The CFO

🎬 The 2024 Little Venice Film Festival last weekend proved it wasn't just about cinematic flair—it's a #masterclass in financial leadership too. Just as "Joker: Folie à Deux" blends psychological depth with musical innovation, #CFOs can learn from the film industry’s creativity and #adaptability. From managing risk and balancing reward to embracing #digitaltransformation, the festival highlights lessons for financial leaders. The parallels between film and #finance are striking: both require calculated risks, compelling storytelling, and agility in an evolving landscape. In a world where markets shift rapidly, CFOs should embrace creative strategies, foster talent, and adapt to new technologies just as filmmakers adapt to changing audience preferences. 🎥https://lnkd.in/eX8N4rrp #Finance #Leadership #Innovation #RiskManagement #DigitalTransformation #CFO #VeniceFilmFestival #FinancialStorytelling #BusinessStrategy

Should We Care? EY’s New Leader Shortlist is Dominated by Women EY’s recent shortlist for the UK and Ireland managing partner position is notably female-dominated, featuring Anna Anthony, Kath Barrow, and Stuart Gregory. Gender diversity at the senior level in accounting has long been a challenge, with few firms achieving parity. EY's move could be a game-changer, potentially breaking the glass ceiling and inspiring other firms to follow suit. The appointment of a female leader could challenge industry stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue senior roles in accounting, signaling a broader shift towards genuine inclusion. 👉 https://lnkd.in/etF2Ufin #Leadership #Diversity #Inclusion #EY #CorporateCulture

BIRKENSTOCK has reported impressive #results for Q3 2024, demonstrating robust #growth despite industry challenges. Key highlights include: 🔰 Solid Financial Performance: Significant revenue growth driven by strong demand and successful product launches. 🔰 Navigating Industry Challenges: Facing headwinds such as supply chain issues and shifting consumer trends. Birkenstock’s resilience and strategic moves underscore its position in the market, even as it adapts to a dynamic industry landscape. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eSBKPrkY #Birkenstock #FinancialResults #RetailIndustry #BusinessGrowth

Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher Waller has cast doubt on the effectiveness of interlinking fast payment systems globally, challenging a key initiative of the G20's cross-border payments improvement roadmap. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, Waller questioned whether connecting fast payment systems across borders would truly lead to faster and cheaper international payments. Key Points from Waller’s Speech: 👉 Not all payment delays are bad. Some are built into the system for important reasons like compliance and fraud prevention. These frictions help protect against money laundering and cyber threats, making them necessary safeguards. 👉 There's a natural misalignment of incentives in transactions. While sellers want quick payments, buyers often benefit from delays. This raises questions about who truly benefits from faster payments and whether there's enough incentive for all parties to adopt them. 👉 Waller emphasised the role of private companies in improving cross-border payments, suggesting that market-driven solutions might be enough to meet consumer and business needs without heavy-handed regulations. 👉 Creating a truly global network of interconnected payment systems is easier said than done. Technical connections are one thing, but navigating the legal, compliance, and governance hurdles is a bigger challenge. Are interlinked fast payment systems the future, or are we underestimating the challenges? #Fintech #GlobalPayments #Innovation #Regulation #FedNow #FinanceLeadership 📑 https://lnkd.in/ezT_N4Nw

CFOs: Is the MBA Really Outshining the CPA? 🎓💼 A recent analysis from Crist|Kolder Associates reveals a surprising shift in the qualifications that pave the way to the CFO office. According to data, 62% of newly appointed CFOs in the past year held an MBA, compared to 38% with a CPA designation. This trend raises a critical question: Is an MBA now more valuable than a CPA for aspiring CFOs? The evolving demands of the CFO role might explain this shift. Modern CFOs are expected to be strategic partners, not just financial gatekeepers. With companies navigating complexities like digital transformation, global expansion, and strategic risk management, the broad business acumen provided by an MBA is increasingly sought after. MBA programs equip future CFOs with skills in leadership, operations, and innovation, making them versatile leaders who can drive growth and strategy. In contrast, while the CPA offers deep accounting knowledge, it may not cover the breadth of skills required in today's business environment. But it’s not an either-or situation. Some of the most successful CFOs are those who combine the financial expertise of a CPA with the strategic mindset of an MBA, providing a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the challenges of modern finance. What’s your take? Is the MBA becoming the must-have credential for the next generation of CFOs? Or does the CPA still hold the key to financial leadership? #CFO #Leadership #MBA #CPA #FinanceLeadership #CareerGrowth 👉 https://lnkd.in/eBE-8zBH

CFOs are the original C-Suite influencers, not the new ones! In her latest op-ed for The CFO, our very own Managing Editor Rachael Kennedy questions why CFOs are only now being seen as influence when they have been pulling the strings for years. Remember 2008? It was often the CFOs who made the tough calls that kept companies afloat, while others were lost in overly optimistic projections. So, why the renewed spotlight on CFOs now? It's not that CFOs have changed, but the world around them has. In this age of big data, digital transformation, and heightened risk management, the analytical prowess of CFOs is more valuable than ever. #CFO #Leadership #Influence #CorporateStrategy #BusinessLeadership 💰 https://lnkd.in/eXUQMKm8

👀 In case you missed it! Last week, The CFO took a look under the hood of California's Senate Bill 1047 (SB 1047), also known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act. The Bill aims to set a new standard for AI governance, focusing on large-scale AI models. But can this landmark legislation strike the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety? 👉 https://lnkd.in/epd9ePGc SB 1047 seeks to regulate "frontier models"—the most advanced AI systems—by requiring rigorous safety testing, certification, and accountability measures. While proponents argue that such regulations are necessary to prevent catastrophic harms like disinformation and cyber attacks, critics warn that the bill could stifle innovation and drive tech companies out of California. The debate has drawn strong opinions from both sides, including leading AI companies who favour a unified federal approach over a patchwork of state regulations. Despite amendments to address industry concerns, the core question remains: How do we balance the incredible potential of AI with the need to protect society from its risks? #AIRegulation #Innovation #PublicSafety #Technology #California #FutureOfAI

Is Peloton Interactive pedalling in the right direction? While the company has made significant strides towards profitability, it continues to face challenges in user growth, highlighting the complexities of competing in a saturated market. 👉 Peloton's total revenue for Q4 FY2024 reached $643.6 million, marking a slight 0.2% increase year-over-year. The company posted a net loss of $30 million, a significant improvement from the $241.8 million loss in Q4 FY2023. 👉Adjusted EBITDA also saw a positive shift, climbing to $70.3 million. 👉 Despite financial gains, Peloton reported a decrease in total members to 6.4 million, down 2% year-over-year. Paid Connected Fitness Subscriptions also fell slightly, highlighting ongoing challenges in subscriber acquisition and retention. 👉 Subscription revenue remains a bright spot, increasing by 2% year-over-year to $431.4 million, and accounting for the majority of Peloton’s gross profit. 👉: Peloton is focusing on innovation and new offerings, such as launching the Bike+ rental program in the UK and enhancing the Tread business with new features like Pace Targets. These initiatives are aimed at improving the member experience and driving long-term growth. What are your thoughts on Peloton's strategy to balance profitability with user growth? #Peloton #FinancialResults #FitnessIndustry #BusinessStrategy #Profitability #Innovation 🚲 https://lnkd.in/eqzwn-ui

As #AI and #automation continue to transform payroll, there's no doubt about the efficiencies and accuracy these technologies bring. But even in a world driven by algorithms, the human element remains crucial. The latest Global Payroll Efficiency Index (PEI) report published by CloudPay. reveals a 35% reduction in payroll issues since 2019, highlighting the transformative impact of technological innovations in the payroll sector. 👉 https://lnkd.in/etFHD_rw While AI can handle routine tasks, predict #payroll trends, and optimize processes, it’s the human intervention that ensures these systems work seamlessly and ethically. Payroll professionals are still essential for making judgment calls, handling complex situations, and ensuring that automation doesn't overlook the nuances that only experienced eyes can catch. How is your organization balancing automation with human insight? Let’s discuss how to best leverage both. #AI #Automation #Payroll #HumanInsight #FinanceTransformation #CFO #Innovation

Unilever’s first half of 2024 has been a tale of mixed fortunes. The company’s recent revenue report reveals a delicate balance between strong performances in key categories and challenges that are melting away margins in others. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eAMuw9B7 On the sweet side, Unilever's portfolio of premium brands has continued to drive growth, with innovations in health-conscious products resonating well with consumers globally. However, not everything is picture-perfect. The company faced headwinds in the ice cream sector, where rising costs and operational challenges have begun to chip away at profitability. What are your thoughts on Unilever's strategy? How should companies balance innovation and cost management in today's market? #Unilever #RevenueGrowth #H1Results #FMCG #BusinessStrategy #FinancialLeadership