Strategic Financial Advisory Role Rising To The Challenge Thursday, February 19th, 2015 FMI Professional Development (PD) Day Daniel Le May Financial Management Advisor
Organizational Context In August, 2011 SSC was given the mandate to both operate & transform the IT infrastructure that supports the programs & services delivered by 42 departments & agencies Objectives are to consolidate, standardize & transform the delivery of GoC , data centers & network services Will create savings/efficiencies & eliminate duplication to ultimately improve program & service delivery to Canadians Brought together approximately 6,000 employees from different departments with unique cultures & ways of working Have adopted Blueprint 2020 principles of service excellence, innovation & value for money *Unique Opportunity for Strategic Advisors* 2
Environment Building from the ground up Infrastructure Culture Roles & Responsibilities Grey Areas are common Focus is on Enterprise Approach where transformation is the priority Change is continuous & fast-paced Project management focus *It Makes for a Challenging Journey* 3
The Journey – Our Service Delivery Model 4 Telecommunications Data Centers IT Security Horizontal Focus Budget Planning, Management & Control Forecasting Investment Planning/Resource Allocation Financial Reporting Training for Delegated Managers & Business Support staff Salary Forecasting Expenditure Management CORE SERVICES * We were Pro-active in Aligning to Organizational Needs* BRANCH Financial Management Advisory Services Finance & DCFO Directorate Workforce Profile BRANCH
The Journey –Strategic Financial Advisor Role 5 Doing it all - firefighting Little time for strategy: changing the tire while truck is in motion Minimal supervisory role – small shop Focused on ensuring integrity of financial transactions & building the basic finance infrastructure Mix of transactional & strategic advice Review & provide recommendations on investments Team leader & enabler Training delegated managers & also business support staff to take on transaction work Continuing to build finance infrastructure Developing common tools & processes Report on benefits realization Influence the vision & transformation agenda Proactively plan with stakeholders & other Strategic Advisors Risk analysis Focus on strategic functions Instill a continuous improvement approach Coach/mentor & enabler *We’ve Reached a more Advanced level of Maturity* Early Stages Current State Desired State
Rising to the Challenge – Recipe for Success Strategic Business Partner Strategic Analysis & Risk Mgmt. Business Acumen Depth & breath Communication Skills 6 Client Relationships Trust & Respect There are several key ingredients: LEADERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT ROBUST FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK (Processes, Systems, Tools) TEAMWORK & PARTNERSHIPS INNOVATION & CREATIVITY Focus & Energy * Trust & Respect are essential to a Successful Business Partnership *
Key Messages Earning the trust & respect of clients takes time (be patient) Becoming a successful business partner requires a lot of commitment & dedication Show interest & get to know the business (active listening) Surround yourself with good people/engage others – not a “one person show” Clear & simple communications (non-technical) Perform challenge function while being solutions oriented Strategic Advisors have many opportunities to add value in times of change Striving for excellence: quality & timely financial information that supports decision- making Promoting innovation & creativity takes courage & strong leadership Mistakes will happen but remember it’s an evolutionary process Focus & energy are key to achieving results “ The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where [they] stand in moments of comfort & convenience but where [they] stand in times of challenge & controversy” Martin Luther King Jr. 7
APPENDIX A The Journey Continues – Desired State Desired State - Challenge function & business acumen is sought out - Benefits & cost savings are realized & monitored - Service Delivery Model is responsive - Succinct, accurate financial information facilitates decision-making - Services levels are consistent & high quality - Effective client feedback mechanisms & service standards are in place - Effective tools & training provided for quality control - Strategic Advisor is viewed as a trusted & respected business partner involved in influencing the vision & transformation agenda - Long-term strategic direction received from senior management - Productive partnerships are in place with other Strategic Advisor functions - High performing teams are maintained - Manageable client service ratios are respected - - Continuous improvement approach in place - Services automated, where feasible - Common processes & tools are in Place - Service standards are established & monitored 8 Clients People Processes + Tools * The role of Strategic Financial Advisor (SFA) is not a “One Person” Show*