Robert Half Management Resources Survey: Financial Executives Extend Their Reach Into Operations, HR

MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Senior financial professionals continue to spend more time delving into areas outside of traditional finance responsibilities, a recent Robert Half Management Resources survey confirms. More than one in four (27 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they have become more involved in company operations over the past three years. Human resources was the second most common area of expanded responsibility, cited by 19 percent of respondents.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

CFOs were asked, "Which one of the following areas outside of traditional accounting and finance responsibilities, if any, has your role expanded into most over the past three years?" Their responses:

"Financial leaders are becoming more involved in all aspects of company operations, often to ensure greater financial controls across the enterprise and offer input on pricing, cost cutting and business restructuring," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. "Keeping costs in check and nurturing revenue streams are more important than ever in today's business climate."

McDonald added, "Financial professionals who want to advance in the organization should demonstrate a robust skill set." He advised those with leadership aspirations to look for opportunities to build their expertise outside of accounting and finance, such as by volunteering for cross-functional project teams, to gain broader exposure to the business.

About Robert Half Management Resources

Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has more than 150 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.roberthalfmr.com. Follow Robert Half Management Resources at twitter.com/roberthalfmr for workplace news.

SOURCE Robert Half Management Resources

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