As CFOs continue to navigate the complex balance between cost control, growth, and risk management, the insights from the US Bank report emphasize that their roles are evolving beyond traditional finance functions. By adopting lean practices, optimizing pricing strategies, and enhancing supply chain efficiency, finance leaders can significantly impact their organizations’ growth trajectories.
Part II deals with how these new and growing responsibilities will be successfully accomplished by finance leaders – through the acceleration of digital transformation.
Today data is no longer used for just operations and compliance; it is the driving force behind company’s strategy and performance. To leverage data for improved business performance, employees must think like a “Data Person” - a Data Scientist or a Decision scientist. But who exactly is a Data Person and how can one become a Data Person? A Data Person is someone who thinks critically, interprets data, and applies insights to drive decisions and results—whether in business, research, or everyday problem-solving. They don’t just collect or analyze data; they ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, transform data into actionable insights, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement and improve business performance. In this regard, here is my 10-step process on how to become a “Data Person”.
As we enter our fourth year of running this poll, the gap between the pillars continues to widen. For the fourth consecutive year, we surveyed the global finance community to uncover whether there have been shifts in the importance of each Pillar of CFO Success. The results tell a compelling story.
The career track of CFOs often takes them through the roles of accountant and analyst; then to controller, finance manager or treasurer. They earn well-deserved reputations for being diligent expense watchdogs, budget analyzers and cash managers; but it is a significant transition moving from controller, FP&A director or treasurer to the CFO role. This is especially true today, when nearly all CFOs are expected to play a large strategic role at their company.
