| | NOVEMBER 202419to improve their skills. By being nimble and open to new ideas, the CFO can effectively navigate the evolving demands of the role.The role of the CFO has expanded far beyond the traditional finance function and requires a broader range of skills. Today's CFOs are expected to be strategic thinkers, technical experts, effective communicators, and change leaders. By developing and honing these skills, CFOs are better able to cope with today's complex business environment, improve financial performance, and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.While these traits are essential to a good CFO, it is important to note that leadership abilities and skills can be developed and honed over time; for CFOs to adapt to the evolving financial landscape, they must continuously learn, stay current on industry trends, and pursue professional growth opportunities are essential.Industry Leaders OpinionsIn an interaction with CEO Insights Ankur Verma, CFO, Mindtickle says, "A CFO's role is very crucial as we today operate in a highly global but extremely turbulent macro environment wherein multiple countries are at war, there is global risk of inflation, Volatile currency and interest rate issues and risk of losing customers and vendors. Managing predictable and favorable financial outcomes, besides managing these challenges, has become one of my primary responsibilities. One fundamental aspect of the job is to avoid any surprises for any stakeholder, including investors, founders, board members, employees, customers, and vendors, by staying ahead of the curve and planning for outcomes that you can't control or influence. Additionally, I help other executive team members make judicious decisions by considering the long-term and short-term financial impacts of their daily business choices.Kedar Patki, CFO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance, says, "Undoubtedly, the business bearing of COVID-19 has proven to be a once-in-a-lifetime disruptor for most of us in an active work environment. While we constantly speak of `the New Normal,' I am sure we are still building our perspectives around it. The earlier we get clarity around it, the better we will be able to deal with `the Next Normal.' For me, this is the first-ever event where the whole world is putting up a united front to battle the impact of a pandemic. Helping our customers prepare for certainties of life becomes even more relevant in the face of disruption. As an organization, we would like to work towards the certainties and plan, adapt, refocus, and reimage a better financial future for our customers."In conclusion, we find that exceptional CFOs are a unique combination of financial expertise, strategic thinking, effective communication, technical knowledge, and unwavering integrity. By embodying these traits, they not only navigate the complexities of finance but also serve as a critical strategic partner to the management team, driving sustainable growth and long-term success for the organization. I AM VERY OFTEN USED AS A SOUNDING BOARD BY OUR EXTENDED LEADERSHIP TEAM WHILE THEY MAKE THEIR OPERATIONAL DECISIONS. THIS ALSO ENSURES THAT THERE IS ALIGNMENT BETWEEN ROUTINE OPERATIONS & THE ORGANIZATION'S LONG-TERM VISION," ADDS ANKUR
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