Introduction #CFOReimagined Some of the most exciting work within companies is happening in the finance function. CFOs have long been responsible for The role of finance executives has “In virtually every company we look producing the numbers and managing greatly evolved in the last 60 years. at, the CFO is becoming the second technology investments. Yet today, From the 1950s to the 1980s, CFOs most important C-suite executive, they are increasingly harnessing the were essentially accountants. Then, sitting at the right hand of the CEO power of data to enhance their own from the 1990s to the 2010s, they and articulating a story about the departments. They are also looking ascended to the level of business financial results they expect to well beyond the borders of the finance partner. By 2020, CFOs will increasingly realize,” says David Axson, Senior function, proposing and shaping be the strategic enablers, going beyond Strategy Executive Principal, Accenture business models across the enterprise, a supportive role to a proactive one. CFO Strategies and CFO & Enterprise and, ideally, leading the charge in Value, UKI. “An effective leadership mapping out the investments required CFOs who have embraced the team depends on the CEO and to embrace digital and guide their opportunities that have come with CFO being a great double act.” organization into the next evolution. their unique bird’s-eye view of their They are creating new revenue streams organization are collaborating with Yet not all CFOs are filling the dynamic and managing down total costs. CEOs to drive strategy. The power roles available to them, and those and depth of insight that comes with who are face many challenges. data is not only expanding the role of Our study reveals how CFOs can the CFO—it is offering companies the leverage technologies, skills and chance to remake themselves and relationships to position themselves thrive in the new economy. and their companies for growth. 9 The CFO Reimagined: from driving value to building the digital enterprise