Robert Half Survey: HR, Operations Extending to CFO Desks

Picking up more responsibilities is nothing new for CFOs, as the financial crisis undoubtedly threw a lot more on the plates of these financial bosses than most would have expected under normal circumstances.

According to a recent Robert Half Management Resources survey, however, company operations and human resources are two of the biggest aspects that CFOs are becoming more focused on these days.

The survey, which fielded responses from 1,400 CFOs from companies of various sizes across the U.S., found that 27 of those interviewed said they have become more focused on company operations over the past three years. A total of 19 percent said human resources was the one area outside of normal financial duties where their role had expanded over the past three years.

"Financial leaders are becoming more involved in all aspects of company operations, often to ensure greater financial controls across the enterprise and offer input on pricing, cost cutting and business restructuring," Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, said in the release.

Taking on more responsibilities, specifically those focused on the overall well-being of the company, can potentially help a financial boss take the next step towards becoming the president or CEO of the firm.