The uniformity of work is no more. Now people are working in an array of different ways. The evolution of the workplace took a giant leap into the unknown in 2020, and we are still navigating from there. Only now are we starting to analyse and assess finance effectiveness and success in a hybrid environment and SSCs. This includes integrating the practices of business partnering, learning expansion of existing skills, and trainings in emerging skills. In concert, these are integral components of the evolution of the workplace.
This emerging theme report articulates the interview and roundtable findings of AICPA & CIMA’s Future of Finance 2.0 research. It presents and discusses practitioners’ views on the evolution of the finance profession since the original research of 2019 and the implications of the pandemic and other change drivers that are affecting our working lives. This research confirms that hybrid work, CoE, and business partnering are the key elements, shaping the workplace of tomorrow and the environment and relationships in which finance can thrive. Despite its numerous challenges and ever-increasing dynamism, finance teams are well placed to lead the way to an effective, improved, and responsible way of working and living. By acquiring and improving the relevant technical and business skills, through talent recruitment and retention within a positive culture of DEI, the finance profession will be enabled to offer and drive further value, leading to positive organisational outcomes.
