The document discusses the findings from the Q1 2016 Adaptive Insights CFO Indicator survey, which polled 377 global CFOs regarding their financial forecasting amid economic uncertainty. CFOs express confidence in their forecasting abilities due to data analytics, though they are concerned about external economic factors. Key themes include the importance of scenario planning, the transformative role of big data, and evolving technology infrastructure, notably the shift towards SaaS solutions.

1. The
Agile CFO:
Navigating Economic Uncertainty
with Data Insights
CFOs planning for multiple scenarios to ensure
organizations are prepared for any situation.

2. The Adaptive Insights CFO Indicator Q1 2016 surveyed 377
global CFOs to understand trends in financial forecasting during
increased market and economic uncertainty. We found that
although CFOs are worried about
regional economic uncertainty,
they are confident about their
forecasting capabilities,
thanks to their proficiency in harnessing data
analytics to plan for multiple scenarios.

3. CFOs map multiple courses for 2016
Which of the following scenarios are
likely to take place in 2016?*
SALES REVENUE
WILL INCREASE
49%
SALES REVENUE
WILL DECREASE
30%
PRIVATE COMPANY
VALUATIONS
WILL DECREASE
25%
M&A ACTIVITY
WILL INCREASE
30%
* Could select multiple answers.

4. * Could select multiple answers.
And are concerned about
external macroeconomic factors
67%
are concerned about
economic uncertainty
in their region*

5. * Could select multiple answers.
During a market contraction, how a CFO
can provide the most strategic value*
:
48%
plan for multiple
scenarios
Growing uncertainty spotlights
scenario planning, data analysis

6. * Could select multiple answers.
Growing uncertainty spotlights
scenario planning, data analysis
Business attributes most beneficial
to the performance of the CFO*
:
65%
59%
38%
Technical and
analytical skills
Experience with
transformation and
innovation
Industry
experience

7. * Could select multiple answers.
CFOs with CEO aspirations
must broaden their expertise
Top perceptions CFOs must overcome
to become CEOs*
:
54%
40%
33% 30% 28%
Perceived as safeguards and not visionaries
Lack of commercial (non-finance) experience
Lack of big-picture vision Overly narrow focus
Not perceived as growth drivers

8. * Could select multiple answers.
Big data and analytics are transforming
the CFO role, creating strategic value
Factors that will have the biggest effect on the future role of the CFO*
:
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Big data and analytics
Embedding finance function
across business units
Talent management/skill shortages
in the finance organization
Uncertain environment combined
with rapid pace of change
Technology

9. * Could select multiple answers.
Big data and analytics are transforming
the CFO role, creating strategic value
What are the CFO initiatives that can bring
most strategic value to the organization?*
Applying financial
data analysis to
achieve profitability
and growth
Applying financial
data analysis to
derive new
operating models
Improving
forecasting
capabilities
78%75%
51%

10. Big data and analytics are transforming
the CFO role, creating strategic value
* Could select multiple answers.
CFOs Shift Priorities*
ensuring
compliance
talent
management
overseeing
corporate
governance
talent
managment
transforming
financial data
into intelligence
leveraging IT for evolving
market opportunities
&
overseeing corporate
governance
2016
2019

11. CFOs invest in tech, predict a
SaaS infrastructure future
The most important technology investment to
support strategic finance activities:
56%
Dashboards
and analytics

12. CFOs invest in tech, predict a
SaaS infrastructure future
CFOs forecast their IT infrastructure will increasingly
rely on SaaS over the next four years:
33%
SaaS
infrastructure
2016
60%SaaS infrastructure
by 2020

13. Copyright 2016 Adaptive Insights. All rights reserved.
The Adaptive Insights CFO Indicator reveals what is top of mind for CFOs, as well as unveils
key attributes that define the strategic CFO. The Q1 2016 report surveyed 377 chief financial
officers across the globe over a period of 14 days ending March 28, 2016. As this was not a
probability-based sample, calculating the theoretical margin of sampling error is not applicable.
Today’s agile CFO knows that while
you can’t control the winds, you
can adjust the sails.
For more insights from the Q1 2016
CFO Indicator survey, download the full report.
www.adaptiveinsights.com/agile-cfo