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Strategic Financial Advisory Role Rising To The Challenge Thursday, February 19th, 2015 FMI Professional Development (PD) Day Daniel Le May Financial Management Advisor
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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 email, 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
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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
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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
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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
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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 *
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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
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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*
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