Stuart Martin, Accounting & Finance Lead, Hays ANZ

Background

Stuart Martin is a Business Director at Hays with over ten years Senior Finance recruitment experience.  In addition to leading a large and successful professional services team in Hobart, Stuart plays a strategic and influential role as ANZ Accounting and Finance Lead.

To provide insights about how CFOs are becoming champions of sustainability and climate reporting, Tim Langdon, publisher of Eco Voice, had the pleasure of facilitating a Q & A with Stuart Martin, Accounting & Finance Lead, Hays ANZ.

Q1. What changes are you seeing in the roles performed by CFOs?

CFOs are increasingly becoming strategic leaders, moving beyond traditional financial oversight to focus on sustainability, talent development, and digital transformation. To broaden their focus on creating greater value, we’re seeing many CFOs adopt the role of “Chief Value Officer” (CVO), driving ESG initiatives and fostering inclusive business practices. They’re also leveraging AI and data analytics to optimise decision-making and are more involved in risk management, particularly in cybersecurity and around inflation.

Q2. Why are CFOs increasingly expected to drive sustainability while embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their broader financial strategies?

As ESG evolves and sustainability becomes a core business priority, many businesses are still determining where it fits within their operations. As Finance teams typically hold access to the relevant data, ESG initiatives tend to fall to them. However, CFOs are uniquely positioned to integrate ESG into financial strategy. With growing pressure from investors and regulators, CFOs must ensure that sustainability drives long-term value creation. Our latest report reveals that 21% of CFOs believe new climate reporting rules will significantly impact their role, reflecting the rising importance of ESG in business decisions.

Q3. What data do you base these findings on?

The findings are based on insights gathered from 280 senior finance leaders across 17 industries in Australia and New Zealand, as part of Hays’ CFO Viewpoint Report. This report, the first in Hays’ “C-suite series,” provides a detailed look at the evolving role of CFOs, the shifting skillsets required for their teams, and the key challenges they face.

Q4. How important has ESG reporting become in organisations?

ESG reporting is critical for compliance, investor confidence, and long-term value. CFOs are under pressure to provide transparent, reliable ESG data, with 62% expecting climate reporting requirements to affect their roles in the next few years. It’s no longer just about meeting regulations but also about creating sustainable, financially viable business models.

Q5. How can Universities better equip the CFOs of the future with the skills they will need?

Universities can better prepare future CFOs by integrating sustainability and ESG principles into their courses alongside traditional finance. Offering courses that combine financial management with ESG factors, data analytics, and digital transformation will help students develop a broader skill set. Hands-on learning, internships, and industry collaboration will also be key in preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the CFO role.

Q6. How can publications, such as Eco Voice, play their part in promoting sustainability?

Publications like Eco Voice do a great job of highlighting best practices in sustainability, showcasing leading companies in ESG, and promoting discussions on the financial implications of sustainable business. As ESG reporting requirements evolve, business decision-makers will increasingly seek information and data to stay ahead of the curve. The media plays a key role in providing this insight, and as a consequence, it can help to advocate for greater corporate transparency and accountability in ESG reporting.

ABOUT ECO VOICE

First published in 2003, Eco Voice is your go-to publication for sustainability news in Australia. Eco Voice prides itself as an independent news platform with a clear focus on sustainability, with articles coming from a diverse range of contributors – all levels of government, corporations, not-for-profits, community groups, small to medium sized businesses, universities, research organisations, together with input from international sources. Eco Voice values community, conservation and commerce. Eco Voice is a media partner of the prestigious Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards – The Peak Sustainability Awards.

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