In this episode James Kennedy engages with Ben Mekie, CFO & Founder of Acuity Associates. They delve into the evolution of the CFO role in today’s business landscape and explore the five key competencies that define an effective CFO.
About Ben Mekie and Acuity Associates: Ben Mekie is the visionary behind Acuity Associates, a firm renowned for its innovative approach to assessing and enhancing the performance of finance teams. The Acuity Method™, developed by Ben’s team, is an assessment tool that has refined the capabilities of finance professionals across 500 companies, validating a wide array of skills from Excel proficiency to strategic financial management.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Rise of the Modern CFO: Understanding how the role of CFOs has evolved to be more integral to strategic business growth.
- Five Key CFO Competencies:
- Strategist: Developing coherent plans that align with strategic business objectives.
- Catalyst: Harmonizing understanding and assumptions across the business.
- Business Partner: Collaborating beyond the finance department to address and support wider business objectives.
- Custodian: Safeguarding the financial health of the organization by setting and monitoring financial plans.
- Scorer: Ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with reporting and regulatory obligations.
Episode Highlights:
- “Ben, can you describe how the CFO’s role has transformed in the modern workplace?”
- “What are the five key competencies of a modern CFO, and why are they crucial for business growth?”
- “How does The Acuity Method™ help in identifying and cultivating these competencies?”
Beyond Financial Management, Ben Mekie’s expertise extends to pioneering a methodology that ensures finance teams are not only qualified but are also capable performers who can significantly impact their organizations’ success.
