Inspiration and information from leading finance experts.
CFO Louis Naude reveals the top six considerations CFOs need to keep in mind when they are looking to invest in new opportunities. Boston Consulting Group experts Nihmal Marrie, Caio Anteghini and Isme Oosthuizen stress the transformative potential adopting generative AI can have on finance functions. Global CFO Alvin Liew shares his top tips on how finance leaders should go about looking for and securing international jobs. BDO’s Johann Benadé reveals how PBO donations will enhance transparency and impact. Corporate Traveller’s Bonnie Smith unpacks the skills that make a great leader in uncertain times. CMS South Africa’s Zaakir Mohamed unpacks CFOs' role in protecting business from exposure to crime syndicates. Brad Wentzel shares his final phase of becoming Frey’s Food Brands’ CFO, where he starts to implement change. CFO Megan Pydigadu explains how she helped create awareness for people with disabilities in the workplace. AFMS Group CFO Jamie Louw reveals how leaving behind your scarcity mindset can create new opportunities. BDO SA’s Louis van Manen unpacks how CFOs can benefit from their tax obligations. Nashua Kopano MD Chris Kruger reveals how CFOs can benefit from the power crisis through ESG strategies. TransUnion CFO Sharon Naidoo reveals how to survive a recession with the right purpose, vision and mission. The CFO Centre’s Matthew Comins explains why coaching from experience can benefit CFOs. It’s time for South African business priorities to shift from the social to the environmental considerations of ESG. CFO Brad Wentzel shares a roadmap on how to ready your organisation for its change journey. Transunion CFO Sharon Naidoo unpacks how to create a smooth sail in rough seas by investing in untapped markets. AFMS Group’s Jamie Louw reveals the essential skills every CFO needs to navigate complex business decisions. Brad Wentzel shares his top tips from weeks eight to 25 of being the new CFO of Frey's Food Brands. Metropolitan Retail CFO Etienne le Roux shares how he has married his passion with his leadership style. CFO Taryn Augoustatos explains why financial inclusion is the driving force for Fintech startups. Brad Wentzel shares his top five takeaways from his first seven days as the CFO of Frey's Food Brands. FNB Botswana’s Luke Woodford shares some reflections on his personal 100-day plan for the CFO role. Banks must keep up with disruptive technologies and new players, writes Charles Edelstein, CFO of Executive Placements. Telecom expense management can reduce IoT connectivity costs by 30 percent, reveals Apex BI’s Neil Buckley. Times 3 Technologies’ Stephen Howe explains that finance as a function has evolved right alongside technology. Inyathelo FD Soraya Joonas says non-profit reporting needs to go beyond a tick-box exercise. The SAP Africa CFO reveals why women shouldn’t leave their jobs anytime soon. Like building a motorcycle, you need to follow a service manual to be a great leader, says CFO Brad Wentzel. Shadrack Kubyane: My ‘accidental’ involvement with blockchain led to ESG reporting improvements. When it comes to managing ESG, CFOs must adopt a readiness mindset. Sage VP of finance Jordaan Burger unpacks the magic of financial storytelling. Rowen Grierson explains that the next step in the evolution of the CFO role is becoming a chief futures officer. iOCO’s Adriaan Rossouw reveals how analytics helps CFOs tackle assumptions and move on business moments. Allan Saffy looks at how CFOs can help their organisations combat the rate of change. Michael Mncube shares how technology is changing the compliance and reporting landscape. The TechnoDyn Group CFO unpacks why purpose-driven leadership has been attracting new interest. The CFO has become a business enabler and one of the primary drivers of future development and success. Yusuf explains that work is just a small piece of the pie when balancing life, and should be given the respective time. FIRtech CEO Ugan Maistry reveals that CFOs are using digital workers to help automate accounting processes. Decision Inc's Desmond Struwig says finance leaders need to put their business strategy first. EY's Paul O’Flaherty reveals seven ways CFOs can drive the sustainability agenda within their organisations. Investec’s Itumeleng Merafe unpacks how CFOs can navigate the Russia-Ukraine crisis. LanDynamix’s Ethan Searle reveals that CFOs can use managed services to determine IT costs. LanDynamix’s Ethan Searle unpacks how managed service business models could be just what CFOs need. Kamanie Naicker unpacks Absa’s approach to building a powerful digital ecosystem. 21st Century CEO Chris Blair unpacks a recent study into the adoption and application of ESG metrics. Organisations have been slow to embrace independent reviews as an alternative to audits, but this is changing. ESG expert Brett Wallington unpacks why ESG commitments don’t measure impact on Earth and society. FD Soraya Joonas explains how Inyathelo looked inward to be more flexible during uncertain times. Herman Singh explains how professionals can use their social media to build their network and career (part two). A look at must-read opinion pieces of 2021 from CFOs in our community. Synthesis’s Leandré Roux shares his lessons, pitfalls and successes while building digital platforms. Stephen Kreusch explains that cybersecurity is becoming less of a cost centre in data-centric organisations. Veeam’s Chris Norton says CFOs have the opportunity to fast-track their organisations’ digital transformation. Sound financial management helps to ensure the survival and resilience of an organisation, says Soraya. Agile Capital’s Liz Kolobe says a successful management buy-out needs a CFO who can adapt to new business. Eftsure’s Ryan Mer explains that opportunity cost is greater than the risk of a cybersecurity attack. Automation holds the promise of real value for finance leaders and their departments – provided best practice is followed. Workday's Fred Portal unpacks how Covid-19 has forced organisations to accelerate their digital transformation strategies. CFO Sharon Naidoo asks why organisations are falling into price wars instead of trusting their brand value. Apex BI Neil Buckley explains that CFOs are trying to navigate a veritable minefield of hidden costs. Herman Singh explains how professionals can use their social media to build their network and career (part one). Heiner Freese says leaders need to work together to navigate the impact of unrest and Covid-19. Elmar Grobbelaar says businesses need to embrace innovation and become a fintech player. Quantimetrics CEO Bram Meyerson says CFOs need to be prepared when boards demand measurable value. Kobus Venter explains that centralised treasury tech helps CFOs keep a handle on liquidity, cash flow and risk. Turrito Networks’ Brian Timperley reveals why cutting the business down to size is a smart growth tactic. Automation has become a feature of the finance function – in a positive way – says the iOCO CFO. Synthesis MD Michael Shapiro unpacks the fears around AI and how it can be used for social good. Adri Führi, e4 group CFO, says much more can be done to ensure equality and innovation. Herman Singh says that in order for start-ups to be successful, they need to have a resourceful team. Roche Diagnostics’ Numair Hussain shares a few pearls of wisdom for job seekers today. Recent civil unrest has highlighted the need to ensure business operations can be maintained as far as possible. Herman Singh reflects on the recent civil unrest in South Africa and the impact it will have on businesses going forward. Data is not an IT problem anymore, which is why CFOs need to get involved in its lifecycle in a business, says Serisha. TymeBank’s Dietmar Bohmer highlights the benefits of banks moving to the cloud to stay agile. An authentic leader is trustworthy, understanding and inclusive, says JAM International CFO Nico Esterhuizen. To create control, CFOs must standardise their finance processes, reveals CA Southern Africa’s Michael Brink. The King Price Insurance CFO explains that, pandemic or not, remote working is here to stay. Herman Singh shares the six key stages CFOs and organisations need to follow on their cloud journey. Michael Brink explains how finance professionals can benefit from automating their financial close. Revenue growth is challenging in the current economic climate and cost efficiency is crucial for survival. Tramayne believes David and Goliath teaches that difficulty grows capability. Tsakeriwa explains that the agency has received unqualified audit opinions for the past two financial years. Nutanix’s Rowen Grierson explains why CFOs should be investing in subscription-based IT solutions. Grant Greeff explains that CEOs and CFOs have clear lanes of accountability and need to trust each other. Herman Singh explains how you can build a more coherent life strategy by redefining what success looks like. DoughGetters' Willem Haarhoff shares the seven things they learned while working from home during the pandemic. AGCS’s Paul Schiavone highlights some of the most significant risks for the financial services industry. Xperien’s Wale Arewa takes a deep dive into the rules of PoPIA and the consequences of breaking them. Pax Mataitsane says CFOs and ICT teams should work together as they move onto more agile OEM providers. Pieter Janse van Rensburg says companies must position themselves to deal with complex tax matters. We know the role of the CFO is evolving, but now post-Covid it’s do or die, says Herman Singh. Accountants have been real life-savers during Covid-19 by transforming their human capital structures. CFO Paul Stedall says that finance professionals today are looking for the financial benefits of tech spend. Having control over the real total cost of ownership of IT assets can produce significant cost savings. Striata’s Stergios Saltas shares everything organisations need to know to be POPI compliant. Herman Singh says a successful strategy can adapt to changes in the environment. Adaptability and agility are key competencies as technology becomes entrenched in every aspect of business. Tencent Africa CFO Tramayne Monaghan shares three of his favourite reads. Nico explains how you can use emotional intelligence for effective professional and personal leadership. The former inQuba CFO shares her insights from transitioning to Cartrack Asia CEO during Covid-19. Herman Singh explains that a few life decisions can make an enormous difference. TransUnion Africa CFO Sharon Naidoo shares her experience of learning new leadership skills from her mentees. SoluGrowth further unpacks the impact of Covid-19 on your business’s accounting. Herman Singh says building your personal brand has a significant impact on your career journey. CA Irene Chikobvu explains what South Africa can do to drive economic growth within the country. Taurus Capital CEO Elad Smadja says CFOs need to be solutions-driven and responsive in how they make decisions. King Price CFO Paul Stedall believes that technology can take the finance function to the next level. Goalfix’s Colin Human explains how financial modelling is an invaluable tool to make informed decisions. The Corporate Reporter’s Clive Lotter answers some of the questions around corporate reporting. Striata Africa’s Brent Haumann explores how financial services are accelerating their digital transformation. Professor Peter Goss unpacks the call for CFOs to adopt a strategic financial governance outlook. Zandi Tsibulane reflects on what it takes to be the CFO of a start-up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts reveal how agility has been one of the drivers of success in business this year. We round up some of the perspectives and advice some of SA's leading CFOs shared in 2020. KPMG’s Mark Danckwerts explains how IFRS17 will change the way performance is communicated. Tax specialist Nico Theron explains that SARS also faces adverse consequences if they don’t comply. Investec’s Dr Greg Cline: We are seeing spouts of opportunity, even in a constrained environment. King Price CFO Paul Stedall: a successful CFO can combine technology and emotional intelligence.6 M&A tips every CFO needs to consider
How to build the finance function of the future with Generative AI
CFO Diary: How to embark on a career abroad
What CFOs need to know about the new PBO requirements from SARS
How CFOs should navigate leadership in today's dynamic world
CFOs, don’t let your business fall victim to crime syndicates!
100 days of Frey’s: Take to the skies!
Spending a day in a wheelchair
Bounded optimism combats the scarcity mindset in finance
5 Tax benefits every CFO needs to know about
How CFOs can profit from Eskom’s failure
From strife to strength: Surviving a recessionary economy
CFOs should coach other CFOs and CEOs
The hyper-connected 'E' in ESG
100 days of Frey’s: Always be prepared!
2023 needs to be the year of K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, Sailor!
How to master integrative thinking
100 days of Frey's: Two weeks in, no change yet!
Providing authentic leadership with a sense of purpose
Collaboration is vital for Fintech growth
100 days of Frey's: Learnings from my first seven days
CFO Chats: The first 100 days in the CFO seat
Where the finance and retail banking sector is venturing
Why CFOs should be using telecom expense management
Intelligent financial and operational investments have become competitive differentiators
The crucial role of non-profit financial management
SAP’s Sandi de Souza shares truth bombs on workplace success
The service manual to becoming the best version of yourself
How blockchain can drive improvements to ESG reporting
Innovative CFOs will succeed with ESG reporting
How CFOs can find the narrative in numbers
Modernising the role of finance need not cannibalise the CFO role
Why analytics is crucial for CFOs today
Financial trends shaping the future
Navigating beyond the techno-panic
Serisha Beosumbar: Purpose-driven leadership is about action
3 Things that can power CFOs to improve decision-making
CFO Yusuf Bodiat unpacks his thoughts around work-life integration
Why CFOs are deploying digital workers
Prioritising finance: key to successful ERP
How to go green, without going into the red
CFOs need to use bold business moves to survive a crisis
CFOs need to take a deep dive into IT to understand the costs
With digitalisation firmly on the board agenda, CFOs face the challenge of funding it
Accelerating APIs in banking to help grow the African economy
South Africa among global peers leading the charge on ESG
It’s about time to migrate from audit to independent review
Companies need to go beyond ESG ratings in order to make a real impact
Overcoming financial “twisties” in a VUCA world
Lessons for success and caveats for the unwary social media traveller
Top insights on trusting your brand, growth and emotional intelligence
Five lessons on building better digital platforms
How can CFOs ensure cybersecurity delivers value?
What CFOs need to know about Kubernetes and containerisation
Inyathelo FD Soraya Joonas’s budgeting tips for resilient non-profit organisations
CFOs play a critical role in management buy-outs
How to address the multi-faceted cybersecurity challenges CFOs face
Automation and the immense cost benefits it can deliver to CFOs
Covid-19 has catapulted CFOs to the digital leaders of business
Have we become lazy when it comes to investing in our brand?
Technology sprawled with spiralling costs are keeping CFOs up at night
How to, and not to, successfully build your social media platform
CFOs should take on challenges with an “South AfriCAN” attitude
Banking services are no longer just for banks says Elmar Grobbelaar
Are CFOs equipped to justify the costs of enterprise software solutions?
Why centralised treasury tech is a game-changer for CFOs
Brian Timperley says “Honey, I shrunk the business” is the best approach in tough times
CFO Jo-Anne Pöhl makes the case for increased automation of the finance function
AI, finance, and the good of society
Walking the talk on gender equality, diversity, and empowerment in SA tech
Surviving the start-up bushveld
Attitude vs aptitude: Selling yourself in challenging times
Civil unrest: plan and prepare to maintain business continuity
67 minutes of reflection after 67 hours of mayhem
TechSoft’s Serisha Beosumbar explains why data is a critical asset for the CFO
Why the cloud is crucial to agile, future-proof banks
Nico Esterhuizen explains what it takes to be an authentic leader
CFOs need to automate to have control of their finance processes
CFO Paul Stedall says the key to working from home is trust and open communication
CFO’s must think like rocket scientists to avoid having their heads in a cloud
How CFOs are successfully using finance automation to achieve tangible results
Why CEOs are turning to cost efficiencies to save the bottom line
Find growth in the difficulties, says CFO Tramayne Monaghan
CFO Tsakeriwa Chauke says SASSA has turned around the issues related to irregular expenditure
Why CFOs are happy to see the back of old school CapEx technology approaches
CFOs can learn from Formula 1 team Mercedes when working with their CEOs
How to upcycle your career
Lessons from working remotely that you can apply to your business
Now more than ever, finance needs to navigate the burdens of compliance
With PoPIA looming, companies need to be aware of the rules and requirements
CFOs should be working with their ICT teams when it comes to OEM
How to ensure your corporate tax culture thrives in the new normal
“F” can be for future or failure – It’s your choice
Stephen Howe says financial and people management are the engine rooms of growth
CFO Paul Stedall says technology is not a cost centre, it’s an asset
The art of managing IT assets effectively
POPI countdown: Is your business ready and compliant?
Don’t turn your career plan into a dumb bomb strategy
CFO Adri Führi says 4IR presents a unique challenge for CFOs
Three books that changed CFO Tramayne Monaghan’s view of the world
CFO Nico Esterhuizen: The impact of emotional intelligence on effective leadership
Transitioning from a South African CFO to a CEO in the Philippines in 2020
Do not be too harsh on yourself: life comes in waves
CFO Diary: Leadership inspired by millennials
The impact of Covid-19 on financial reporting (Part 2)
Building your personal brand like Apple
South Africa can learn about targeting growth through joint ventures
Litigation funding – everything a CFO needs to know
How tech can support, and drive, the finance function
Confessions of a serial modeller
What’s coming our way in corporate reporting
Are financial services adapting to digital transformation fast enough?
The 21st century “big picture” for CFOs seeking to nurture strategic value
The first 180 days of occupying the C-suite at a start-up
Navigating from pandemic disruption to the next normal
The CFO diaries – wisdom from the top
Insights on how IFRS17 will affect the finance industry
SARS, like taxpayers, must comply with specified time periods
Are there growth opportunities in a recovering market?
What makes a CFO successful? Hint: it’s not just the tech