As regulators step up data analytics, companies must do the same

Complying with government document requests is becoming too difficult and risky without predictive analytics tools, an e-discovery specialist says.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 6, 2020

Siemens USA CFO: Outward-focused finance team essential

Computation skills must be the starting point, not the limiting factor, for staff to realize full potential, Marsha Smith says.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 3, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Compensation: solving the cost-talent puzzle

In today’s strong labor market, CFOs leery of raising wages find creative ways to find and retain key employees.

By CFO Dive staff

Costco CFO keeps close eye on working capital, inventory

Same-store sales for the members-only retail store rose more than 14% year-over-year in its most recent quarter, which Richard Galanti credits to consistent communication with merchants and suppliers.

By Jane Thier • Oct. 1, 2020

Companies lagging on LIBOR transition; lawsuits expected

There's little chance regulators will delay the December 2021 transition because of the pandemic, specialists say. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 29, 2020

Harvard CFO: 'We cannot do everything everyone wants'

Thomas Hollister said the perception of Harvard University as having unlimited resources is false, and it can't "continue to deficit spend on an operating basis."

By Jane Thier • Sept. 24, 2020

CFO 'filled gas tank' at COVID-19 start to keep company growing

CMS software platform Contentful had a good cash position, but a quickly executed fundraise helped it stay focused on its North Star.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 24, 2020

Companies see 'fresh-start' accounting as way to improve post-bankruptcy odds

As the pandemic sends companies into bankruptcy, CFOs consider a reorganizational approach that creates a new entity with a new set of books.

By Ted Knutson • Sept. 23, 2020

Survey: Digital transformation in finance a key agility indicator

Almost a third of CFOs said several financial digital transformation initiatives have stalled or stagnated amid the pandemic, at great cost to their organizations, a Workday survey found.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 23, 2020

Modeling skills a key shift in FP&A teams, CFOs say

The pandemic has accelerated the trend of new finance hires being expected to bring modeling competency to improve predictive analytics capabilities.  

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 22, 2020

Lime CFO aims for profitability in 2021

As the dockless scooter startup pursues profitability, Andrea Ellis said the company is working towards its ultimate goal — "owning" all trips under five miles.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 21, 2020

CFO: Crisis 'not a good time to slow down' on innovation

Shoring up cash and investing for growth can happen in tandem, Learn4Life Network finance leader Guita Sharifi says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 21, 2020

Why zero-based budgeting is back in style

The pandemic has driven firms to rethink how much product they're buying and how much they'll need to meet demand.

By Jen A. Miller • Sept. 20, 2020

Google CFO: In-person work 'key' to fostering innovation

Though Google is letting employees work remotely through July 2021, Ruth Porat said in-person collaboration "within teams and across teams" is critical.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 18, 2020

Dunkin' CFO: Company's westward expansion 'key' to future development

Dunkin's decision to remain open as competitors closed and to open new branches in the South and West have positioned it well for the future, its CFO said Tuesday.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 17, 2020

Starbucks CFO: Curbside expansion key to customer retention

Curbside is expected to be particularly helpful at drive-thru locations to prevent customers from driving away if lines are too long, CFO Pat Grismer said.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 17, 2020

How one CFO fleshes out the CEO's vision

Finance chiefs should bring structure to how company leadership considers opportunities, Arm CFO Inder Singh says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 16, 2020

Survey: CFOs expect rise in corporate tax rates, trade tensions, post-election

Of those CFOs who participated in the PwC survey, 39% said the federal government should implement a strategy to boost domestic production of essential goods to bolster the economy.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 15, 2020

Peloton CFO: Company doesn't 'want, or need, gyms to die' to maintain growth

Jill Woodworth said the company's total recorded workouts, reaching almost 77 million in the quarter, is the KPI of which she is most proud.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 14, 2020

Bankruptcy a tactical tool to win rent concessions

Despite the pandemic, landlords are unlikely to negotiate willingly, attorneys say.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 13, 2020

Nestlé CFO shares plans for 'sizable acquisitions' in the future

At a virtual Barclays conference Wednesday, Francois-Xavier Roger said the world's largest food manufacturer "has been very disciplined" while completing large acquisitions and expects more to come. 

By Jane Thier • Sept. 10, 2020

Freshly CFO: Metric definition key to sound business decisions

Unless a metric means the same thing to everybody, leaders can’t use it to drive a successful company strategy, Matt Hagel says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 10, 2020

Twitter CFO: 'You shouldn't be surprised' to hear TikTok acquisition rumors

Ned Segal said the company, which has acquired a number of apps since its 2013 IPO, is always looking to add "anything that accelerates [its] priorities." 

By Jane Thier • Sept. 9, 2020

High transparency culture can work against performance

When everyone knows how everyone else is doing, the most skilled will often lower their achievements to align with others, a study finds. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 8, 2020

Amid drop in sales, Urban Outfitters CFO opts to curtail inventory

"One of the most complex things we've been managing throughout the pandemic is just managing the sourcing network," Frank Conforti said.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 8, 2020

Pandemic shuffles companies' real estate strategies

Some asset classes are thriving while others face a flood of ghost properties. How finance leaders navigate the uncertainty over the next six months is crucial. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 6, 2020