In leading change and performing this integrator role, the issues with which the CFO will have to deal include: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation and fine tuning; streamlining and reengineering the financial supply chain; shared services/managed services/outsourcing issues; establishing a Value Based Management (VBM) culture; and moving to the "next level" with decision support, managing intangibles, and improving corporate integrity/governance.

External forces (threats and opportunities) are the primary drivers of this agenda. Identify one of these current or emerging forces and discuss how this force specifically affects the CFO's role. How are these forces likely to affect the role of the CFO in 1, 3, 5, years?

Have the financial market dislocations of the past two years changed your views? If so, how?

You may find some of the material posted in the News and Other Items of Interest Conference relevant to this discussion.