Opinion
Breaking the "Growth Anchors": How CFOs Can Unlock Growth Potential in a Low-Growth Economy
Although economic optimism is rising, CFOs still contend with challenges such as low growth, cost pressures, and rising capital costs. Gartner defines this environment as a "deadweight economy." A decade-long study shows that some "efficient growth companies" have successfully achieved simultaneous revenue and profit growth by removing internal "growth anchors"—such as cumbersome approval processes and short-sighted performance metrics—rather than simply encouraging risk-taking. Through multiple case studies, the article elaborates on specific strategies for identifying and eliminating these internal obstacles.
Lessons from the F-35B Fighter Jet Crash: How Enterprises Can Avoid the 'Swiss Army Knife' Project Trap
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet crashed in South Carolina on September 17, with preliminary causes pointing to a 'malfunction.' The aircraft costs approximately $100 million per unit. The total cost of the F-35 program has ballooned from an estimated $34.4 billion in 2001 to $57.5 billion, with a full lifecycle cost nearing $1.7 trillion. The root issue lies in the overly complex scope—attempting to use a common platform to meet the diverse needs of three military branches, leading to uncontrolled customization costs. Corporate executives should take this as a lesson: before launching large strategic projects, they must clearly define scope, simplify requirements, rigorously assess feasibility, and bring in project management experts for objective estimates to avoid falling into a 'money pit.'
Coming Out of the Shadows: Making AI Use Transparent in Organizations
As AI features are embedded in enterprise software and employees privately use public AI tools, shadow AI has become a new challenge for organizations. Written by Clark Hill data privacy lawyer Myriah Jaworski, cybersecurity lawyer Melissa Ventrone, and CIO/CSO Eric Rouseau, this article dissects the various forms of shadow AI and provides a set of response strategies including employee surveys, policy development, technical monitoring, and cross-departmental governance to help enterprises identify and manage unofficial AI use, reducing security and compliance risks.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Optimize the Monthly Close Process
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly transforming the accounting industry, and financial leaders need to adopt these technologies quickly to stay competitive. Tony Klimas, President of Horváth US, points out that by integrating AI and ML tools, companies can automate over 70% of a typical close process, shorten close time to the third day of each month, and allow finance teams to focus on high-value activities. The article explores pathways to technology-driven close modernization, common obstacles, and best practices.
Say Goodbye to 'Elimination Anxiety': Financial Planning and Analysis Professionals Who Don't Embrace AI Risk Being Left Behind
In the field of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), resistance to AI may signal a bleak career outlook. Author Drew Murphy believes that AI has already become deeply integrated into daily work, and professionals should proactively embrace this technological wave, using tools like ChatGPT to improve efficiency and avoid being left behind by the times.
Accounts Payable Automation: A Smart Choice for CFOs to Achieve Return on Investment
For CFOs seeking a positive return on investment through digital transformation, automating accounts payable (AP) functions may be one of the most reliable paths. Drawing on Medius's 2022 global research and the practical case of Tuff Shed, this article analyzes the multiple benefits of AP automation in reducing operational costs, decreasing staff turnover, improving cash discount utilization, and preventing invoice fraud, and points out that it helps alleviate pressure on finance teams and frees up human resources to focus on strategic priorities.
Cyber attackers escalate tactics, enterprises need to prepare recovery plans
With frequent high-profile and sophisticated ransomware attacks, cyber threats have entered the agenda of corporate executives. Financial institutions are particularly at risk, yet most central banks and regulatory bodies have not established corresponding defenses. Even with response plans in place, attacks can still cause disruption. Data shows that most enterprises ultimately violate their 'no ransom payment' policy. This article suggests that beyond monitoring and detection tools, immutable backup storage, the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy, hiring 'breach consultants,' and cross-departmental communication are often overlooked elements in recovery plans.
How CFOs Can Shed the 'Dr. No' Role and Win More Loyal Customers
In customer service, companies often face the dilemma of choosing between 'human touch and automation,' with CFOs frequently playing the role of 'Dr. No' who only counts costs and overlooks benefits. However, experts at AlixPartners point out that with AI and machine learning, companies can simultaneously achieve cost efficiency and customer intimacy, boosting renewal rates and customer lifetime value.
Whiskey Meets Blockchain: A CFO's Perspective
Andrew Kennard, CFO of Metacask in London, writes that blockchain technology is entering traditional industries such as whiskey cask trading. Drawing on his own experience, he analyzes how this technology enables digital ownership certificates through NFTs, solves the problem of paper certificates not being recognized by warehouses, and provides producers with tools for asset tracking and sustainability proof, ultimately improving efficiency and profitability.
Family Businesses Should Revisit Private Equity: A Strategic Choice from Exclusion to Win-Win
Family businesses contribute over half of U.S. private-sector GDP, yet only 40% transition to the second generation. When facing sale decisions, common biases against private equity may cause owners to miss valuable opportunities. This article analyzes PE's unique value in retaining control, providing liquidity, supporting M&A-driven growth, and navigating uncertain markets, recommending that owners adopt an open mindset to include PE as an option.