“ CIO vs. CFO”
Forbes Video, 2009
Summary by Alissa Crescimano

Key Message: The CIO and CFO view the business through different lenses. To maximize the use of IT, the CIO and CFO must get on the same page.

The View of CIO v. CFO
  1. The CIO tends to take a long-term view, given its scope of projects. The CFO must take a short-term view, making decisions in a much tighter winder.
  2. The CIO sees what things are happening. The CFO sees what things are costing.

This difference in view often leads to a communication gap between the CIO and CFO. There is a common goal to cut costs and improve efficiencies, but a lack of data is given to the CFO when it comes to IT.

An increase in data could lead to:
  1. Greater access to the Board
  2. Greater understanding of IT
  3. More strategic planning

One suggestion is for the CIO and CFO to meet weekly for greater transparency and real time info.