Nearly three-out-of-four Swiss Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are optimistic about the current economic environment in their home country, according to the Michael Page Global CFO Financial Leadership Barometer.

The majority (73%) of Swiss CFOs are either confident or very confident about the current health and vitality of the Swiss markets over the next 12 months. This compares with a global average of 68% and a European average of 64.9%.

Swiss CFOs also appear to be leaders of change and are therefore more likely to operate strategically as well as financially. More than four-out-of-five (81.7%) CFOs plan to implement strategic changes over the next year. These strategic changes include the introduction of shared service centres (33.9%), greater centralisation (27%), and the outsourcing of some projects (13%).

Luca Semeraro, Managing Director of PageGroup Switzerland, commented: “The position of CFO is increasingly valued: previously considered a stepping stone to CEO, it is now seen as a goal in itself. Working closely with shareholders and investors, the CFO plays a very strategic role in the company and their decisions have a broad influence on the development of strategy.”

Almost half of Swiss CFOs are looking to grow their teams over the next 12 months. The will predominately looking to source financial controllers (26.1%) and accountancy professionals (13.9%). However, 65.9% of CFOs reported finding difficulties recruiting the talent needed by their company. 

To access the full report, click here.