13 February 2009
By Graham Clews
The economic downturn has thrust public sector finance directors into the spotlight, giving them a vital role in piloting their organisations through a tough financial period, CIPFA chief executive Steve Freer has said.
He was speaking ahead of the World Class Performance Symposium on Excellent Financial Management in Public Service Delivery, organised by CIPFA and the Treasury, on February 12.
Freer said the spectacular economic problems faced by the UK economy had highlighted the importance of good financial management. Enhancing the role of directors of finance, as called for by CIPFA and others, had now become an 'imperative'.
'We've talked for a long time about the important role of directors of finance in terms of good financial management within organisations. What we are facing now is a compelling need,' he said. 'That creates a big opportunity for directors of finance to help steer their organisations through what will be very choppy waters.'
He said CIPFA guidance on the role of public sector directors of finance, now out for consultation, was a timely demonstration of how directors of finance could reach 'all the key levers' within organisations, to help make the right strategic and operational decisions in hard times.
Freer said: 'The difference that we can make to our organisations is absolutely massive, because good financial management is not just about the numbers; it drives performance and helps to keep organisations focused on key objectives and priorities.'
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