Beyond Strong Financial Acumen: What Companies in Adelaide Seek in Their CFOs

In today’s dynamic business environment, companies in Adelaide are looking for more than just strong financial acumen in their Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The role of a CFO has evolved significantly, and organisations now seek individuals who bring a diverse set of skills and qualities to the table. Here are some key attributes that companies in Adelaide value in their CFOs:

Cross-Functional Expertise

Gone are the days when CFOs were solely focused on numbers. Modern CFOs are expected to have proficiency across various functions such as operations, HR, and IT. This cross-functional expertise allows them to take a holistic approach to managing the company’s resources and driving efficiency. By understanding the intricacies of different departments, CFOs can make more informed decisions that benefit the entire organisation.

Leadership & Management

Exceptional leadership and management abilities are essential for CFOs. They must be adept at leading teams and driving transformative change within the organisation. Strong leadership ensures that the company remains agile and responsive to market dynamics. CFOs who can inspire and motivate their teams are invaluable assets to any organisation. Recent insights from our Saville Accredited expert, Matthew Hobby, have shown that while most CFOs traditionally exhibit a more directive leadership style, there has been a notable increase in candidates excelling in areas such as “empowering,” “giving support,” and “nurturing.”

Communication

Effective communication is another essential quality for CFOs. They must be able to articulate financial information to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. This skill is vital for ensuring that all members of the organisation understand the financial implications of their decisions and actions. Good communication fosters transparency and trust within the company.

Adaptability

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and CFOs must be adaptable to navigate these changes. Flexibility to adapt to evolving business environments and regulatory landscapes is a key attribute. CFOs who can quickly adjust their strategies in response to new challenges and opportunities are better equipped to lead their organisations to success.

Strategic Vision

CFOs with a strategic vision are highly valued by companies in Adelaide. They must be capable of setting long-term goals while understanding market trends and economic impacts. A strategic mindset enables CFOs to align the company’s financial strategies with its overall business objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and success.

Professional Networks

Building strong professional networks is another important quality for CFOs. These connections provide valuable opportunities for feedback and mentoring, which are essential for continuous improvement. CFOs who actively seek out and engage with their professional networks are better positioned to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.

Technological Acumen

In today’s digital age, staying updated on emerging technologies and utilising digital tools is crucial for CFOs. Technological acumen allows them to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and make data-driven decisions. Companies in Adelaide value CFOs who can leverage technology to improve financial processes and outcomes.

Customer Focus

Understanding the importance of customer satisfaction and aligning financial strategies to enhance customer value is another key attribute for CFOs. A customer-focused approach ensures that the company’s financial decisions are aligned with its goal of delivering exceptional value to its customers. This focus on customer satisfaction ultimately contributes to the company’s long-term success.

What other qualities do you think are essential for CFO roles?

Megan Kivell (Williams)( Manager - Recruitment )

Megan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting & Taxation, and she has a background in finance across both Australia and New Zealand. She spent nearly four years working at a listed recruitment agency specialising exclusively in accounting and finance appointments before joining Perks People Solutions in 2022. She has successfully recruited hundreds of accounting professionals throughout South Australia and her portfolio is comprised of ASX-listed companies, international corporations, SMEs, not-for-profits and local government organisations.

Megan has progressed into a broader recruitment and leadership role at Perks People Solutions where she has been able to leverage her previous experience and networks to help organisations recruit a broader range of Executives and Leaders.

Megan has a thorough recruitment approach, and she can effectively partner with and understand client requirements to source suitable talent.

She has continued to develop strong connections with South Australia’s industry leaders, and she frequently attends networking and professional development events.