
takeaways from the report.
CFO ROLE EVOLUTION
SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG
“The report explores the evolving role
of the CFO into a more strategic, what
we’ve phrased ‘Chief Value Officer’ role,
which is a phrase we’re seeing more and
more. This emphasises the shift from
traditional finance management to driving
broader organisational value. I think that this
is particularly significant as CFOs navigate
challenges like cyber risk, inflation and data
management, while embracing transformative
opportunities through AI and sustainability
as well.
“These findings are critical as they highlight
how CFOs must adapt to remain competitive
and resilient in today’s volatile landscape.”
“[Sustainability and ESG is] now a financial
imperative, and regulatory requirements like
mandatory climate reporting in Australia
starting this year are driving CFOs to embed
ESG into their strategies. CFOs are tasked
with aligning financial performance with
sustainability goals, creating robust
frameworks for climate risk management
and communicating ESG impact to
stakeholders. Many finance leaders see ESG as
a driver of long-term value and a critical factor
in raising capital and investor engagement.”
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR CFOS
“[Some strategic priorities for CFOs are]
enhancing the quality and governance of
organisational data to support innovation
and informed decision-making. This obviously
has a huge impact on how a business
might use AI in finance as well. Also cost
management — mitigating those inflationary
pressures through technological efficiency
and process improvements so finance teams
can focus on cross-functional collaboration,
investing in training programs and leveraging
digital tools to streamline operations.”
CAROLINE EDWARDS,
HAYS
PREPARED FOR SUCCESS
“The three core areas that we found from
the report were firstly upskilling and leadership
development. 82 per cent of the CFOs that
we spoke to are pursuing formal learning
to adapt to their expanded roles.
“[Second was] leveraging AI and digital tools to
enhance efficiency and decision-making — both
for themselves and for their teams as well. Many
CFOs that I spoke to are conscious to improve the
skills that their team has around technology.
“Then the third — and very important when
you’re in a role like [CFO] — is succession
planning. So ensuring that there are robust
frameworks in place to develop future leaders
within finance teams.”
LISTEN
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