A CFO's task is to stay on top of things at all times. In this presentation, I have jotted 9 words and tasks that every CFO must have on top of their minds at all times. Follow the link for more presentations: vimeo.com/maureeneoconnell

2. Introduction
 The days of Chief Financial Officers being merely
number-crunching bookkeepers are long gone.
 When both profit and sustainability carry equal
weightage when measuring a business’ value, you must
renew your dictionary and lead your charge to thrive
even in the future.
 In this presentation we will see 9 essentials words every
CFO must bookmark and practice.

3. 1) Balance
 Show the bright side when others are pessimistic and
be cynical when they are optimistic
 A CFO’s job is to learn the truth from every angle and
produce an informative, balanced report for the CEO.

4. 2) Capital
Work out capital requirements using the 4Ws-1H system:
why, when, where, how, what?
 Why do you need capital?
 When do you need it?
 Where exactly will it be employed?
 How will you raise it?
 What will be the cost of raising it and what will it deliver?

5. 3) Collaboration
 You are directly or indirectly answerable to all
stakeholders: customers, the CEO, the Board of
Directors and your team.
 Create robust reporting strategies and flows of
information.
 Work synergistically to create maximum output and
profitability at minimum cost.

6. 4) Growth
 Make or buy?
 Create or outsource?
 Spend or borrow?
 Accelerate or brake?
It’s your job to make the decisions that will drive the
organization towards enduring growth.

7. 5) Insight
 Large volumes of data are of little use if they cannot be
interpreted to deliver useful outcomes.
 A CFO is responsible for analysing financial data and
offering insights for top-level decision-making.

8. 6) Investment
 Continuously work upon cutting costs and raising quality
standards.
 Invest wisely in talent and technology to optimize both
for enhanced profitability.

9. 7) Learning
 Learn continuously, through both formal study or
informal discussions.
 Encourage regular training so your team remains up-to-
date with the latest in the financial arena.

10. 8) Renewal
 Escalators made stairwells look ancient; revolving,
glass doors replaced iron gates. The advent of
television made the radio almost obsolete; the Internet
seems to be doing the same thing to television.
 Newer media and devices will arrive in the future.
 Remain open to change and embrace them quickly and
productively to meet your end requirements.

11. 9) Troubleshoot
 Bad debts, fraud and breaches of trust are not
uncommon in large companies.
 While you already do your best to minimize risk, you
must also know how to manage crises when they arise.
 Maintain contingency funds and stay ready to tackle
challenges.
 Your business’ goodwill – and your job – may well be on
the line.

12. To Conclude…
 Remember, that your job involves counting beans as
well as shaking hands; analyzing past trends and
predicting the future; following tradition as well as
doing away with stifling processes.
 More than anything else, it is your job to find a way –
or make one – to lead your organization to a
flourishing tomorrow.

13. Maureen O'Connell
Maureen O’Connell is currently the Executive VP,
CFO and CAO for Scholastic Incorporation
(NASDAQ: SCHL). Finance and Accounting are
her forte.
She also excels in Administrative Functions such
as Strategic Planning & Business Development,
Global Operations & IT and Human Resources.