Oxford Economics Report Preview: Leadership in a New Era

Finance and IT leaders face a different world in the approaching post-pandemic era. In addition to grappling with changes to their operations and processes, businesses will need to strategize in new ways, and success will depend on collaboration, visibility into spending, and building the infrastructure for an ever more connected world.

47% of finance and IT leaders agree that their role grew in strategic importance over the past year, and 57% say that they will play an even greater role in setting company strategy going forward.

To understand how the pandemic has impacted finance and IT functions, Oxford Economics and the SAP Concur business unit of SAP recently surveyed 500 IT and finance leaders at companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. Their research, which spanned seven countries (Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, UK, US) uncovered key takeaways for both finance and IT leaders at both a global and local level.

More than half of the leaders in the survey say the pace of change is increasing, but fewer say they have the right systems in place to adapt quickly to changing business needs. The pandemic did not make any of this easier—compliance with expense policies (57%); financial planning and analysis (FP&A) (57%); aligning growth strategy with stakeholders (56%); and maintaining visibility into spending (40%) have all become very or extremely challenging.

In this short, ~five minute video, you’ll hear from Ben Wright, Senior Research Manager and Ed Cone, Editorial Director and Technology Practice Lead at Oxford Economics discuss some of the highlights from this recent survey and preview of what can be found in the full Global + US Think Piece.

About Oxford Economics

Oxford Economics is a leader in global forecasting and quantitative analysis. Our worldwide client base comprises more than 1,500 international corporations, financial institutions, government organizations, and universities. Headquartered in Oxford, with offices around the world, we employ 400 staff, including 250 economists and analysts. Our best-in-class global economic and industry models and analytical tools give us an unmatched ability to forecast external market trends and assess their economic, social and business impact.