ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

Finance function effectiveness articles

Read our latest features and articles on finance function effectiveness.
Displaying 1-30 of 56 results
Male wearing headphones working on his laptop
How to go from finance manager to CFO
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
Adam Lancaster went from Finance Manager to CFO of the Risk Advisory Group in the space of five years. He explains how he got there, including the vital importance of communication skills and the ability to provide strategic direction.
A team of people at their desks working on their laptops
How has the CFO role evolved? Have your say
  • Article
  • 12 Feb 2026
  • ICAEW Insights
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has launched two extended global stakeholder surveys aimed at CFOs and equivalent senior finance leaders.
A pair of hands holding 3 blocks showing compliance symbols
Finance transformation: why willingness to learn (and fail) matters
  • Article
  • 15 Aug 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Running a transformation project differs from the usual tasks of a finance function. You need to be comfortable not knowing anything.
Wind turbines on a wooded hillside at dusk surrounded by clouds
Getting started with sustainability planning and reporting
  • Article
  • 15 May 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
As part of the transition to net zero, good sustainability reporting is vital. Here’s how to transform your finance function to be net zero-ready.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
Finance transformation: how to measure and improve
  • Article
  • 14 May 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Creating an action plan based on a gap analysis provides the foundation of a good finance transformation project. But without a solid plan for measuring and evaluating performance, it won’t deliver.
Female in smart attire working on her laptop
CFOs: how to nurture your relationship with the CEO
  • Article
  • 20 Jan 2025
  • ICAEW Insights
Sounding board, safe pair of hands, confidant – the CFO’s relationship with the CEO is a pivotal one. We look at how the partnership is evolving and analyse the skills you need to nurture it.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
High frequency forecasting: how to modernise your financial modelling
  • Article
  • 17 Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
With a plethora of tech tools available on the market to assist with high-frequency forecasting, what do accountants need to know about the art of selection?
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
What traits make up the modern CFO?
  • Article
  • 16 Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The world of work is changing rapidly. How is the role of the CFO adapting?
Four wind turbines on a green background
Global finance teams failing to integrate sustainability
  • Article
  • 14 May 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Rather than waiting for ‘perfect tools’, CFOs and finance teams need to start including sustainability questions into their systems and controls, experts warn.
Your transformation programme needs action (planning)
  • Article
  • 26 Feb 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
In the latest in our series on implementing a transformation programme, Neil Cutting looks at the steps required to create a concrete action plan.
How generative AI is set to disrupt finance
  • Article
  • 20 Feb 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
As its capabilities grow, Gen-AI is poised to shake up the finance function in general and accountancy in particular – but its risks and drawbacks cannot be ignored.
Leading digital transformation in finance
  • Article
  • 01 Dec 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
At the ICAEW Annual Conference this year, there was an overarching focus on the opportunities and responsibilities that technology brings for finance professionals and their organisations, and how it is reshaping the world of finance and accounting.
Delivering transformation: a lesson in project management
  • Article
  • 06 Sep 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance transformation series: Neil Cutting advises CFOs and transformation leaders on the essential skill of project management.
ESG for SMEs: how to adapt your finance function
  • Article
  • 18 Aug 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Implementing ESG practices and procedures throughout the finance function presents team leaders with a host of challenges, as five experts explain.
Gap analysis: the transformation starts here
  • Article
  • 18 Aug 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance transformation series: getting started with a finance transformation project can be daunting, but Neil Cutting has an exercise to help you get moving
The finance team toolkit part 7: applying the five perspectives
  • Article
  • 11 Jul 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Drawing his first batch of articles to a close, Neil Cutting explains how to bring the five perspectives of transformation together when starting a project.
Creating a development plan to future proof your career
  • Article
  • 11 Jul 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Executive coach Oliver Deacon and ICAEW Head of Jobs Claire Brandon provide tips on how to develop and showcase your skills to make yourself stand out and keep pace with changing finance functions.
Six essential skills for new and aspiring managers
  • Article
  • 06 Jul 2023
  • Chris Paterson
If you’ve just been promoted to management, or you’re looking to take that next step, ICAEW trainer and executive coach Chris Paterson shares his tips for leading a high-performing finance team.
The finance team toolkit part 6: applying systems and technology
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
In our ongoing series on good finance transformation, Neil Cutting explains how systems and technology fit within every element of the project.
Cash remains king as businesses gear up for growth
  • Article
  • 17 Apr 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Why finance functions tightened their cash management and forecasting during the pandemic – and how those good habits have remained.
The finance team toolkit part 5: processes
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
Organisations often confuse processes with procedures, which can obscure clarity around roles and hinder efficiency. Here’s how processes should apply within your finance function.
Using technology to optimise audit talent
  • Article
  • 27 Feb 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
New technologies are having a profound impact on audit and finance functions. Cloud, AI, blockchain and data and analytics are transforming the skills and focus of audit professionals.
The finance team toolkit part 4: the right people
  • Article
  • 17 Feb 2023
  • ICAEW Insights
If the current war for talent shows us anything, it’s that systems and processes are nothing without talented people. Here finance transformation executive, Neil Cutting focuses on the ‘people pillar’ of organisational transformation.
ICAEW: Cuts to public sector finance teams are “false economies”
  • Article
  • 22 Nov 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW describes investment in strong finance functions as “critical” to spending public money effectively amidst tight spending settlements for public bodies
Sustainability: Finance at the heart of decision making
  • Article
  • 04 Nov 2022
  • Nina Johansson and Henning Diederichs
Sustainability is commonly defined as meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. But sustainability covers more than just the environment – it also relates to ethical, societal and governance issues. ICAEW and CIPFA strongly advocate for the role that the finance function can play in combatting the impact of climate change for the public sector.
Facing the challenge of tech transformation
  • Article
  • 05 Oct 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Finance teams must embrace finance transformation or face becoming obsolete, warns former Microsoft Finance Director Oliver Deacon. He shares his vision of the technologies that will shape the jobs of tomorrow.
How must SME finance chiefs approach technology transformation?
  • Article
  • 01 Apr 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Digital transformation can provide SME finance functions with a powerful edge – but how should firms execute this critical process? We spoke to ICAEW Southern President Ashley Milne to find out.
What do CEOs want from the finance function?
  • Article
  • 29 Mar 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Chief executives want to see their Chief Financial Officers supporting their decision making, as business heads explain to ICAEW Insights.
Digital skills for digital finance
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Audit and management accountancy in the finance function require a constantly evolving set of skills to add value to their clients and to their employers.
The new technology reshaping the finance function
  • Article
  • 07 Mar 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
Technological innovations are driving the most profound change in finance functions in modern history, revolutionising every aspect of the traditional finance division.
Displaying 1-30 of 56 results
Can't find what you're looking for?

The ICAEW Library can give you the right information from trustworthy, professional sources that aren't freely available online. Contact us for expert help with your enquiries and research.