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Ask Nazmul on Corporate Finance

Nazmul haider FCMA, President, i-Calipers

In a career spanning over 30 years, I have come across several questions from different audiences. Here, I am sharing three of them with the readers of CEO Review.

How does the CFO create value for the organisation?

Every decision that a business makes has financial implications; any decision which has a financial implication is the responsibility of the CFO. Defined broadly, everything that a business does fits under the title of the CFO. And the CFO must drive all these decisions toward the creation of value. Business success comes from value creation for owners, customers, and employees. Value is being built or destroyed throughout your business.

How do the CFO play Strategic roles?

Our CFOs have all walked the walk, playing leadership roles in fast-growth businesses in every sector. The Strategist’s role as your CFO is to help you define what you really want from your business and work with you to devise the strategy to make it happen. This includes attention, in the current climate, on future-proofing your business to adjust to market conditions. There has never been a greater opportunity to grow through acquisitions and purchase competitive businesses at below-market value. Financing terms are also incredibly competitive. A CFO can help you navigate the options and set yourself up for recovery and success.

How does the CFO work as a digital transformation catalyst?

Digital transformation – the revolutionary application of data, artificial intelligence, automation and a host of emerging technologies – has never been more necessary for organisations across every industry. Though the tech has long been around, the pandemic accelerated its adoption and need. In a recent Q&A with Marie Myers, CFO at HP, I asked about how this legacy tech company retains a reputation for digital progress and how the CFO, in particular, plays a vital role in driving technological innovation and adaptation. We also discussed HP’s approach to sustainable business in an era when investors are scrutinising companies’ vulnerability to and contributions toward environmental, social and governance issues.