SYSPRO, a global provider of ERP software, has released its third annual Global CFO Survey, which reveals that the role of the manufacturing Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has seen a strategic inward focus aimed at bolstering operational resilience and efficiency in the wake of some unprecedented macro-economic shocks.

The study, which was conducted from July to September 2023 and commissioned by SYSPRO, assessed the sentiment amongst CFOs within manufacturing sectors across the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), including Australia and New Zealand, as well as Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The participants included financial leaders across both SMEs and larger enterprises, with the results reflecting the insights of a wide selection of decision makers in the manufacturing sector.

Key insights:

The study revealed that manufacturing CFOs believe that we are not post-crisis but rather between crises and that this is a situation that is likely to persist. As a result, the vast majority have recognised that their role is evolving into one of a ‘Hybrid CFO’.

Shift to Operational Focus: In response to a series of external shocks, including post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, inflation and environmental challenges, manufacturing CFOs are increasingly adopting a hybrid role. This approach emphasises operational efficiencies to mitigate future economic shocks.

The research demonstrated that CFOs are increasingly expected to operationalise digital transformation (52 per cent), which again points towards a greater involvement in operational areas.

The Rise of the Hybrid CFO: The survey highlights the evolving role of CFOs, who now integrate strategic business knowledge with traditional financial expertise. This hybrid capability is essential for ensuring competitive advantage and requires a deep understanding of all business functions.

Survey responses from all regions including APAC showed a high degree of consistency in terms of identifying the core skills and competencies required for a modern manufacturing CFO. The research showed that 80 per cent believed that strategic business knowledge is vital for CFOs to ensure their businesses remain competitive.

Fiscal Conservatism and Digital Transformation: Amid ongoing economic uncertainties, the survey reveals a trend towards fiscal conservatism, paired with a commitment to digital transformation. This strategy aims to manage risks while fostering sustainable business growth.

63 per cent said they have opted for a more conservative business strategy considering the current world economy and over half of respondents (57 per cent) anticipate a return to profitability by the end of 2023, while an additional 24 per cent expect to reach this point by mid-2024.

The majority of CFOs (85 per cent) are either part of or lead the digital transformation project team demonstrating their commitment to their ongoing digital transformation journey. However, 18 per cent of survey respondents in the APAC region have a purely budgetary role in terms of achieving digital transformation.

Internal Resilience as a Strategic Priority: Building internal resilience through cost efficiencies and improved margins is identified as a key strategy for countering external threats. Almost 100 per cent of respondents reported that pandemic-induced business modifications have enhanced their resilience against future disruptions.

Continued Investment in Innovation: Despite challenges, CFOs are prioritising investments in new equipment, inventory, expansion and digital transformation. Investing in Business Intelligence to support better clarity and information transparency across the business for better decision-making is a focus for 51 per cent of those surveyed. Respondents also show a clear leaning towards investing in ERP as a means of delivering operational efficiencies.

Collaborating closely with the IT department and leadership has emerged as a key priority with most of the CFOs surveyed (77 per cent) either working closely with the CIO/IT team, overseeing and leading all IT projects or having the CIO/IT team reporting directly to them.

In APAC specifically, the top five business priorities for manufacturing CFOs in 2024 are:

1. Visibility into performance and operations
2. ESG
3. Quality Management
4. Margins/profitable growth
5. Governance and risk.

“Our global CFO Survey highlights the adaptive strategies and priorities of manufacturing CFOs in navigating complex and volatile economic landscapes. The emergence of the Hybrid CFO marks a pivotal shift towards a more integrated, strategic role, with a clear focus on leveraging digital transformation to secure operational resilience and drive sustainable growth,” said Johan Conradie, Global Chief Financial Officer at SYSPRO.

“The question I would ask the Hybrid CFO in manufacturing is whether they have the skills, data and tools required to provide the same degree of insight into their organisation’s operations as they have into their finances,” continued Johan Conradie.