Are CFOs from Mars & CIOs from Venus?

A survey assessing the relationship between the CFO and CIO

June 2008

CFOs and CIOs need to work on their relationship. Differences between them can be a source of conflict. However, if they can achieve common ground, those differences can create a foundation for effective collaboration and success.

Their ability to work together to achieve common business goals is already critical and it will only become more so. The current wave of ERP implementations is just one of the issues shining a spotlight on the relationship’s importance. Whilst there are areas of successful collaboration, the survey highlights key differences in perception that make it hard for many CFOs and CIOs to work together effectively.

The survey also indicates that successful collaboration has a direct impact on improving business performance by delivering effective control, efficiency and business insight. But CFOs and CIOs also need to think longer term about how business change will challenge them to work together in the future.