AAFCPAs’ 2021 CFO Survey Finds Data Management Is Catalyst for Change

Posted on

AAFCPAs CFO Survey Report: Insight from CFOs on Data UseCFOs seek better inputs, predictability, and the talent to translate data

Boston, MA (August 10, 2021) – AAFCPAs, a best-in-class CPA and consulting firm known for assurance, tax, accounting, wealth management, valuation, business process, and IT advisory solutions, today released its 2021 CFO Survey Report. The survey found that across the board, CFOs are prioritizing better data gathering, interpretation, and visualization in order to improve decision-making after a historically unpredictable year.

Among the survey’s key findings were:

  • CFOs believe that a focus on the future is more important today than it was four years ago.
  • Collecting predictive and prescriptive analytics is a pain point for CFOs. These types of data enable a shift from a historical perspective to a forward-looking perspective.
  • Limitations in staffing and systems topped the list of major challenges in turning insight into actionable business value.
  • 49% of respondents (up from 33% in 2017) said that human resources limitations/team bandwidth is the primary obstacle to meeting CEO expectations.

“CFOs told us through this survey that the way they perceive and use data is at a new evolutionary stage,” said James Jumes, Partner and head of Business Process and IT Consulting at AAFCPAs. “The pandemic accelerated the need for different types of forecasting data –but it also accelerated the development of tools that can help interpret it. CFOs have an excellent opportunity to create a competitive advantage by playing a pivotal role in this transformation.”

The AAFCPAs’ 2021 CFO Survey was conducted in collaboration with FEI Boston (Financial Executives International Boston Chapter). The survey captured feedback from more than 200 senior financial executives from the Northeast region of the United States, with 80% of respondents representing middle market companies in New England, from public and private sector commercial business, nonprofit, and government.

The report is available for download at https://www.aafcpa.com/cfo-survey-report-2021 


About the Authors

James Jumes

James Jumes, MBA, M.Ed.

James joined AAFCPAs in 2013 to lead the firm’s Business Process & IT Consulting practice. He leads a team of senior technologist in the delivery of solutions related to business intelligence & productivity, information risk management and cybersecurity, and special IT attestations, compliance, and certifications. His goal is to strengthen the links between people, process, and technology, which increases productivity and drives business growth. James has more than 30 years of experience working with information technology …
Vassilis Kontoglis

Vassilis Kontoglis

Vassilis has 20+ years’ proven experience providing business intelligence, productivity, information risk management, and cybersecurity solutions. He is a critical resource in keeping clients and the firm on the forefront of transformative technologies while mitigating risks that come along with these advancements. Vassilis leads the delivery of Robotic Process Automation solutions at AAFCPAs. He understands the unique requirements to achieve RPA success, including proper design, planning, implementation, and governance. He works collaboratively with clients and cross-functional …