Simon Niesler, Vice-President and General Manager, UK, Ireland and Benelux, Infor, looks at the Expanding Role of the CFO in an Era of Digital Transformation

The Chief Financial Officer is often and mistakenly stereotyped as a frugal bean counter, protecting the company’s wallet with an unwavering vow to be prepared for the proverbial rainy day. At least, that is the old-school notion.

The Evolving Role

However, the world in which we live is changing at an unprecedented rate, and in tandem, this stereotype is diminishing rapidly. The role of the CFO has evolved to become one which is focused on strategy, casting a protective eye over security, regulations, and compliance, all critical issues with high stakes attached. Now, as the digital evolution sweeps through manufacturing, the role of the CFO must evolve again.

It is new hat to wear for some CFOs, but one that is a good fit for individuals who understand the value of investing capital back into the facilities, expanding market presence, and growing through modernisation. Many CFOs certainly have the background, insight, and understanding of the market landscape needed to advise the company as it moves forward through new terrain. 

Grounded Without Putting on the Brakes

It makes sense that the CEO is often labelled as the visionary who imagines new revenue streams, products and innovative ways to serve the customer, and the CFO as the one who keeps the company grounded. However, the two do not need to be opposing forces. A CFO can embrace the vision of other C-level officers, or can get in the way. When optimistic, bullish investors clash head-on with the bears of the company who have their heart set on hibernating, often, no one wins. Stalemates and dissension cause inaction, until it is too late to seize opportunities that appeared in the narrowly open window. Indecision is another form of saying no.

CFOs must be on the same track as the other leaders of the organisation; willing to invest in ideas, even if the ideas are still in nebulous stages. Some of the old prerequisites for investing no longer apply. As digital initiatives and disruptive technologies change the meaning of innovation, the CFO cannot insist on the same level of benchmark reports, proven Return on Investment (ROI), or guaranteed savings from new concepts. A leap of faith may be necessary. The CFO must be able to make well-informed predictions of the likely outcome from investment in new technology. There are no guarantees, and few results-driven surveys which point to clearly defined tactics.

Some of today’s new technologies simply have not been in market long enough to have a solid history. Change is happening too quickly and it will not pause to document proven strategies. The rule books are being written while the game is being played. 

Ten Tips for Playing the Role of Strategic Shepherd
So, how does the CFO perform his or her due-diligence and ensure the company is not taking careless risks which result in financial losses, damage to the brand, or lost customers? Here are ten tips which will help the CFO feel comfortable in this evolving role as a strategic shepherd for the company. 

1. Partner with experienced companies.You cannot boil the ocean — yourself. Turn to companies, consultants, and technology providers who are serious innovators, committed to new technologies.   

2. Be well informed.Do your research. Collaborate and network with colleagues who are also figuring it out as they go. Attend conferences. Network. Be a voracious researcher. 

3. Control risk.Do not bet the whole farm. Understand risk and set limits. Protect critical assets, equipment, or intellectual property. Be smart. Think of backups, safety nets, and the ever-important Plan B.    

4. Define goals and how to measure success.You must be able to articulate what you are trying to achieve. Be sure the entire team is on the same page. Define terms which may be unclear. You will be talking about new technologies, innovative concepts or unexplored terrain. It is understandable that some team members may feel lost. Train as needed. 

5. Monitor progress.You must track what steps you are taking, even when you detour or must backtrack. Collect data. Document milestones, even if you are not sure you will repeat the process. Share progress with team members.    

6. Involve teams.One person or department cannot be expected the carry the compete burden of large scale projects like digitalization. Involve multi-disciplinary teams for a variety of ideas and input from a well-rounded group of stakeholders. 

7. Stretch.Be willing to move out of your comfort-zone. Go out on a limb.  

8. Think long-term.Do not panic if your idea is slow to generate firm results. Be patient. Be willing to finesse your plan and tweak tactics. Adapt as you start to collect early results. Break projects into phases; tackle bite-size portions of a larger initiatives to achieve early successes and build momentum. Think big, but think of the steps needed to reach the summit. 

9. Be willing to change lanes.Do not drag a poorly performing idea longer than needed. If the demise is inevitable, be willing to make a change. Move on. Do not dwell on the disappointment; learn from it.