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CGF Corporate Patron CGF Honorary Patrons Dr Mathews Phosa (2009-2011) | Prof Shirley Zinn (2009-2011) | Devi Sankaree Govender (2010-2012) | Michael Judin (2011-2013) | Tina Eboka (2011-2013) | Bernard Peter Agulhas (2011-2013) | Wendy Luhabe (2012-2014) | Prof Jonathan Jansen (2012-2014) | Amy Kleinhans-Curd (2013-2015) | Prof Steven Friedman (2014-2016) |
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Author: jene
TANGIBLE BENEFITS OF A CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK®
Forward thinking organisations have realised that corporate governance does not merely fall into the portfolio of the Company Secretary. Indeed, the draft King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2016 (‘King IV’), describes corporate governance as “the exercise of ethical and effective leadership by the governing body” of an organisation. Why then is corporate governance still viewed by many organisations as a process which increases bureaucracy and drives a ‘tick box’ exercise?
Perhaps the explanation lies in not understanding and appreciating the value which can be unlocked by implementing a purpose-built Corporate Governance Framework® which is tailored to the organisation. Empirical research supports the fact that good corporate governance translates into tangible and sustainable benefits for the organisation
Read more here : 07 June’16 Tangible benefits of a corporate governance framework
BOARDS THAT CREATE VALUE: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK®
It has been painful to watch the likes of Lance Armstrong, Mike Tyson and Hansie Cronje sabotage their futures through poor decision-making. Similarly, many organisations and their boards have failed to demonstrate strong and responsible leadership qualities to motivate and drive their organisations to success. Awareness, decisiveness and accountability are some of the business leadership qualities required to achieve remarkable performances.
The ‘buck’ stops with the board of directors and it is the board of directors who are ultimately held accountable for the success of the organisation. However, with the business landscape changing at an accelerating rate, risk management and decisive decision-making are becoming more challenging and business failures more prominent. A recent Harvard Business Review reports the failure rate for mergers and acquisitions to be between 70% and 90%. According to the United States Small Business Administration, only 44% of new businesses are still in existence after four years. Against this backdrop, how does a board create a sustainable organisation in what are clearly turbulent times?
Read More here : 18 January ’17_High performing boards
DO YOU REALLY NEED A CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK®?
We know that both local and international organisations are continuously having to adapt to operate in uncertain business environments. Locally, the release of the Preferential Procurement Regulations 2017, which places stronger emphasis on ‘radical transformation’, against the backdrop of persisting low economic growth rates are only some of the elements giving rise to further uncertainty. Internationally, the business and regulatory implications of the election of President Donald Trump and the vote in favour of Brexit and how these events will impact on local markets and businesses, is still unfolding. It therefore comes as no surprise that recent governance, risk and compliance (‘GRC’) surveys all indicate an increasing need to improve risk oversight and to balance opportunity management with risk management. The challenge lies in being able to achieve these objectives! ……
Read more here : 28 Feb’17_Do you really need a Corporate Governance Framework
HIGH PERFORMING BOARDS
Board performance, or the lack thereof, has recently been quite prominent in the South African landscape. Unfortunately, the examples of mismanagement, poor oversight and lacklustre governance of our stateowned entities as well as some private sector businesses, abound. Poor and deteriorating financial results, high staff turnovers, lack of strategic direction and transparency as well as little to no stakeholder communication, are but some of the symptoms of a poorly performing board……….
articles 07 June’16 Tangible benefits of a corporate governance framework 15 July’15-Boards that create value 28 Feb’17_Do you really need a Corporate Governance Framework 18 January ’17_High performing boards
Are you too small for a CFO?
The title of this post is “Are you too small for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO)”. Maybe another way to look at the question is “Will you get much bigger without one ?” A large number of small to medium sized businesses (+- R40m to R200m turnover) that I have advised over the past few years have struggled with this question, with some employing a bookkeeper or appointing an external accounting firm in order to reduce costs and give them a sense of comfort that the CFO role is being addressed.
This model works quite well while the business is performing adequately, but will this model contribute to growth, improved cash flow or identify red flags which may impact on future sustainability?

What is your view of the CFO
The bookkeeping function is important to ensure that your financial transactions are accurately recorded and reconciled. The external accounting firm also plays a critical oversight role and in some cases can prepare standard management accounts for the business. However, in a fast changing world with increasing economic uncertainty, it is definitely becoming more risky to make executive decisions without involving your finance officers.
The historical role of the CFO has been to concentrate on risk management, financial controls and processes. Today this role is expanding to include that of strategy definition and performance management. Whilst the technical aspects of financial reporting, risk management and compliance have not been diluted, the modern CFO also plays a greater role in commercial leadership and assists in day-to-day management responsibilities. The board and other stakeholders are also increasingly expecting the CFO to work in partnership with the CEO to drive stakeholder values and provide feedback on financial as well as non-financial matters.
The strategic CFO needs to be able to look forward and should be actively involved in identifying future investments such as acquisitions, or new growth markets and products. A strategic CFO focusses on gaining a thorough understanding of the company and the environment in which it operates. This means understanding the target market, competitors and suppliers as well as changing economic, political and technology trends in order to evaluate and present strategic alternatives.
Your CFO can be your partner! Instead of costing you more money, the right CFO can help you to make more money!