This article is part of The CFO Project: Future of Finance series that drills down on what's on the agendas of some of today's most influential financial executives.
Companies have been stretched in demanding ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Labor shortages and supply-chain constraints are now topics of conversation, as organizations must readjust or bolster their financial strategies in preparation for the new year.
At the center of these discussions is the chief financial officer, who plays an instrumental role in how their company stays on track and positions itself for the future. And while the position appears to consist of financial responsibilities, the CFO of today is a critical stakeholder in innovation.
As part of our What's Next series, we asked 11 financial executives from a variety of companies to share their biggest priorities, their challenges, and the ways they plan to guide investments and innovation within their organizations.
In a range of industries and company sizes, two trends remain constant.
First, companies are welcoming new and innovative strategies for long-term growth. CFOs are taking risks — sometimes big, sometimes smart — to put their company in the best position for success.
Second, the ongoing implementation of technology is forging new paths of internal and external growth. CFOs see technology as a catalyst, and they're leaning into it to overcome COVID-related barriers and rethink their financial position.
This push for technological innovation — and access to untapped data — is changing the way the CFO operates inside and outside the organization. As the CFO's role expands, so too does their impact and opportunity to play more of a governing role across the entire company.
Interviews with CFOs have been edited for space and clarity.