CFO.com recently published an article about the rise of mergers & acquisitions … and the affect on CFOs. This statement in the article is not only true, but hopefully illuminating …
"I would say that being CFO is a vulnerable position," says Alain LeCouedic, partner with the Boston Consulting Group in Hong Kong. But, he adds, "CFOs who are seen as value drivers and who grasp the strategy of the new owner are just as likely to be seen as an ally."
True because this is the role of the “new” CFO. The desired CFO is strategic with a deep understanding of operations.
Illuminating because it drives home the point that it is not enough for a CFO to be great, his greatness must be visible to the people who need to know about him.
–Is your value proposition clear and compelling … does your record of performance speak louder than your experience and responsibilities?
–Have you built visibility among your target audience?
Both are imperative for positioning as a desireable candidate capable of beating out the competition.
Cindy, you’re article was so on-target. In any M&A, all positions are vulnerable, but the top three (CEO, COO, CFO) are truly exposed. The more nimble these leaders are at finding their new niche, the more valuable they become to all companies facing M&A. Nimbleness is not taught at business school – – but it should be. It’s important for survival in today’s business world.