Michael Page: the crisis requires CFOs to become decision makers

The presentation of the survey European CFO Barometer 2011 carried out by international recruitment company Michael Page took place in Ararat Park Hyatt on the 18th of October. The speakers were Alf Harris, Director of Michael Page, Olga Emelyanova, Executive Manager (Finance & Accounting Division). They presented the results of the study to СFO and Finance Directors of the largest Russian and International companies. Guest speakers were Daniele Marchi, Director of Economic Department at LLC Pirelli Tyre Russia, and Andrey Ignatov, Independent Member of the Board of Directors of “IC Kvartira.ru”.

The findings of the study and experts' opinions indicate the necessity in times of crisis for the CFO's transition from a support function to the full participation in the strategic decision making process in the company. More than 2 400 CFOs and Finance Directors from over 14 countries including Russia responded to an international survey conducted this year. The main aim of Barometer was to collect and analyse information about the CFO's job responsibilities, qualifications and career opportunities. Olga Emelyanova, who presented the survey summed up her speech "In the time of uncertainty CFOs have to improve their management skills and strategic thinking, to be oriented towards their team, to be flexible and look for new market opportunities".