This was largely in response to a broad and well-documented set of challenges and drivers, which included managing costs, delivering value, attracting and retaining talent, making efficient use of technology and automation, and complying with new regulations.

This report identifies five key drivers of change that will have a prominent impact on the way finance functions operate within a business over the next 3-5 years:

• The impact of Covid-19: exercising contingency plans
• Society & the workplace: remote working, diversity & inclusion, employer value proposition
• Business partners: the changing face of finance and skills in demand
• Intelligent systems: mobile apps, data, AI and automation
• Economy & regulation: the continuation of globalisation

This report is based on a Walters People survey among 5,500 professionals and 2,200 global companies across 31 countries worldwide, as well as holding one-to-one interviews with CFOs and Heads of Finance to find out what factors will continue to drive change in the next few years.