Functional Practices

The role of the Chief Finance Officer [CFO] (also referred to as the Head of Finance) and structure of the finance department is rapidly changing in response to the increasing responsibilities in determining corporate strategy, evaluating risks and ensuring value creation. Information technology and the Internet are ensuring that the CFO increasingly be "connected" not just internally to business units but externally to investors, clients and suppliers.

Strategic and Global Thinkers Wanted

Asked to name the qualities that finance management executives should have, CEOs top their list with strategic thinking, fresh perspective, and candor. The demand for finance executives who can formulate strategies and implement change on a global scale will only increase in a world where trade barriers are crumbling.

The old role of the CFO involved "number crunching," and being a minor player in formulating corporate strategies; focused on treasury and accounting matters; and being preoccupied with cost efficiencies. The new CFO is a major player, involved in line activities and long-range planning, using financial technologies for more challenging analytical tasks, and is integrally involved in boosting revenues.

Companies want more and more leadership ability in their financial officers. The financial leaders of the future will have more and more experience with the dynamics of the financial markets and be innovators in that market as well. She/he must be a strategic planner, a problem solver and an innovative leader. Ultimately, this means that the demand for smart, communicative and thoughtful people in top financial positions will increase even more in the future.

The search professionals of Ray & Berndtson provide a wealth of experience in assisting clients redefine the role of their next CFO -- and identify and recruit the talent and compatibility needed.

Financial Management Representative Searches

As the global economy grows, so too does the need for financial executives who meet the demands of the future. Clients rely on Ray & Berndtson's expertise to fill critical senior financial positions for continued growth.

Recent "Financial Management" assignments include:

Designation	Assignments
Chief Financial Officer	of one of the world's leading consulting companies within Internet and interactive media
Chief Financial Officer	of a major Swiss based communications and networking company
Chief Financial Officer	for an innovative application service provider
Chief Financial Officer, Venezuela	for a leading producer of canned fruits and vegetables

 

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