The roles of finance professionals are changing. There is an expectation for finance organisations to take on a broader role in terms of providing management information and analysis and become more influential in how the organisation is managed. In forward-looking organisations, finance is evolving from a focus on transactions and cost efficiency to a broader focus that covers decision support and strategy.

How finance takes on this broader role in serving the business in the future has implications for the types of skills needed and the development of those skills. The AICPA and CIMA have created three tools to help finance organisations effectively address these changes.

1. How to use SWOT analysis for finance organisation transformation
2. Mentoring for success: A how-to guide
3. Effective communication skills

These tools can be used singly or in combination by an individual or the entire finance team.