“Drought” of top talent in finance...

The world of finance is facing a “drought” of individuals with high potential as organisations have taken their eyes off the “talent ball”, an expert firm has claimed.

Business advisory organisation Deloitte has conducted a world-wide survey of senior financial executives and found 37 per cent believe finance departments are unable to meet current demand for skilled professionals.

Marcus Boyle, head of finance consulting practice at Deloitte, claimed: “Demand for high performers in finance is outstripping supply and few companies are doing what it takes to lure top talent.”

The report claimed the changing role of CFOs was a “huge factor”. It said the focus of finance had moved from traditional accounting and was more about strategy and leadership, intensifying the need for top talent.

It added the shortage was global, reporting 67 per cent of Asia-Pacific respondents felt there was a limited supply of finance talent. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a global group dealing in auditing, taxes, consulting and financial advice. Its member firms’ clients include over 80 per cent of the world’s largest companies.