CFO Role Expands to Strategic Driver, Demanding Integrated Systems

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role has evolved significantly, shifting from a purely numbers-focused position to a crucial strategic player within executive leadership. Erika Rönnquist Hoh, Sweden Country Manager at SD Worx, emphasizes that today's CFOs are tasked with leading business transformations, comprehending complex technologies, and driving the company's strategic agenda. This expanded scope necessitates a combination of broad analytical skills, covering macroeconomic trends, AI insights, product portfolios, and future competency requirements, alongside robust leadership capabilities. Rönnquist Hoh underscores the vital importance of adequate system support, cautioning that its absence can lead to strategic decisions being based on inaccurate data. She argues that a company's strategic objectives should guide its system choices, rather than the reverse, as insufficient or outdated systems can result in inefficiencies and legal complications. Patrik Vesterberg, Commercial Director at SD Worx Sverige, highlights a common pitfall: selecting systems without a thorough needs analysis. He advocates for a more effective approach: identifying the optimal systems for each specific area and integrating them intelligently to ensure seamless information flow. This integrated approach supports strategic decision-making and facilitates automation. Furthermore, the 'HR & Payroll Pulse 2025' report reveals that talent acquisition continues to be a considerable challenge. The report indicates that 41 percent of Swedish companies are currently facing labor shortages, highlighting broader workforce concerns that impact businesses.