January 2025
Just one day of rest for CFOs as time is the real enemy of getting the job done The vast majority (85%) of CFOs and finance leaders need a six-day working week to complete their tasks, causing stress and a general feeling of loss of control.
That’s according to a survey by AccountsIQ, which surveyed CFOs and finance leaders across the UK and Ireland.
The study found that one in four (25%) are overwhelmed multiple times per week, with 63% experiencing this multiple times per month.
On average, CFOs and finance leaders need an additional 1.5 days per week to complete their work. This conflicts with the heightened calls from government and businesses for a four-day working week with more flexible working.
When asked what keeps them up at night, the top answers were inflation and rising costs impacting profitability (40%), cash flow/ credit control (40%), revenue and profit targets (40%), cybersecurity threats (36%) and accuracy of reporting (29%).
CFOs are also feeling out of control, with 76% of respondents not feeling completely in control of their company’s financial health.
Darren Cran, CEO at AccountsIQ, said: “Our investigation has shown that CFOs and finance leaders feel stressed, overworked and out of control, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Many of these issues are a result of these professionals lacking time.
If they regain that precious time, then they can find ways to focus on strategy, reporting and innovation, and regain that much-needed control.”
