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Africa which have strongly participated this year are now represented. Companies
showing various profiles in terms of size and turnover are once more represented. In fact,
this year, the panel is characterized by the increased participation of small, unlisted
companies in comparison to the previous year. From the responses, we can note a trend
of rejuvenation of the financial function. This year, the analysis underlines the need for
financial professionals to evolve in response to the digital transformation.
The 2016 study of the International Observatory of Management Control provides two
main observations: First, there are companies implementing or not implementing
projects dedicated to the digital transformation; on the other hand, there are finance
professionals who are seen to be either more or less familiar with the concepts of digital
world and Big Data, while having a role to play in this transformation. As they have to face
a major increase in available data in a quasi-immediate way (Big Data), and today often-
shared (Open Data), then the financial controllers are required to own key competencies
in terms of reliability of the data, performance modelling, benchmarking, anticipation and
presentation of key data. Are these competencies in use today?
The results of the survey held in 2016 answer this question only partially, and this even if
the digital transformation is considered as an inescapable phenomenon by the majority
of the respondents. Actually, although the role of Controlling as a function begins to take
a stand as a contributor and maybe even a leader, this trend is not as strong in all
countries and sectors.
We have found that the need to adjust competencies is generally recognized and the
digital transformation is happening on three fronts: tools, controlling processes and
capabilities in terms of strategical alignment.
Key figures:
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25% of the companies are organized as Shared Service Center (SSC),
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91% of the companies require the operational staff to take part in the budgetary
process,
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60% of the respondents claim that the financial controlling has a role to play in the
digital transformation of their companies,
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According to 73% of those interviewed, the improvement of the analytical
capability is the main expectation.
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