From managing people, systems and infrastructure to driving strategy, the role of the chief financial officer (CFO) is expanding at an alarmingly quick pace. Pressures for accountability and performance have never been higher. To succeed in this evolving role, CFOs must step back, take a deep breath and determine which investments and activities are truly worthwhile. Below, you’ll find our latest thinking about the ways CFOs can gain control of, and even flourish in, their roles.

Book: Breathing Lessons (How CFOs can thrive under pressure)  Our seventh book in the Straight Talk Series is dedicated to the CFO who, more than ever, faces mounting pressures for performance and accountability — and whose turnover rate has never been higher. Breathing Lessons discusses the continuous challenges today’s CFOs face as they try to balance all of the demands that come with the position. We provide ideas on how CFOs can more effectively tackle the complex nature of their jobs and, more important, find time to breathe again. Also see Breathing Lessons for the Federal CFO

Newsletter: Breathing Lessons This e-newsletter helps CFOs tackle the complex nature of their jobs, provides tips on managing time, resources and people, and helps them develop a vision for their company.   Headlines: In the News   Our thought leaders discuss issues facing the CFO and finance function in publications such as Business Finance, CFO Magazine, Financial Executive, Financial Times and Financial Week. CFO Center: Four Faces of the CFO This framework, designed around the four critical roles CFOs play, can help CFOs understand and resolve much of the turmoil that has buffeted their roles, and their finance organizations.   Case Studies: The Finance Function: Improving Business Performance  These recent, real-life stories demonstrate how CFOs and financial executives from various industries have successfully tackled their most difficult business problems. Survey: The Finance Talent Challenge – Leading CFOs are taking charge We explore how CFOs can use their own business savvy to diversify the finance department, propelling it into the sphere of strategic leadership and value creation. Related Content: Books: Straight Talk Series Webinars: Dbriefs Webcasts for Financial Executives Overview: CFO Services