Global recruitment giant Michael Page has come aboard as a sponsor of the High Performance Team Awards at CFO Awards 2017. Founded in 1976 in London, the prestigious firm has a presence in key markets around the world and its extensive database of 1,8 million qualified professionals gives it a key advantage.
The annual 'Oscars for South African CFOs', to be held on 11 May, recognise CFOs of listed companies, large corporations, state-owned entities and government institutions, and awards them for outstanding performance and leadership. We asked MD Nathan Byrne about his firm's involvement with the event.
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Why is Michael Page excited about its involvement in the 2017 CFO Awards?
"Michael Page started 41 years ago as a 'finance-only' recruitment firm in London, and while we are now a FTSE 250, multi-disciplined top five global recruitment organisation with 6 000 staff in 35 countries, finance recruitment is still a major part of our business, especially in South Africa and throughout the African continent.
"Providing a 'best-in-class' high quality service in a professional way is paramount, and we see the CFO Awards as an event which reflects these values. It provides a forum for qualified finance professionals of mid to senior levels, to mix on both a professional and social level, and we hope that by being a partner to this exclusive event, we can offer our insights, advice and services to an excellent pool of South African and African talent."
Michael Page is sponsoring the High Performance Team Award. What sets a High Performance Team apart from an average one?
"'High Performance' can be interpreted, measured and viewed in many different ways when it comes to a team. As a professional recruitment and search firm, we view 'High Performance' in a range of ways, from the calibre of the leadership and nature of the goals and targets set and achieved, through to empowerment, autonomy, training and development and the culture of the team.
"Success is not just about numbers and results, but also about employee engagement and work/life balance, so there are a range of factors that go towards making a team a 'high performance' unit."
What qualities does Michael Page look for in the CFO of 2020?
"The role of a CFO is continually changing and evolving, as is the business landscape of the African continent, offering amazing opportunities and challenges to CFOs and related finance professionals. Leadership continues to be the most discussed topic when we meet with executives to recruit CFO positions, so we look for individuals who are able to develop, adjust and continually improve their leadership qualities, whether this is through self-development, internal or external training, mentorship programmes or further education.
"Secondly, more and more organisations demand a CFO to not just be a numbers and reporting person, but someone who understands the commercial drivers of a business, in order to support the executive team in all types of decision making.
"Finally, a CFO who understands the African continent and not just South Africa is critical, as the demand is growing for candidates who can help companies expand cross-border, conduct M&A activity and manage a diverse range of cultures and regulations."
