As the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) advances the development of a pan-European standard for CFO competencies through Technical Committee 476 (CEN/TC 476), understanding the stakeholder landscape is critical. While this initiative originates in the EU, its effects are global. To make this relatable to an international audience, this article uses South Africa as a case study to demonstrate how countries outside the EU, especially in the Global South, can identify and mobilize similar structures. For every stakeholder group listed in South Africa, readers from other countries will find parallel institutions with equivalent mandates and responsibilities in their own national contexts.
Professional Bodies and Financial Institutes
Professional associations are key players in national finance ecosystems. While they will play an important role in disseminating and supporting the new CFO standard, through CPD, qualifications, and advisory services, the evolution of international guidance frameworks increasingly calls for cohesive coordination across jurisdictions.
The International CFO Alliance (ICFOA), through its growing global network, has positioned itself as a leading platform for the collective stewardship of this process. ICFOA brings together CFO-led associations from various regions to ensure the implementation of the CEN standard is both contextually relevant and globally coherent.
Rather than acting autonomously, professional bodies may, over time, find value in aligning with broader initiatives, such as shared accreditation frameworks, international registers, and peer-reviewed credentialing mechanisms, that reflect a growing consensus under ICFOA’s collaborative architecture.
- South Africa:
- Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA) – focuses on inclusive CFO and SME development and an ICFOA member.
- South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) – the largest auditing-focused professional body.
- South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) – representing general accountants.
- Global Parallels:
- ICAEW (UK), CPA Canada, CPA Australia, AICPA (USA), OEC (France), ICAB (Caribbean)
As the CEN standard becomes publicly accessible, these national institutions may increasingly look to ICFOA for thought leadership, peer collaboration, and access to potential global frameworks designed to support recognition, credibility, and consistency in CFO development.
Regulatory and Standards Authorities
These bodies are responsible for the national qualifications frameworks, quality assurance of education, and overall workforce readiness. Their involvement ensures the CFO standard is formally recognised and embedded within national policy.
- South Africa:
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – oversees qualification registration and level alignment.
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) – develops occupational curricula and assessment criteria.
- National Treasury – governs public financial management and national fiscal policy.
- Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), National Planning Commission – shape industrial policy and skills development.
- Global Parallels:
- Ofqual (UK), ESQA (EU), U.S. Department of Education, AQF (Australia), and India’s National Skill Development Agency (NSDA).
These entities ensure the CFO competency model is not only recognized but applied across sectors.
Higher Education and Executive Training Institutions
Academic institutions form the supply pipeline for future CFOs. Their alignment with the standard ensures graduates are fit for purpose and internationally competitive.
- South Africa:
- Stellenbosch Business School, UCT GSB, GIBS, UNISA SBL – all offer MBAs and finance-focused executive training.
- Global Parallels:
- INSEAD, HEC Paris, IE Business School, Harvard Business School, Wharton, London Business School – institutions with global alumni networks and influence on leadership education.
Curriculum content, instructional design, and assessment models will need recalibration to ensure graduates meet the knowledge, skill, and behavioural competencies outlined in the new standard.
Multinational Corporations and Listed Firms
Large firms will likely be among the first employers to internalize the standard due to their cross-border structures and need for harmonized talent frameworks.
- South African Examples: Discovery (insurance and health innovation), Shoprite (retail), Sasol (energy and chemicals), MTN (telecom), Standard Bank (banking).
- Global Parallels: Shell, SAP, Nestlé, Siemens, TotalEnergies, Tata Group – with finance operations spanning multiple jurisdictions.
These organisations will benefit from:
- Clear benchmarking for CFO recruitment
- Alignment across international subsidiaries
- Consistent and measurable leadership development programs
Executive Search Firms and HR Platforms
Search firms and HR tech providers will translate the standard into practical recruitment tools, enabling systematic evaluation of candidates.
- Global Firms: Korn Ferry, Egon Zehnder, Heidrick & Struggles, Odgers Berndtson – often engaged in CFO placements globally.
- HR Platforms: SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, Workday – enterprise solutions integrating talent management modules.
Their systems will embed the CEN-defined competencies to:
- Create digital role profiles
- Support data-driven hiring decisions
- Ensure standardised onboarding and career development pathways
CPD Providers and E-learning Platforms
The emergence of modular, on-demand education makes CPD providers key players in the dissemination of new competencies. These platforms will deliver accessible and scalable learning aligned with the new standards.
- South Africa: SA Accounting Academy, Milpark Education, CIBA CPD Centre
- Global Parallels: LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, edX, GetSmarter, FutureLearn
Expected developments:
- Certified CFO Programmes benchmarked to EN standards
- Bite-sized micro-credentials in risk management, ESG, treasury, and leadership
- Blockchain-based digital certificates for global portability and verification
Conclusion: South Africa as a Mirror for Global Adoption
By using South Africa as a comparative lens, this article illustrates how each country can mobilize its own institutional ecosystem, professional bodies, regulators, business schools, employers, and service providers, to prepare for the adoption of the new CFO standards.
These standards are not just technical instruments; they are catalysts for professional maturity and global interoperability in financial leadership. As CEN/TC 476 progresses, countries that actively recognize and empower their equivalents to engage in the rollout will gain a strategic advantage in global talent development and capital market trust.
Looking ahead, the International CFO Alliance is increasingly viewed as a central forum for international dialogue, collaboration, and shared infrastructure. While still under active consultation, emerging concepts—such as global credentials, partner accreditation, and digital registries—reflect ICFOA’s potential to act as a trusted integrator of national efforts into a coherent and forward-looking global system.
Official Sources
- CEN Official Website
- CEN/TC 476 page (via UNI or CEN)
- Hosted by UNI (Italy’s national standard body, the secretariat for TC 476)
- CEN Work Programme & Strategy 2030
- ICFOA Website