Financial Executives Extend Their Reach Into Operations and HR

August 26, 2011 – More than one in four (27 percent) chief financial officers said they have become more involved in company operations over the past three years. Human resources was the second most common area of expanded responsibility, cited by 19 percent of respondents. The survey, conducted by Robert Half Management Resources, included responses from 1,400 CFOs in the U.S.-based companies. CFOs were asked, “Which one of the following areas outside of traditional accounting and finance responsibilities, if any, has your role expanded into most over the past three years?” Twenty-seven percent said operations, 19 percent noted human resources, while 17 percent replied with marketing and 15 percent said information technology. “Financial leaders are becoming more involved in all aspects of company operations, often to ensure greater financial controls across the enterprise and offer input on pricing, cost cutting and business restructuring,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. “Keeping costs in check and nurturing revenue streams are more important than ever in today's business climate.”