The strategic CAO
New expectations, new opportunites
As stakeholders ask for more, a new CAO profile emerges
Chief Accounting Officers (CAOs) face a perfect storm of disruptive developments. Their traditional mandates as performance scorekeeper for the enterprise remains as important as ever. But stakeholders – the C-suite, regulators, the capital markets, customers and employees – keep raising the bar. Each round of advances in data/analytics and process automation, in turn, lifts service-delivery expectations. The new baseline includes virtual closes, customized dashboard reporting, reciprocal data-sharing with suppliers, and actionable insights for the middle and front office.
By necessity, CAOs are adapting to a landscape in which rapid market shifts, regulatory uncertainty and relentless technology change are the new normal. By choice, the best CAOs are taking the initiative, acquiring hard skills beyond core accounting, but also focusing on the soft leadership attributes they need to lead their organizations.
Today’s CAO: Beyond the numbers to strategic value driver
To keep their organizations forward-looking in the C-suite, CAOs need to focus on four foundational capabilities.
1
Governance and compliance
Deliver tech-enabled excellence in a dynamic Governance, Risk and Compliance environment, as new value frameworks such as ESG emerge.
2
Event-driven transactions
Maintain control and compliance and provide valuable insights during transactions such acquisitions, divestitures, IPOs, and restructurings.
3
Business transformation
Drive and identify tech-enabled opportunities to unleash value, while building mindsets to help the business future-proof.
4
Business alignment
Collaborate with leadership teams, and tailor service delivery to the changing priorities of the business.
Dive into our thinking:
CAO Corner - Volume 7 - Q3 2023
Download this quarterly newsletter focused on bringing insights and fresh perspectives relevant to your role as a CAO or Controller. This newsletter will update you on recent KPMG publications covering topics from GenAI, ESG and sustainability, metaverse, geopolitics, and more!
Download PDFExplore more
Insight
CAO pivot: Time to step up
The economic downturn means strategically minded chief accounting officers must first help tackle today’s financial challenges
Insight
Pillar 2 impacts for CAOs
Strategic CAOs can help prepare their organization for Pillar 2
Insight
A recap of the 2022 Global Financial Reporting and Valuation Conference
In unprecedented times, finance and accounting leaders rise to the challenge
Insight
The future of intelligent accounting
The role of CAO is evolving, from traditional accounting to becoming valued business partners in transformation and strategy.
Insight
Fifth Annual CAO Survey: Fast-tracking the future
Generative AI will empower CAOs to transform their roles and propel their team into the future.
Subscribe to stay informed
Insider insights on CAO-relevant topics: Governance, risk and compliance developments, complex and event‑driven transactions, digital innovations, ESG and sustainability reporting, geopolitical landscapes, hybrid work environments, and the latest industry standards and trends delivered directly to your inbox.
Meet our team
