Navigating Economic Headwinds: The Evolution of the CFO Role

In 2023, businesses found themselves grappling with economic headwinds that forced a strategic recalibration of key executive roles, particularly those of the CEO and CFO. The preceding years had witnessed a remarkable economic boom, characterized by robust growth and a tightening labor market, prompting companies to swiftly fill executive positions to sustain momentum. However, as the economic environment underwent a seismic shift in 2023, companies were compelled to adopt a more deliberate approach in managing their operations and staffing critical leadership positions.

Leveraging Data to Drive Transformation

At Summit, our commitment to innovation allows us to leverage our integrated data platform and AI capabilities to discern emerging trends so we can better assist clients in navigating these changes. Our research shows that a significant area of focus is the transformation of the CFO role, with companies now seeking more strategic-minded candidates to drive organizational growth and resilience. CFOs are no longer viewed merely as custodians of financial health but as strategic partners capable of driving value creation.

Our observations extended beyond role expectations to also include the sourcing of CFO candidates. We found that companies demonstrated a preference for candidates with heightened strategic thinking abilities, as evidenced by a 33% increase in ratings for candidates adept at setting strategic direction. This shift in perspective prompted companies to adopt a more thoughtful and discerning approach to CFO recruitment, prioritizing attributes such as:

• Strategic Acumen
• Leadership Agility
• Forward-Thinking Mindset

Addressing Skill Gaps for Effective Leadership

However, amidst this strategic reorientation, concerns arise regarding potential skill gaps, particularly in hands-on execution. While CFOs assessed in 2023 demonstrated commendable ratings in strategic thinking, they exhibited comparatively lower ratings in other leadership dimensions. This highlights the need for CFOs to balance strategic vision with operational proficiency to effectively navigate dynamic business environments.

The changing role of the CFO reflects the evolving nature of today’s business landscape. To succeed in this environment, CFOs must possess a diverse skill set that encompasses strategic thinking, data proficiency, risk management acumen, digital fluency, stakeholder engagement capabilities, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. By embracing these new skills and attributes, CFOs can effectively lead their organizations through periods of change in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Planning for Continued Success

Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the evolving landscape, leveraging our data and AI capabilities to anticipate and plan for future shifts. By doing so, we can proactively address any skill gaps and ensure our clients are equipped with executive leadership that can drive sustainable growth and value creation across diverse business landscapes.