In recent years, the role of finance leaders has evolved in a more strategic direction. CFOs and other finance leaders are now seen as value creators, futurists, and even change agents as digital transformation reshapes finance functions.

A more recent – and less welcome – role is that of crisis manager. Virtually overnight, finance leaders found themselves simultaneously navigating a global pandemic, widespread economic disruption and social unrest.

Much of the responsibility fell on financial planning and analysis (FP&A) teams. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these teams had to attempt to steer their organizations through unprecedented short-term uncertainty without compromising on their mid- and long-term strategic ambitions.

Many rose to the challenge. They provided accurate outlooks for top- and bottom-line views, from sales to cash in hand. And they made sure that their organizations were able to adapt to the turbulence and survive the crisis.

Having achieved so much, FP&A teams can now play a key role in driving recovery and supporting sustainable growth. Are they ready for it? We asked 750 global finance leaders to find out.