Building a Future-Ready Finance Team: Skills, Adaptability, and the Role of Executive Search

Future-Ready Finance Team

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, finance teams play an instrumental role in guiding companies towards sustainable growth. The classic image of the finance professional crunching numbers in isolation has evolved. The modern finance professional is an analytical thinker, a strategic planner, and above all, adaptable to technological advancements. Building such a team is no small feat, and it requires a refined approach to talent acquisition and management.

The Evolving Role of the Finance Team

The traditional function of the finance team, which was primarily centered around bookkeeping, budget management, and compliance, has undergone a significant metamorphosis. Today, finance professionals are not just number crunchers; they are strategic allies, technological evangelists, and visionary planners. Their scope and influence have spread across various facets of a business, making them indispensable players in an organization’s growth journey.

  • Strategic Decision Makers: Financial insights are crucial for informed decision-making, be it exploring new market opportunities or devising product strategies. For instance, when Adobe transitioned from selling packaged software to a cloud-based subscription model, its finance team would have been central in analyzing potential revenue shifts, customer retention metrics, and long-term profitability. This transition, which turned out to be immensely successful, underscores the pivotal role of finance in strategic business decisions.
  • Technological Integration: As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools and platforms, finance teams are at the forefront of integrating these technologies. They assess the ROI of tech investments, ensuring that technologies like AI, data analytics, and automation yield desired results. A study by Gartner highlighted that by 2020, 36% of enterprises believed their financial software applications were integral to their digital technology strategy.
  • Risk Management and Forecasting: The volatility of today’s markets demands meticulous risk assessment. Finance teams analyze market trends, geopolitical factors, and industry shifts to predict potential risks and devise strategies to mitigate them. For instance, in light of the recent global economic uncertainties, finance teams across sectors played a vital role in devising contingency plans, ensuring business continuity.
  • Champions of Sustainability: With increasing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors in investment decisions, finance professionals are also becoming champions of sustainability. They are instrumental in aligning a company’s financial objectives with its social and environmental responsibilities. A survey by Ernst & Young found that 98% of CFOs are increasingly involved in their organization’s sustainability initiatives.
  • Stewards of Organizational Culture: Financial policies and practices have a direct bearing on organizational culture. Benefits, compensation packages, investment in employee growth, and even CSR initiatives are influenced by financial decisions. In companies like Salesforce, which is renowned for its culture, the finance team collaboratively works with HR and leadership to ensure financial decisions bolster a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment.

The expanding role of finance is evident in its growing influence on both operational and strategic facets of businesses. With their finger on the pulse of market trends, technological advancements, and organizational goals, modern finance teams are much more than the custodians of fiscal health; they are the architects of sustainable growth.

Essential Skills for the Modern Finance Professional

In a dynamic corporate world, where technological prowess often dictates the pace of growth, finance professionals must continually adapt and upskill. Beyond numerical acumen, they now require a diverse skill set that aligns with modern business demands and the technological landscape.

  • Technological Proficiency: As more financial processes get automated and digitized, proficiency in tools such as AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics is becoming crucial. For example, JPMorgan Chase adopted COIN, an AI-driven program, which quickly interpreted commercial loan agreements, a task that previously consumed thousands of human hours.
  • Strategic Mindset: Financial strategies can make or break a company’s future. Hence, the ability to think long-term, anticipate market changes, and devise robust financial strategies is vital. Goldman Sachs’ foray into consumer banking with Marcus is a testament to strategic adaptability in the face of changing industry dynamics.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Acumen: With ever-evolving financial regulations, professionals must stay abreast of the latest changes. A report from Thomson Reuters revealed that financial firms were dealing with an average of 200 regulatory revisions a day. Ensuring compliance is thus crucial.
  • Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, and collaboration skills are equally vital. Finance professionals need to convey complex financial data in understandable terms to stakeholders and collaborate effectively across departments. Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, often emphasizes the importance of communication skills in the finance realm.

The Role of Executive Search in Building Robust Finance Teams

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and fluctuating global markets, the finance function’s role within an organization has never been more vital. As we’ve established, modern finance professionals must wear multiple hats – from data analysts to strategic planners. This evolving landscape necessitates the importance of executive search firms like Jennings Executive Search in curating finance teams equipped for today’s challenges.

  • Unearthing Hidden Talent: The best candidates aren’t always actively looking for new opportunities. According to a LinkedIn report, 70% of the global workforce consists of passive talent, not actively job seeking. Executive search firms have the networks and expertise to tap into this vast reservoir, ensuring companies have access to the very best in the field. For instance, many CFOs of Fortune 500 companies were once passive candidates who were identified and approached by executive search firms, showcasing the 
  • significant impact of such targeted talent acquisition strategies.
  • Tailored Skill-Matching: Beyond the basics, finance roles now demand proficiency in data analytics, AI, and even blockchain. An example can be seen in the case of JPMorgan Chase, which in recent years, has been heavily investing in AI and recruiting experts to navigate the intersection of finance and technology. Executive search firms play a pivotal role in identifying professionals who not only match the technical specifications but align with the company’s culture and long-term vision.
  • Risk Mitigation: Hiring at the executive level is high stakes. A wrong fit can cost a company immensely, not just in monetary terms but also in lost time and potential disruption. Heidrick & Struggles, a reputed executive search firm, conducted a study showing that companies could lose an average of $15 million annually due to poor leadership. The rigorous vetting processes of executive search firms significantly reduce such risks, ensuring a seamless fit that drives organizational growth.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse finance team can offer varied perspectives, fostering innovative solutions. Executive search firms are instrumental in promoting diversity. A recent report by Korn Ferry revealed that 85% of executives recognized the importance of diversity in improving their bottom lines. For instance, Mastercard’s finance team, led by CFO Sachin Mehra, is a testament to the benefits of diverse thought, propelling the company to new heights in financial innovation and stability.
  • Future-Proofing Organizations: The right finance leadership today can set the trajectory for a company’s future. When Satya Nadella took the helm at Microsoft, his strategic financial decisions, driven by a robust finance team, played a significant role in Microsoft’s renaissance. Executive search firms, with their keen understanding of market dynamics, ensure that organizations are not just filling a current vacancy but are setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.

In light of the multifaceted demands on modern finance teams, partnering with firms like Jennings Executive Search is not just a recruitment strategy—it’s an investment in the organization’s future, ensuring it’s equipped to navigate both present challenges and forthcoming opportunities.

Crafting the Future

Building a future-ready finance team is not just about hiring the right people but also about nurturing their growth, providing them with the tools and training they need, and creating an environment where they can thrive.

By partnering with seasoned executive search firms like Jennings, businesses can ensure that their finance teams remain at the forefront of industry advancements, driving growth, and ensuring stability in an ever-changing business world.

Daniel Wilkinson

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Client Success

DANIEL WILKINSON IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & CLIENT SUCCESS. HE BRINGS OVER TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN COMMERCIAL AND PRICING STRATEGY, HAVING HELD KEY LEADERSHIP ROLES AT DELTA AIR LINES AND DELTA VACATIONS. HIS CAREER IS MARKED BY A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN DRIVING SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INNOVATIVE DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIES, CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM LEADERSHIP, AND ENHANCED PROFITABILITY. DAN’S EXPERTISE IS IN HIS ABILITY TO INTEGRATE DATA ANALYTICS WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING, ENABLING ORGANIZATIONS TO OPTIMIZE THEIR REVENUE MANAGEMENT AND PRICING STRATEGIES IN DYNAMIC MARKET ENVIRONMENTS.

AT DELTA VACATIONS, DAN SERVED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC BUSINESS/IT PLANNING & REVENUE MANAGEMENT, WHERE HE SUCCESSFULLY LED TEAMS IN DELIVERING SCALABLE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, DEFINING GO-TO-MARKET STRATEGIES AND DRIVING SIGNIFICANT INCREMENTAL REVENUE AND PROFIT.

DAN RECEIVED A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE FROM TAYLOR UNIVERSITY AND AN MBA WITH A FINANCE CONCENTRATION FROM EMORY UNIVERSITY’S GOIZUETA BUSINESS SCHOOL.

Brian Banister

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

BRIAN BANISTER IS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. BRIAN HAS A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERIENCE, HAVING WORKED IN STRATEGY & CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS, AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTING ROLES FOR LEADING COMPANIES AND CLIENTS IN THE HOSPITALITY, REAL ESTATE, MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, AND TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, AND TELECOM (TMT) SECTORS. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AT DELOITTE & TOUCHE, WORKING AS A LICENSED CPA. AFTER DELOITTE, BRIAN PIVOTED INTO CORPORATE FINANCE, WHERE HE HELD POSITIONS IN STRATEGY & CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP (IHG) AND COX COMMUNICATIONS, AS WELL AS AN FP&A ROLE AT BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG). THESE ROLES ALLOWED BRIAN TO GAIN VALUABLE EXPOSURE IN AREAS LIKE CLIENT SERVICES, STRATEGIC CONSULTING & PLANNING, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS, AND M&A AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY.

BRIAN’S EDUCATION INCLUDES BOTH A MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREE AND A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

Lori Shad

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH PEOPLE IS OUR MISSION AND LORI’S PASSION AS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER WITH JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. SHE CONDUCTS THOROUGH RESEARCH ON EACH ROLE AND BUILDS STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH CANDIDATES TO HELP CONNECT PROFESSIONALS WITH THEIR NEXT GREAT OPPORTUNITY. LORI SPENT 22 YEARS AT A FORTUNE 500 INSURANCE COMPANY IN PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, SALES/BUSINESS CONSULTING, AND RECRUITING ROLES. SHE USES THIS EXPERIENCE AS SHE SEARCHES FOR THE BEST TALENT TO HELP DRIVE CLIENT SUCCESS FORWARD. SHE’S FOCUSED ON DELIVERING RESULTS AND GETS THERE THROUGH EFFICIENCY AND TENACITY WITH AN EMPATHETIC, COMPASSIONATE, FUN, GENUINE, AND POSITIVE APPROACH. SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING CLIENTS ACHIEVE BUSINESS OBJECTIVES THROUGH UNDERSTANDING NEEDS, CREATING INDIVIDUAL, DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS, AND SOLVING PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND TEAMWORK.

LORI GRADUATED WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

Justin Graves

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

JUSTIN GRAVES IS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

JUSTIN HAS A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES WORKING WITHIN PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY ACCOUNTING. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH PATHSTONE FAMILY OFFICE PREPARING TAX RETURNS FOR HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS IN THE ATLANTA AREA. IN JANUARY 2015, HE JOINED COHNREZNICK, LLP, A TOP 10 PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, IN AUDIT & ASSURANCE WORKING PRIMARILY IN THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING MARKET. PRIOR TO JOINING JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH, JUSTIN WORKED AT A FAST GROWING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, SS&C TECHNOLOGIES, WHERE HE WORKED IN THE REAL ASSETS DEPARTMENT DOING FUND ADMINISTRATION.

JUSTIN GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTANCY FROM OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY.

Justin Jennings

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

JUSTIN JENNINGS IS AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. HE COMES FROM THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY WITH 15 YEARS OF MEDICAL SALES EXPERIENCE. HE ATTRIBUTES HIS SUCCESS IN SALES TO LISTENING AND LEARNING FROM HIS CUSTOMERS AND ENJOYS THE PROCESS OF SOLVING PROBLEMS. HE IS SKILLED AT DEVELOPING THE RIGHT ACTION PLAN FOR EACH OF HIS CLIENT’S UNIQUE NEEDS AND COMMITTED TO HELPING THEM CHOOSE THE BEST SOLUTION. JUSTIN HAS TAKEN HIS SPIRIT AND PASSION FOR SELLING TO THE WORLD OF RECRUITING. HE HAS A GOAL OF SURPASSING HIS CLIENT’S EXPECTATIONS AND ASSISTING THEM WITH TALENT ACQUISITION.

JUSTIN GRADUATED WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT FROM GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. WHEN NOT AT WORK, YOU CAN FIND HIM ON HIS MOUNTAIN BIKE, THE GOLF COURSE, OR SKIING OUT WEST IN THE WINTERS.

Chip Locke

PRACTICE LEAD, TECHNOLOGY RECRUITING

CHIP LOCKE IS THE TECHNOLOGY RECRUITING PRACTICE LEAD FOR JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. CHIP BRINGS 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN TECHNOLOGY AND RECRUITING INCLUDING HANDS-ON WORK AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER AND BIG 4 SYSTEMS CONSULTANT. HE IS A TRUSTED CIO ADVISOR WITH EXPERIENCE ACROSS INDUSTRY VERTICALS AND A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS AND THE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF DELIVERY THAT ENABLE BUSINESS OPERATIONS. HIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES RECRUITING EXECUTIVES AND COLLABORATING ON STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF IT ORGANIZATIONS.

HIS CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES CAN BE FOUND AT COMPANIES RANGING IN SIZE FROM STARTUP TO FORTUNE 500 ACROSS AVIATION, ENERGY, FINANCE, HEALTHCARE, TECH, MANUFACTURING, RETAIL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS. CHIP GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WITH A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

Brian Gelfand

PARTNER

BRIAN GELFAND IS A PARTNER AT JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AT DELOITTE & TOUCHE IN AUDIT AND ENTERPRISE RISK SERVICES, WITH A FOCUS ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND REAL ESTATE INDUSTRIES. AT DELOITTE, BRIAN GAINED VALUABLE CORPORATE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR PUBLIC MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION, AND A NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION WITH OVER $10 BILLION IN ASSETS. BRIAN PASSED THE CPA EXAM BUT ULTIMATELY DECIDED ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH THEIR PEOPLE STRATEGIES WAS HIS PASSION.

BRIAN’S EDUCATION INCLUDES A MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY FROM KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY AND A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING FROM GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY

Jon Jennings

FOUNDER / MANAGING PARTNER

JON JENNINGS IS THE FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER OF JENNINGS EXECUTIVE SEARCH. ESTABLISHED IN 2014, HIS VISION WAS TO SHAPE A FIRM ANCHORED IN TRANSPARENCY AND VALUE CREATION. OVER THE YEARS, JON HAS HAD THE DISTINCT OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH AND LEARN FROM LEADING INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES, GLEANING INSIGHTS FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES AND COMBINING THIS KNOWLEDGE WITH THOROUGH RESEARCH. THIS HAS EQUIPPED HIM TO OFFER A DEEPER, MORE STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE ON ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN AND TALENT IDENTIFICATION. WITH AN INITIAL FOCUS IN FINANCE, THROUGH JON’S LEADERSHIP THE FIRM HAS PIVOTED INTO BROADER COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL STRATEGIES AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.

TOGETHER WITH HIS EXPERIENCED TEAM OF EX-CONSULTANTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS, JON COLLABORATES WITH PREMIER CONSULTING FIRMS TO ENHANCE THEIR PRACTICES. SIMULTANEOUSLY, HE ASSISTS PRIVATE EQUITY GROUPS AND THEIR PORTFOLIO COMPANIES IN REFINING AND FORTIFYING THEIR COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIC OPERATIONS.

THE CULMINATION OF THESE EFFORTS IS A BOUTIQUE FIRM THAT INC.COM CELEBRATED AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES. BETWEEN 2019 AND 2022, THE COMPANY WITNESSED A STAGGERING GROWTH RATE OF NEARLY 600%.