Going Beyond the Book 2023

2 | Going Beyond the Book 2023 [ MESSAGE FROM MD’S DESK ] Avinash Gupta Managing Director & CEO – India Dun & Bradstreet CFO as enabler of digital transformation Digital transformation and advanced technology have taken centre stage in the new world order to improve business continuity and performance. In fact, in the course of identifying the Finance Elite of 2023, we found that: • CFOs are playing a key role in facilitating digital transformation. • Over 80% of CFOs have implemented advanced financial systems and tools, and they have utilized data to make informed decisions. • Interestingly, half the CFOs stated that they leverage new, cutting-edge tech solutions such as AI/ML to drive organization’s financial operations, indicating that CFOs are keeping up with disruptive technology rather well. • CFOs can also contribute on the risk management side by identifying risks associated with digital transformation and ways to mitigate them to ensure a smooth digital transformation journey. CFO as champion of sustainability ‘Sustainability’ is another crucial area where CFOs can make a significant difference. • We found that 3 in 4 CFOs believe that addressing ESG in financial decisions may demonstrate their commitment to ethical and responsible financial practices. • The need of the hour is to develop and implement sustainable initiatives across the board, and there is significant opportunity to promote ESG through business investments and financing. And as the dynamics shift, bringing more responsibilities under their ambit, CFOs must reinvent and realign themselves to becoming a strategic partner to the CEO, an enabler of digital transformation and a champion of sustainability. Acknowledging this evolving role of the modern CFO, Dun & Bradstreet India is pleased to announce the release of its premier publication, Going Beyond the Book – Evolution of the Modern CFO, featuring ‘Dun & Bradstreet’s Finance Elite ’ The Finance Elite were recognized and honored at the inaugural edition of Dun & Bradstreet Finance Leadership Summit in September at a grand summit in Mumbai. The report is an exclusive gateway into the success mantra of the Finance Elite and explores the evolving skills and traits new age CFOs need to develop and hone to drive business resilience and sustainability. I trust you will enjoy reading the “Going Beyond the Book” publication as I eagerly look forward to your valuable feedback and suggestions. Dun & Bradstreet