CFOs Need Greater Real Time Data to Pivot from Measuring to Creating Value Amid COVID-19, Accenture Report Finds

Rhea-AI Summary

Accenture's recent report reveals that 99% of CFOs recognize the importance of real-time data, yet only 16% are effectively utilizing it. The survey of 450 finance leaders identifies key challenges for 2021, including rising interest rates (49%), pandemic disruptions (47%), and talent retention (42%). Despite these concerns, 33% of finance budgets are being allocated to real-time operations, with larger firms committing 50%. The report emphasizes that implementing real-time processes is crucial for agility and growth, though 58% of CFOs cite talent acquisition as a major hurdle.

Positive

• 99% of CFOs believe real-time data is crucial for navigating disruptions.
• 33% of finance department budgets are allocated to building real-time operations.
• Large U.S. companies plan to invest at least 50% of their finance budgets in real-time capabilities.

Negative

• Only 16% of CFOs effectively use real-time data at the needed scale.
• 58% of CFOs are concerned about hiring the right talent for implementation.
• 43% believe technology is a significant barrier to implementing real-time processes.

As chief financial officers (CFO) continue to grapple with ongoing business disruptions from COVID-19, a new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN) found finance leaders need more real-time data to pivot from measuring to creating value.

The new report from Accenture surveyed 450 CFOs and other finance leaders at companies with at least $1B in annual revenue. A key finding: While nearly all (99%) respondents believe operating with real-time data is critical to navigating disruptions, such as COVID-19 or the threat of a recession, just 16% of respondents are being informed by such data at the scale that’s needed.

“CFOs have more data at their fingertips than anyone else in the company,” said Manish Sharma, group chief executive of Accenture Operations. “Operating with real-time data puts the CFO in a unique position to drive positive change for the business, pivoting the finance function from measuring value to creating value and driving growth.”

When asked about the greatest areas of concern to their business for 2021, CFOs most often cited the potential impact of rising interest rates (cited by 49%), disruption from the pandemic (47%), economic recession (47%), and hiring and retaining the right talent (42%). Given the complexity of these challenges, the majority (68%) believe that a real-time financial model — which makes use of AI, machine learning algorithms and real-time, diverse data sets — will be critical to enabling better business decisions, more-accurate forecasting models and improved data accuracy.

Even during the pandemic, respondents said they’re investing, on average, 33% of their finance department’s budget this year to building real-time operations and processes. Large U.S. companies — i.e., those with at least US$10 billion in annual revenue — appear even more committed to such a capability, saying they intend to invest at least 50% of their (2020-2021) finance-department budgets in this area. Roughly two-fifths (44%) of respondents said they plan to have nearly all finance processes and operations in real-time over the next three years.

“If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that businesses that thrive in an unpredictable environment do so by being agile and swiftly adapting to change,” said Dr. Christian Campagna, Ph.D., who leads Accenture’s CFO and Enterprise Value network. “Not only do finance leaders need to outmaneuver uncertainty, but also leverage an intelligent finance operating model that draws upon data, applied intelligence, digital technologies and human talent to give them the speed they need to make the enterprise succeed.”

While these advantages are well-known, finance leaders also face a variety of challenges in implementing these processes. For example, real-time scenario planning topped the list of CFO priorities for 2021 (cited by 34% of respondents), but 58% of respondents expressed concern about identifying or hiring the right talent to implement this capability. While roughly a fourth (24%) of respondents cited real-time insights as highest priority for their company’s finance function, roughly two-fifths (43%) believe that technology is the most significant barrier to implementation, with slightly fewer (39%) citing the same for strategy know-how. Technology was also seen as a barrier to implementing continuous close (43%) and continuous accounting (40%).

“Implementing real-time processes isn’t easy, but CFOs today must move at the pace of their business to minimize risk and uncertainty and open up new opportunities for business growth,” said Manoj Shroff, who leads Accenture’s intelligent finance operations offering. “By embracing change and pivoting to intelligent operations, the role of the finance function is increasingly elevated while positioning the company for growth.”

Learn more about intelligent finance operations.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services—all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 514,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

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FAQ

What did Accenture's report reveal about CFOs and real-time data?

The report showed that 99% of CFOs find real-time data critical, but only 16% utilize it effectively.

What are the primary concerns of CFOs for 2021 according to Accenture?

CFOs are primarily concerned about rising interest rates (49%), pandemic disruptions (47%), and talent retention (42%).

How much budget are CFOs allocating to real-time operations?

CFOs are investing an average of 33% of their finance department’s budget in real-time operations.

What barriers do CFOs face when implementing real-time processes?

CFOs face challenges in hiring talent (58%) and cite technology as a significant barrier (43%).

How committed are large U.S. companies to investing in real-time capabilities?

Large U.S. companies plan to invest at least 50% of their finance budgets in real-time capabilities.