Roy Harris, CFO.com | US
December 3, 2007

Dealing with Deep Doo-doo

I should probably start by saying I'm a Wharton guy and totally support this program. The CFO world has become so hazardous over the past decade that sometimes you have to wonder why anyone would want the job. Sure it pays well, but nobody wants to go to prison.

CFOs definitely need to learn to be better players in their corporate worlds. They can no longer be aloof. Yes, it is good to see recognition that Marketing management has a role to play in strategic planning. How about the planning managers, too? Their job is to create a strategic plan, for crying out loud. Why not talk to them?

And how about Inventory management? To call that relationship dysfunctional would be the greatest euphemism in history!

Sure, as CFO, every state attorney-general, every shorter, basically everybody wants your hide even if you do well. These are amazingly difficult working conditions. Most CFOs lard with cash, just like a factory manager layering in piles of inventory. This protection is already being stripped away. More fun. Okay, not.

The CFO's world is not going to get easier in the foreseeable future, but we need these suckers. I wish them all the best of luck. I would never be one, but I do appreciate those who do it.

Posted by George Brown | Dec 4, 2007 3:22 PM ET

Contact at Wharton

My apologies as I believe I may have reached this link in error. I am actually inquiring about a contact at Wharton's Exec Ed program that I might touch base with regarding this CFO program. It is a speaking/networking venue that may be a good fit for expanding opportunities with our CFO.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Posted by Kara Foster | Dec 4, 2007 2:48 PM ET