As the world faces unprecedented challenges in sustainability, governance, and economic resilience, the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) is evolving rapidly. To capture this transformation, the International CFO Alliance (ICFOA) has launched the Global CFO Barometer, a comprehensive survey designed to understand how finance leaders are navigating these changes and driving sustainable growth in their organizations.
This initiative, supported by our esteemed sponsor Axys, highlights the commitment of global stakeholders to empower CFOs as pivotal players in shaping the future of business and sustainability.
What is the ICFOA?
The International CFO Alliance (ICFOA) is a global network dedicated to advancing the role of CFOs and finance professionals in tackling critical challenges. From economic recovery to environmental sustainability, the ICFOA provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership among finance executives worldwide.
As a network of forward-thinking CFOs, the ICFOA’s mission is to:
- Foster global collaboration: Connect CFOs and finance leaders across industries and regions to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices.
- Drive innovation: Equip finance professionals with the tools, frameworks, and strategies needed to integrate sustainability and ESG principles into core financial operations.
- Shape the future of finance: Advocate for policies and practices that enhance the resilience and sustainability of businesses on a global scale.
Through partnerships with leading organizations, including its sponsors Axys, the ICFOA ensures that CFOs are empowered to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world.
The Purpose of the CFO Barometer
The Global CFO Barometer is one of ICFOA’s flagship initiatives. It aims to provide actionable insights into how CFOs worldwide are addressing the dual challenge of driving financial performance while meeting sustainability and ESG goals.
This global survey explores:
- The evolving role of CFOs: How finance leaders are stepping into strategic positions to lead sustainability transformations.
- Barriers and opportunities: Key challenges faced by CFOs, such as regulatory requirements, financial constraints, and cultural shifts within organizations.
- Emerging trends: The adoption of new tools, technologies, and financial models to address sustainability and integrate ESG principles.
The findings from this survey will help shape global strategies, provide valuable benchmarks, and guide organizations in building a sustainable and resilient future.
Key Themes of the Barometer
1. CFOs as Drivers of Sustainability
The survey highlights how CFOs are increasingly taking the lead in sustainability by:
- Managing ESG risks and opportunities.
- Integrating sustainability criteria into budgeting, investment, and forecasting processes.
- Aligning financial strategies with corporate sustainability goals.
2. Overcoming Global Challenges
CFOs face common obstacles globally, including:
- High initial costs of sustainable projects.
- Difficulty in accessing reliable ESG data and tools.
- Balancing short-term financial performance with long-term sustainability goals.
Despite these challenges, CFOs are finding innovative ways to drive progress, demonstrating their adaptability and strategic importance.
3. Technology and Data Integration
The survey reveals a growing reliance on advanced tools for ESG reporting and analysis. From enterprise performance management (EPM) systems to specialized ESG reporting platforms, technology is enabling CFOs to make informed decisions and enhance transparency.
The Role of ICFOA Sponsors
The Global CFO Barometer is made possible through the generous support of Axys, who share ICFOA’s vision of empowering CFOs to lead the transition toward a sustainable future. These sponsors provide the resources and expertise necessary to amplify the impact of the Barometer and ensure its findings reach a global audience.
Their involvement underscores the importance of collaboration between finance professionals and industry leaders to drive meaningful change.
Why This Matters for CFOs Globally
The role of the CFO has transformed from being a numbers-focused executive to a strategic leader driving organizational change. The Global CFO Barometer offers CFOs an opportunity to:
- Benchmark their efforts against global peers.
- Gain insights into emerging trends and best practices.
- Influence the global conversation on sustainability and finance.
By participating, CFOs can ensure their voices are heard and their challenges are understood, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving finance landscape.
Get Involved
CFOs and finance leaders from around the world are invited to participate in the Global CFO Barometer. The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes and is a chance to contribute to shaping the future of finance and sustainability.
For more information about ICFOA and its initiatives, visit ICFOA.