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Cash flow still a major CFO concern

Cash flow remains a significant concern for a large number of UAE chief financial officers, or CFOs, according to new research from recruitment specialist Robert Half UAE.

Nearly three in 10 CFOs, or 29 per cent, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai said cash flow was one of the biggest internal concerns they currently face in their role. This was tied with managing balance sheets and access to investment financing, both also at 29 per cent.

When asked which three factors contributed to their concerns around cash flow, nearly half (45 per cent) cited customer/client insolvencies as the main reason. Following closely, more than four in 10 (41 per cent) blame competitive pricing/low margins, slow paying customers, higher business expenditures and lower revenue, respectively.

“Cash flow clearly remains a priority for finance leaders, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] who rely heavily on liquid capital to keep business running as usual. With SMEs contributing to the UAE’s fiscal growth, job creation and economic well-being, it is essential for these organisations to be supported to keep the economy on track,” Robert Half UAE director James Sayer said.

While nearly one in three finance leaders, or 32 per cent, are concerned over access to investment financing as a contributing factor to their cash flow concerns, and a further one in four (23 per cent) citing the higher cost of short-term financing, CFOs offer their insights on the factors making it difficult for companies to secure credit and finance.

— business@khaleejtimes.com