While this survey was specifically aimed at accountants and finance professionals, chances are that it the results would be very similar if aimed at a wider group of professionals.

At times like this, professionals without doubt come under scrutiny and questions are asked about the cost of these functions.  Yet in reality, it is at times like this that professional staff have the opportunity to really demonstrate the range of expertise that they have.  For example:

• Accountants play a vital role in the area of cash management and working capital which is likely to be one of the top, if not the top challenge facing businesses
• Purchasing professionals can look to re-negotiate key contracts to get the best deal possible for the organisation
• Internal audit professionals can ensure that there are robust risk management processes in place
• Legal professionals can play a vital role in ensuring that employers go through all of the necessary steps where it is deemed necessary to reduce staff numbers.

Bottom Line – Professionals who are ready and willing to step up to the plate and demonstrate leadership really can make a huge contribution to the long term prosperity of the organisations they work for.  The question is are they ready to grab this opportunity?