GOOD MORNING, CFO
Let’s get to it:
1. Weak Consumer Sentiment Persists Amid Job Anxiety
The University of Michigan’s survey shows consumer confidence still dipping as job worries rise. Fed Governor Michael Barr warned the labor market “may soften further.”
CFO Play: Model conservative Q4 forecasts and prep for a dip in discretionary spending.
Metric Watch: Sentiment index down to 68.5.
2. Instant Paychecks? One CFO Says “No.”
Yooz CFO John Gronen pushed back against “earned wage access” programs despite new state laws. His reason: unpredictable cash flow cycles.
CFO Play: Don’t chase payroll trends; test liquidity models before offering daily pay options.
3. The CFO Supply Problem Gets Real
Sutker Moran reports rising CFO turnover and expanding search criteria for replacements. Firms now value “strategic judgment under chaos” more than pure financial control.
CFO Play: Build succession pipelines early; CFO swaps now drag quarter performance by up to 5%.
4. IPOs Surge Toward a Four-Year High
EY expects the IPO market to stay strong into early 2026, driven by easing monetary policy and resilient corporate earnings.
CFO Play: Dust off your capital-raising playbook, public exits are back on the table.
5. The Next Tax Skill CFOs Need
AI is creeping into tax functions, but leaders still prize “aptitude for accuracy,” per Vertex’s Michael Bernard.
CFO Play: Pair every automation pilot with a human audit review—AI may speed up errors, not just accuracy.
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