Actis, a leading private equity investor that targets emerging markets with stakeholders and participants in the industry at its third CEO breakfast forum in Lagos have recognised that “The Evolving role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Enhancing Business Performance and Creating Shareholder Value” is the life wire of modern scientific business if investors must maximise the global business opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer, Actis West Africa, Ngozi Edozien who spoke on:  “The Pivotal Role of the CFO to PE investor”, said Actis CEO Breakfast series is a knowledge forum targeted primarily at business owners and managers with an insight into global business best practice.

“Previous forums have focused on corporate governance, how to secure the right debt/equity mix that can drive growth and as well institutionalising businesses”.

She noted that the role of the CFO especially in the tough environment of emerging markets, where both growth potential and risks are high, must evolve beyond an operational one to one which requires an understanding of financial planning, financial performance management, funding and investor relations.

Guinness Chairman, Tunde Savage, in his presentation entitled “CFO as a Key Asset in Driving Value Creation_ the Competitive Advantage the World Class CFO Brings” said, “The role of a CFO today has transitioned from a back office support function to that of a strategic partner for the CEO.

He is expected to successfully transit from being a steward for value preservation to being a business partner in value creation and moving from being a reporter to an executor. By executing the best practice, which includes managing cash flow and balance sheet, internal controls and reporting, strategic decision making and excellent investor relations.

Tonye Cole, CEO of one of Nigeria’s top indigenous companies, provided an insight into how a CEO values the role played by a CFO, saying, the CFO is the nerve centre of the organization. he has visibility over the entire business and so is a strategic planner and must have integrity and must never be afraid to take on the CEO.

Head of Financial Advisory Nigeria for Stanbic IBTC, Mr.  Fola Aiyesimoju, also shared his experience when he advised companies on acquisitions, stating that the process generally starts with telling a story around numbers, forecasting and evaluation and finally providing closure in a timely manner, all of which are key skills required in a CFO.