The world of finance is evolving rapidly, and finance professionals are at the forefront of this transformation. This article explores the key findings from recent research and discussions on how finance is changing and how can finance professionals ensure they don’t get left behind.  

The expanding role of finance 

Finance has always been critical to the success of organisations, but its role is expanding. It's not just about numbers anymore; it's about driving digital and sustainable transformations within organisations. Finance professionals are now expected to contribute to broader organisational strategies and operations. The recommendations below are for finance professionals as they prepare for the future. 

• Recommendation 1. Embrace ESG and digital transformation 

Recognise the importance of adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and agile working methodologies. These practices can help drive positive organisational change and align finance with broader sustainability goals. 

Technology is becoming deeply integrated into financial processes and decision-making. The line between finance and IT is blurring, and data analytics and collaboration with data scientists are reshaping the responsibilities of finance professionals. 

• Recommendation 2: Become data-driven decision-makers 

  Finance professionals should evolve from mere number crunchers to data-driven decision-makers to stay relevant. They need to extract actionable insights from vast datasets and effectively communicate the story behind the numbers. 

  Finance teams are also increasingly involved in addressing sustainability challenges. This includes assessing business operations' environmental and social impact and integrating sustainability into financial decision-making. 

• Recommendation 3: Lead ethically 

  Finance professionals should lead ethically by aligning their actions with genuine sustainability goals. Avoiding "greenwashing" practices is crucial in this regard. 

• Recommendation 4: Embrace Workplace Evolution 

  Changes in workplace practices, including remote and hybrid working arrangements, have become more prevalent, challenging traditional notions of work. Finance professionals, especially the next generation, should embrace flexibility, prioritise work-life balance, and support mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

How can finance professionals prepare for the future? 

• Evaluate the skills and talents within your team. Understand the strengths and weaknesses. 

• Identify specific skills gaps within the finance function. Anticipate future skill requirements and develop plans to close these gaps. 

• Balance internal and external perspectives. Focus on career development internally and align with organisational needs externally. 

• Develop goal-oriented plans that align with personal and company goals. Prioritise continuing professional education. 

• Encourage knowledge sharing among finance professionals. Collaboration and sharing experiences are essential for the evolution of the finance profession. 

Conclusion 

The future of finance is characterised by agility, adaptability, and a broader scope of responsibilities. Finance professionals who embrace these changes and proactively upskill will lead their organisations toward a better and more responsible future. As the business landscape continues to evolve, finance professionals must evolve with it, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of positive organisational transformation.