News
Business analytics skills high on CFO wish list
As the quantity of data available to companies grows, skills such as business intelligence and data mining are increasingly essential parts of a finance professional’s toolkit. But getting the most out of business analytics requires much more than technical know-how.Why investors target the executive pay gap
A global survey conducted by Harvard Business School on the gap between executive compensation and unskilled workers’ wages offers answers to why shareholders are baulking at CEO pay.What hiring managers should ask job candidates
Proper screening of job applicants is a vital skill today, with a global talent crunch and the potential to lose money by making a bad hire. Several finance professionals offer their tips on what hiring managers should ask to make better decisions.EU adopts environmental, social disclosure rules for large companies
The European Council adopted a directive that will require about 6,000 large companies and groups across the European Union to disclose nonfinancial information on their environmental and social impacts as well as diversity policies for boards of directors.CFOs dealing more than ever with internal complexity
Complexity related to internal growth is a top challenge for CFOs, according to new research by Accenture. The report also shows that CFOs’ strategic influence is growing and that organisations are more focused on growth than on cost-cutting.Better reporting leads to improved decision-making, strategic clarity
Companies using integrated reports say they have seen improvements in decision-making, collaboration by board members, and understanding of risks and opportunities. Research by the IIRC also shows most organisations in its pilot programme think the reporting helps educate investors.US government moves to curb tax inversions
The US Treasury Department announced that it will take steps to curb corporate tax inversions, a growing tax minimisation strategy that has been the subject of many headlines recently.US securities regulator to pay foreign whistleblower $30 million
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expects to pay an award of more than $30 million to a whistleblower – a total that’s more than twice the previous record payout announced in the commission’s 2-year-old whistleblower program.Four leadership traits that are crucial in the 21st century
To succeed in the increasingly consumer-oriented business environment of the 21st century, Hubert Glover, CPA, CGMA, suggests, executives must rediscover four tried-and-true traits of good leadership.Big business decisions more often driven by gut and advice than by data
Executives feel more comfortable using their intuition or the advice of others instead of using data to make a big decision, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit and PwC. Companies that are highly data-driven report improvement in making critical business decisions.OECD delivers first 7 pieces of base erosion action plan
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) announced the release of the first seven reports and recommendations called for in its 2013 Action Plan Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.Consumer industry executives look to improve analytics, supply chain
Technology is rapidly changing how consumers shop and what is on the minds of senior executives in the consumer industry.FRC publishes revised XBRL tagging conventions for UK companies
The UK Financial Reporting Council published revised XBRL tagging conventions to meet the needs of companies as they implement new accounting standards.5 habits of thriving manufacturers
Manufacturing companies remain concerned about regulation, but a rising number of US firms in the sector are thriving, according to a McGladrey report that points out the habits that separate thriving companies from ones holding steady.Scotland independence vote raises questions for businesses
Scotland will vote next week on a referendum that could see it separate from the United Kingdom – a decision that is a source of deep uncertainty for firms in Scotland. Planning for the long-term effects of the vote is a challenge, and not just in the event of a vote for independence.Inadequate staffing levels are primary cause of workplace stress
One in three workers regularly experiences excessive pressure at work, according to a global survey by Towers Watson. This high level of stress has a negative impact on employees’ productivity and engagement.How pensions can keep pace with an ageing global population
The ageing of the global population will create challenges for policymakers and pension systems. But pension and retirement systems and providers have opportunities to keep pace with the changes, according to a new report.Companies aware of, but not acting on, need to alter engagement strategies
Most companies are aware of the need to focus more on employee engagement, but few say they are doing enough to adapt to coming changes, according to a global report by Hay Group.Inflation to drive up talent turnover risk in Asia
Rising inflation is expected to take a bite out of salary increases in Asia, making it more challenging for businesses in the region to manage costs and attract and retain skilled employees.
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