Once upon a time, the corner office was a coveted space. Now, the CFO is equally as likely to be working from a corner of the kitchen table as from the corner office. The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the overall change in tone to a more welcoming attitude towards telecommuting, has made the new mobile CFO a common occurrence among many companies.
Of course, there can be significant barriers—perceived and real—that can make it difficult for businesses to enable the mobile CFO. Acumatica Cloud ERP is one tool that can facilitate this transition.
What Is a Mobile CFO?
At the head of the finance and accounting department is the CFO. This person must have good financial acumen, of course, and outstanding accounting knowledge. But he or she must also be an expert communicator, a team player, and an excellent manager.
Add to this a new dimension: technology. New cloud ERP software makes it easy for the CFO to work remotely. This so-called mobile CFO means the financial officer can access and work with the complete financial system from anywhere.
Cloud software runs across multiple internet servers, so employees, including the CFO, are not tied down to the office. Instead, the office can accompany them whether they are traveling on business, attending important meetings that take them out of the office, or—yes—working from their kitchen tables.
Barriers to the Mobile CFO
Several barriers keep companies from fully embracing a mobile CFO. These barriers include perceived work challenges, unclear reasons for retaining onsite technology, and time/money constraints of implementing a new ERP system.
Some companies still believe the only effective way to collaborate and communicate is in person. These companies put a high value on in-person meetings. Unfortunately, the reality of COVID-19 has meant that people have adapted to telecommuting. Many have found it to be more comfortable and convenient than long commutes after dropping off children at school or daycare. Families have learned they can spend more time together without sacrificing their careers when telecommuting becomes part of the daily routine.
Other companies retain legacy systems from a misplaced fear of change. Perhaps they aren’t sure how to adopt and implement a new ERP system. Or, they don’t feel an urgent need for a new system. These companies will, in the end, be left behind as more of the world transitions to widespread adoption of telecommuting. The best talent will go to companies that offer greater flexibility in working arrangements. And, with a wider talent pool to choose from, companies that make telecommuting a normal part of their office policies ensure they can hire the best and brightest CFO regardless of their proximity to the office.
Lastly, some companies shy away from the time and money it takes to roll out a new ERP system. Yes, it does take time to shop, plan, and . But once such a system is in place, the improvements in every area of financial management and accounting more than make up for it. There is a to help companies assess the economic impact of transitioning to Acumatica cloud ERP.
Acumatica Makes the Mobile CFO Easy to Implement
makes it easier for companies to facilitate the transition to a mobile CFO. This cutting-edge cloud technology offers powerful tools that can be accessed through any internet connection. Excellent secure, easy-to-use features and user-friendly dashboards make Acumatica an excellent choice to facilitate telecommuting for your CFO.
Whether they are working in the corner office or a corner of the kitchen, the new mobile CFO will have the tools they need when companies implement Acumatica cloud ERP.
By - Acumatica Gold Certified Partner
