A framework for a leadership model for a finance organization looking to create a finance team that is fully aligned with the business, driving shareholder value through timely, relevant, and accurate information - doing is efficiently and in compliance with all pertinent rules and regulations.

1. A
model
for
World-­‐Class
Finance
Leadership
Capabili7es
By
Malcolm
Gabriel
www.linkedin.com/in/malcolmgabriel
www.malcolmprestongabriel.wordpress.com

2. A
changing
environment
for
Finance
professionals
1. ShiEing
business
environment
demanding
a
more
broader
range
of
service
from
finance
professionals
2. Convergence
of
technologies
reduces
demand
for
lower
level
accoun7ng
services
3. Businesses
are
increasingly
more
interna7onal
requiring
services
like
compliance
with
foreign
government
regula7ons
4. Demographic
shiEs
affects
workplace
dynamics
for
talent
aNrac7on
and
reten7on
5. Business
are
more
complex
requiring
Finance
professionals
to
be
business
partners
with
a
generalist
orienta7on
Source:
Intuit 2020 Report: Future of the Accounting Profession. Feb 2011.
Accounting Today: Tax Profession Adapts to Change. Oct 30, 2012.

3. Example
of
a
Vision
of
a
World
Class
Finance
Organiza7on
1. A vision for a Finance organization is
needed to respond to the changing
environment
2. Example:
1. A finance team fully aligned with the business, driving
shareholder value through timely, relevant, and
accurate information.
2. Delivering value efficiently and in compliance with all
pertinent rules and regulations.
3. A business partner leadership model is
needed to implement this vision

4. How time is spent between traditional versus
business partner modes
Traditional Business Partner
Consulting
Research
Filing and Reporting
Supervision

5. Leadership
capabili7es
of
a
world-­‐class
Finance
organiza7on
1. Derived
aEer
interviews
with
key
finance
leaders
and
talent
2. Direct
observa7on
of
key
talent
behavior
in
client
mee7ngs
3. Interviews
with
key
business
leaders
about
what
they
expect
from
Finance
leaders
4. Workshop
with
top
Finance
leaders
at
all
levels
to
validate
observa7ons

6. FINANCE
leadership
capabili7es
that
drive
value
Effective Listener and High Energy for Results
Communicator Demonstrates and contagiously spreads
passion and energy for their work. Gets the
Listens attentively, clarifies for
job done. Holds self and others accountable
understanding, and adjusts communication
through follow up and communicating with a
style and format to different audiences in a
sense of urgency.
matrix organization.
Top Grader
Identifies and develops high potential,
and progressively manages low
Builds Partnerships and
performers. Continuously seeks out Alignment
top talent. Comfortably builds relationships across
functional expertise; dialogues with
operational leaders about their business,
Generalist proactively seeks alignment on issues
Asks probing and inquiring questions about and provides financial advice.
the business and cross functional problems
to quickly learn and apply concepts and
skills outside of functional expertise and
comfort zone.
Change Catalyst
Strong Business Acumen Proactively identifies opportunities for
Has a high acumen about the business and improvement, sells a vision, obtains
its operations, and are partners with commitment, and implements a well
operations leaders in identifying thought out process.
opportunities where finance can deliver
value to operational leaders.
Problem Solver
Intellectually curious about trends to problems and
Persistent & Resourceful hunts down information to identify and articulate
Leverages networks and resources where others “root cause”. “Connects the dots” and applies a
only see and are stalled by obstacles. Finds structured approach to solving problems.
creative ways to produce results by persuading
others against their pre-held views.

7. Implica7ons
for
Talent
Management
1. Launch
vision
and
train
leadership
traits
2. Adjust
your
search
strategy
3. Implement
talent
management
forums
4. Implement
development
rota7on
programs
5. Grow
your
bench
strength
6. Promote
only
those
that
demonstrate
leadership
excellence