CFO Strategy in Times of Change

Create value from high-risk, high-impact events

Times of change require a winning CFO strategy

The pace of change is fast, organizations are becoming more complex, and CFOs are finding themselves in increasingly unfamiliar situations, forced to write the playbook on what makes a great CFO as they go.

More than 50% of change management initiatives fail. Fewer than 33% are deemed fully successful.

One of the key priorities that Gartner helped me with as I entered this job was getting key metrics in place.

CFO, Not-for-Profit Organization

How we address CFO’s top challenges

Every CFO experiences major change. What differentiates great CFOs is how they turn major changes into legacy-defining moments: We examine winning CFO strategy for high-risk, high-impact events.

CFO strategy for M&A

The CFO is involved in all aspects of merger and acquisition (M&A), from deal selection to planning, execution and integration. Develop the CFO strategy for M&A using our playbook, which outlines a step-by-step M&A project plan for the CFO.

Download Playbook

CFO strategy for divestitures

After announcing a divestiture, the CFO must quickly and correctly determine how to structure G&A and finance staff and spend at a smaller organization. Our guidebook outlines setting up a best-practice G&A metrics program, a critical part of CFO strategy.

View Guide

CFO strategy for organizational restructuring

Amid layoffs, a hiring freeze or restructuring, the CFO must keep high-potential employees (HIPOs) engaged. Talent management is key to CFO strategy: Read this case study on how a top financial services company innovated on career development to engage HIPOs.

Read Case Study

CFO strategy for entering international markets

Expanding into a new region can dramatically change CFO strategy, from the front office to the back office of the finance department. Our research examines how winning CFOs shift finance staff and spend levels, reporting lines and centralization.

Learn More

New corporate headquarters location: CFO strategy

The top CFO strategy priority after a major move is finding new talent. See how this large transportation services company improved return on its hiring investments by screening candidates for influence skills.

Read Case Study

Questions about becoming a Gartner client?

New to the CFO role?

As the CFO role becomes more complex, it’s critical that CFO strategy be agile. Using insight from new and tenured CFOs, we’ve identified the key drivers of successful CFO role transitions and can equip you with the CFO strategy tools to make a fast, successful impact.

New CFOs: A Guide to Success

New CFO Roadmap

CFOs in Transition: Accelerate Your Impact

New CFO Framework

Prioritize Your Critical Finance Activities

Finance Activity Map

Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference

The Premier Destination for CFOs and Their Leadership Teams

Join hundreds of senior finance executives to hear key insights and learn actionable strategies for building the finance function of the future. Finance leaders who attend will:  

  • Absorb insights based on proven practices
  • Capture crowd-sourced implementation ideas
  • Leave with prioritized objectives and practical solutions
  • Build lasting connections with finance peers

June 2-3 2020 | Phoenix, AZ

After attending [the Finance Conference], we were able to locate and mitigate a $2 million risk [and] avoided a potential audit.

Defense Firm

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