大中华区首席财务官报告_弥补财务部门的技能缺口（英文版）_14页_2mb

ROBERT WALTERS: Greater China CFO Report Summary

Core Content

The ROBERT WALTERS Greater China CFO Report highlights the evolving role of the finance function and the critical skills gaps that CFOs are facing. As finance moves from a traditional bookkeeping role to a strategic business partner function, the demand for broader competencies has increased. The report explores both internal upskilling and external hiring as strategies to address these gaps and provides insights into the most effective methods for talent development.

Main Skill Gaps in the Finance Function

According to the report, the top three skill gaps that CFOs identify in their finance teams are:

1. Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills – 52% of CFOs believe this is the most important area for development.
2. Commercial aptitude – 51% of CFOs find this lacking.
3. Persuasion and influencing skills – 49% of CFOs highlight this as a gap.

These skills are essential for finance professionals to provide strategic insights, support business decisions, and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

Internal Upskilling: Preferred Strategy

• 72% of CFOs prefer to upskill the current team to address the skills gap.
• Key reasons for internal upskilling include:
  • Encouraging internal promotion and maintaining company culture (43%)
  • Being part of a well-structured talent development programme (25%)
  • Being a less risky measure due to existing knowledge and trust (19%)

Most Effective Internal Upskilling Methods

The report outlines the following methods as most effective for upskilling:

• Mentoring and coaching – 84% of CFOs consider this the most effective method.
• Job rotation and placements – 75% of CFOs find this valuable.
• Internal training – 62% of CFOs prefer this method for improving technical skills.
• Facilitating access to CPD opportunities – 44% of CFOs see this as beneficial.

These methods help finance professionals develop both hard and soft skills, enhance their understanding of the business, and improve their ability to influence and lead.

External Hiring: When It Is Needed

• 25% of CFOs prefer to fill the skills gap by hiring externally.
• Key reasons for external hiring include:
  • The current team lacks the skills to be promoted (41%)
  • Internal training takes too long (23%)
  • The need for fresh perspectives (25%)

External hiring can bring in new ideas and expertise, especially for niche roles or when entering new markets.

Expanding the Talent Pool

To expand the candidate pool, CFOs are advised to:

• Look outside their industry – 75% of CFOs are open to hiring professionals without relevant industry experience.
• Consider candidates with no accounting and finance background – 25% of CFOs are willing to consider such candidates, especially if they have strong analytical or quantitative skills.
• Use a combination of assessment methods including:
  • Discussion of previous experience (77%)
  • Behavioural interviews (71%)
  • Case studies (44%)
  • Presentations and psychometric tests (less commonly used)

These methods help identify candidates who not only have the necessary technical skills but also align with the company culture and values.

Conclusion

CFOs must ensure their finance teams have the right mix of skills to support the evolving role of the finance function. While internal upskilling is the preferred method, external hiring can be a necessary strategy in certain situations. A well-planned talent retention and succession strategy is crucial for building a best-in-class finance function. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration between CFOs and HR to develop targeted upskilling plans and efficient hiring processes.

Key Takeaways

• Finance professionals must develop critical-thinking, commercial aptitude, and influencing skills to be effective business partners.
• Internal upskilling is the preferred method, with mentoring, job rotation, and internal training being the most effective.
• External hiring is considered when the current team lacks skills or when new perspectives are needed.
• CFOs should focus on transferable skills and cultural fit when hiring externally.
• A strategic approach involving HR is essential for both upskilling and recruitment success.