Keeping Up with The Joneses - And Cloud, Data and ERP

CFOs Cite Staying Current with Technology As Biggest Source of Pressure in Accounting and Finance

TORONTO, April 30, 2015 /CNW/ - From transportation to communication to currency, technology is transforming nearly every field. Accounting is no exception, and research shows keeping up with technological advancements is the greatest source of pressure for the profession today.

In the Robert Half Management Resources survey, 58 per cent of chief financial officers (CFOs) said staying current with changing technology is the greatest pressure facing their accounting and finance teams. Nineteen per cent cited meeting regulatory compliance mandates.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 270 CFOs at Canadian companies.

CFOs were asked, "In general, what would you say is the single greatest pressure facing your accounting and finance function?" Their responses:

Keeping pace with changing technology	58%
Meeting regulatory compliance mandates	19%
Harnessing/managing big data	19%
Other	4%

"Technology is prevalent throughout accounting and finance, but companies are finding it difficult to keep up with changes and navigate the implementation of new systems to best serve their business," said David King, Canadian president of Robert Half Management Resources. "Successful companies are those that are able to take advantage of new tech tools to improve financial reporting systems, leverage the increased real-time availability of information for decision making, and create stronger internal controls."

King added that adopting new technologies requires finding individuals with the right skills and experience. "Organizations need accounting and finance staff who are proficient in enterprise resource planning software and are able to work with business intelligence tools to provide greater strategic guidance. Companies can attain this expertise through the right mix of consultants to help support specific projects from concept to completion, along with skilled full-time employees."  

About Robert Half Management Resources
Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has 150 locations worldwide and offers assistance to business leaders and consultants at roberthalfmr.com and on its blog at blog.roberthalfmr.com. Follow @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends

SOURCE Robert Half Management Resources

Robert Half Management Resources, 181 Bay Street, Suite 820, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3, Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, [email protected]