The Role of the Finance Director at Logica
The Finance Director (FD) at Logica, or now often referred to as CGI following the acquisition, held a critical position overseeing the financial health and strategy of a significant global IT and business consulting firm. This role demanded a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong leadership skills.
The FD was primarily responsible for managing the company’s financial planning, reporting, and control processes. This involved overseeing the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations (including IFRS), and managing relationships with external auditors. A key aspect was the annual budget planning process and the monitoring of performance against budget throughout the year, requiring close collaboration with operational leaders across various business units and geographies.
Beyond routine financial administration, the FD played a crucial role in strategic decision-making. They were expected to provide insightful financial analysis to support investment decisions, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and other strategic initiatives. This included developing financial models, conducting due diligence, and evaluating the financial impact of potential transactions. A deep understanding of the IT services industry and its competitive landscape was essential to providing relevant and valuable insights.
Risk management was another significant responsibility. The FD was tasked with identifying and mitigating financial risks, including those related to currency fluctuations, interest rates, and credit exposure. This involved developing and implementing robust internal controls and ensuring compliance with relevant risk management policies. Furthermore, the FD played a role in managing the company’s working capital, optimizing cash flow, and maintaining strong relationships with banks and other financial institutions.
Leadership was a key component of the role. The FD led a large finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. This involved attracting, developing, and retaining talented finance professionals. Effective communication and collaboration were paramount, both within the finance team and with other departments across the organization. The FD needed to be able to clearly communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Finally, given Logica’s global footprint, the FD needed to possess a strong understanding of international finance and the complexities of operating in multiple countries. This included managing foreign currency exposures, understanding different tax regimes, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The ability to navigate a complex matrix organization and build strong relationships across different cultures was crucial for success. The FD at Logica (CGI) was a key partner in driving profitable growth and ensuring the long-term financial stability of the organization.