Hays Finance Leadership Forum in the Home Counties
Hays Senior Finance team successfully introduced the Hays Finance Leadership Forum in the Home Counties this month.
26 leading Finance Directors in the local area attended the networking forum this March in which they discussed the issues of leadership amongst other Senior Finance clients. Notably only two of the professionals held their hand up to having ever worked for what they believed to be a ‘great leader’.
Key speakers were Chris Gulliver, Director from Leadershape (a coaching and mentoring business aimed at developing the Leadership Capability of both individuals and groups) and Andrew Cherry, CFO at Spinvox. Andrew Cherry opened discussion by looking at the differences between the roles of CFO and CEO and analysed the plausibility of CFOs becoming CEOs in the future.
Chris Gulliver introduced some interesting topics on leadership that sparked debate. When asking those present whom believed they had ever worked for a ‘great leader’, the response was incredibly surprising. Just 8% of those attending thought they had worked for a ‘great leader’ - which goes further to prove that despite increased focus on the importance of leadership in Finance, there is still much room for improvement.
The majority of attendees cited individual development schemes as the process that their company had in place to develop leadership skills. When it came to their own leadership skills many of the professionals believed that they ‘lead by example’.
Chris Gulliver interestingly pointed out that leadership begins from the moment you walk in the door each morning. ‘As a leader your every movement is remembered and recorded. From the way you hang your coat up to how early/late you arrive. From the way you speak to people on the phone to the way you dress each day. Leaders actions are emulated without their realisation. It is no good putting a good personal development plan for your team in process if you then do not demonstrate the same hunger, drive and professionalism that you expect from them.’
The prevalent theme within financial leadership comes from the recognition that the skills that make a good FD/CFO are not just mathematical ability but also skills involving emotional intelligence. Businesses are also beginning to understand that accountants are future leaders and one day will not only have to advise on ‘the numbers’ but they will have to lead from the front in understanding how these figures will commercially effect a business.
Finance leaders need to develop their long term plans with strategic thinking that will not only involve exerting their influence on the leadership of their team but also identifying those who will succeed them. As a recruitment company Hays are trying to raise awareness of this issue and assist in planning for the future with their clients.
Financial Director at Hays, Paul Venables also believes that there are many key skills to becoming a good leader: ‘Any leader worth his or her salt must ask the question, ‘What are my three biggest priorities at this moment in time?’ Focus on fixing them, or else you run the risk of getting bogged down in the hundreds of other issues you need to work on. You need to give clear direction, think strategically, relate and communicate with people. To be an effective FD, make sure you surround yourself with high quality people. People that have the same energy and desire you have. Interpersonal skills are essential – you’re born with 70% of them. You can’t teach personality.’
The structure of the forum ensured that guests had time to network and enjoy a buffet lunch before listening to the designated speakers. A question and answer session following the speakers allowed guests to elaborate on issues at more length, and raise concerns and suggestions of their own.
Roland Seddon, Regional Director for Hays Senior Finance believes that the forum will provide not only excellent networking opportunities for everyone involved, but also an educational outlet enabling professionals to relate their personal experiences and lessons learned:
‘I think everyone has their own ideas on what makes good leadership. Accommodating a diverse range of Senior Finance professionals to openly debate their opinions on leadership or any relevant issue, resulted in fresh and interesting discussion that proved in an invaluable experience for anyone in attendance.’
Brad McCarthy CFO at Sirva attended the event: ‘I found it to be very informative on the relevant topics of CFO’s and also leadership - both speakers covered their topics very well and the debate that followed was very thought provoking.’
The subject of networking and the importance of its presence in business is prevalent in the media of late. It has been highlighted as key to building strong business relationships and vital to maintaining increased growth of any company. Hays Senior Finance will be opening Forum groups across the UK to provoke discussion and debate on topical issues that affect Senior Finance professionals everywhere. Details of the next Senior Finance forum will be issued shortly. Watch this space.
For more information about Hays Senior Finance, go to our senior finance jobs and qualified accountant jobs section.
Notes to Editor
Hays Senior Finance has been developed from Hays’s established Accountancy & Financebusiness to provide a specialist service for qualified accountants and recruiters. Hays has a national network of experienced Senior Finance consultants. Hays Senior Finance recruits qualifieds accountants across commerce and industry, financial services, practice firms, public services and not for profit organisations at all levels, up to finance directors and partners in practice firms.
Hays Senior Finance team is a subdivision of Hays Plc, the FTSE 250 Company which employs 7,753 staff operating from 376 offices in 25 countries across 17 specialisms. Hays Plc placed circa 68,000 candidates into permanent jobs and paid circa 46,000 temporary workers weekly during the year ending 30 June 07.
For further press information, please contact:
Sarah Swailes
PR Executive
Hays Senior Finance
e: sarah.swailes@hays.com
