Finance function transformation and the related shift towards more partnering within the organisation using business-facing roles raises the question of how to best re-affirm the independence and objectivity of the finance professional. The aim of this paper is to provide a picture of the opportunities and challenges finance transformation is creating and the skills you need as a finance professional.
If CFOs become too ‘commercial’ we all know what could happen, as we have seen in the case of Enron and others. Independence and integrity are concerns, if the finance function becomes too preoccupied with ‘business partnering’, that this could come at the expense of keeping an eye on the ball.
Feike Brouwers
CFO, ING Direct UK