How to become (and stay)
a future proof finance function?
in partnership with
As a CFO, how certain are you that your finance function is truly future-proof?
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Are the decisions you’ve made building a strong foundation for growth? Do they enable finance to step into its full role as a strategic business partner? And how confident are you that your teams have the right skills and mindset to adapt to constant change with agility? Are your technology and processes up to date? When was the last time you benchmarked your processes for efficiency and effectiveness?
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Our Future-Proof Assessment equips CFOs with the tools to critically evaluate the performance of their finance function. It highlights exactly what steps are needed to build the finance organization of tomorrow.
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This independent assessment provides a clear, objective view of every aspect of your finance function, uncovering opportunities for improvement. You’ll gain immediate insight into where to set policy priorities and where additional focus is required—so you can move forward with confidence.
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What?
The assessment is an objective evaluation of all facets of the finance function.
It is based on comparisons with benchmarks, maturity models, and best practices.
With the final report, you gain clear insight into improvement opportunities and how
to increase both the impact and efficiency of your finance function.
The report highlights where policies may need adjustment and which additional
areas of focus will deliver the most value.
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The assessment defines the reference point for finance, instantly clarifying what is truly relevant and what is less so, while helping to set the right priorities.
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Content?
The assessment thoroughly examines all elements of the finance function.
We begin by looking at the key enablers of the finance function: the organization and its people, the tools in use, and the underlying processes.
The main emphasis, however, is placed on the output and impact of the finance function.
In the analysis of operational finance, we take a detailed look at procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, and the setup of accounting and consolidation.
Business finance—often referred to as controlling—is examined through the lenses of performance management, budgeting and forecasting cycles, management reporting, and data analytics.
Specialized areas are also included, such as treasury, tax, risk management, and stakeholder management.
Finally, we address emerging and topical issues, including the role of finance in tackling sustainability challenges (ESG, etc.) and its contribution to the innovation capacity of the business.
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How?
The process begins with an intake meeting to explain the methodology, after which the team completes a detailed questionnaire. This questionnaire is divided into the various domains of finance, making it easy to distribute across different team members.
Once the questionnaire is completed, we hold a review session to walk through the answers together. Some questions can be addressed verbally, while others may require further clarification. The aim is for us, as assessors, to gain a deep understanding of the responses, as well as any company- or sector-specific factors that may influence them.
The answers are then analyzed and tested against benchmarks, maturity scales, and best practices.
The outcome is a comprehensive report that gives you, as CFO, a practical tool to take action. The results are presented in a workshop with the CFO and/or the team.
The assessment serves as a reference point for finance departments: it instantly clarifies what is truly relevant, where priorities should be set, and what requires less attention. In other words: where should the CFO focus to make the biggest impact?
The assessment also provides an objective foundation to drive change and improvement. What makes it unique is that—unlike traditional benchmarking tools—it not only delivers quantitative comparisons, but also evaluates qualitative dimensions of the finance function.
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And more....
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A certificate?
The assessment is, first and foremost, a management tool that provides the leadership of the finance function with fresh insights into the quality of their organization. However, its outcome can also be used — on a voluntary basis — to obtain a “Certificate for a Future-Proof Finance Function.”
This certificate is a prestigious label that allows you to demonstrate the quality of your finance function to the outside world. It strengthens both the positioning and credibility of finance — towards internal and external stakeholders alike — and plays an important role in attracting new talent in today’s competitive war for talent. Ambitious finance departments that aspire to take on a leading role will always stand out with such recognition.
The certificate is awarded by an independent supervisory board, composed of seasoned professionals with diverse perspectives on the finance function. They review the assessment results in the context of the company’s type, industry, and the relative importance of specific aspects. The board then decides unanimously on the granting of the certificate.
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What does it mean?
Achieving the certificate (see levels below) is the ultimate recognition of the quality of your finance function. It demonstrates clear evidence of investment and progress in your operations, processes, tools, and the skills of your people.
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Obtaining the certificate is also a powerful acknowledgment of your team’s efforts. It makes employees proud of their work and of the crucial role they represent — now reinforced by external validation.
Use the assessment and the achievement of the certificate as a highlight in your annual team day and as a catalyst to launch an improvement journey with broad support across the department.
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The certificate also becomes your competitive edge in the war for talent. It shows that you are on the right track and committed to continuously investing in your finance function.
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Finally, the certificate allows you to demonstrate credibility to stakeholders — whether external, such as banks and auditors, or internal, such as your own employees — by proving that your finance department is firmly in control and fit for the future.
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Awarded upon successful completion of the assessment.
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Awarded upon successful completion of the assessment and when a finance function demonstrates outstanding performance in a specific domain
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Awarded when the results are presented to the supervisory board and the finance function meets the required overall standards.
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​Awarded when the finance function achieves excellence across more than 80% of the categories, positioning itself as truly best-in-class.
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Your investment?
CFOs who have already completed the assessment confirm that the balance between the effort required from their team and the valuable outcomes and new insights is highly advantageous.
Concretely, we ask for:
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A financial investment of €2,000
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Your (time) commitment to:
Completing the questionnaire and providing the necessary information
Attending a meeting to clarify your answers
Participating in a workshop to discuss the assessment results
The fee of €2,000 is deliberately symbolic — comparable assessments by consultants easily cost €25,000 or more. The amount mainly serves to secure commitment and prevent drop-outs, while we invest significant effort throughout the process.
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