'CFO's role is the toughest of all': Lenovo India CFO Meenakshi Dagar explains why her job is the most challenging

Lenovo India’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Meenakshi Dagar, has had a career spanning over two decades in the finance sector. However, she believes that her current role as CFO is the toughest of all the leadership positions she has held so far. In a recent conversation with Forbes India, Dagar shared her thoughts on the evolving responsibilities of a CFO and the challenges that come with the role.

"Being the CFO is the toughest of all," she told Forbes India. "You have to take care of multiple stakeholders across the business. There are many who rely on you to make the right decision from a market perspective as well as with respect to internal policies, processes, efficiencies, and growth. These responsibilities put you in the spotlight all the time and invariably bring various challenges."

Dagar’s role as CFO is even more complex as she works in a tech company. She explains that, in addition to financial management, she must understand the company’s products and services deeply to ensure they are leveraged for the best possible financial outcomes.


"In today’s context, CFOs are no longer just responsible for financial management," the Lenovo India executive added. "They are advisors who help the business grow while also fulfilling their fundamental responsibilities regarding compliance, controls, governance, policies, and processes. Unlike earlier, they also have to work closely with the leadership team."

As a CFO, Dagar finds herself at the heart of the business, connecting the dots between different departments. She points out that while senior executives such as the CMO, CTO, and CEO have specific needs, her role is to ensure that everything aligns smoothly.

Dagar also believes that CFOs play a key role in shaping the future of a company. "CFOs are crucial in influencing leaders and making future-oriented decisions like investing in the right resources and technology, and recognising value that goes beyond mere profit," she added in her interview with Forbes India.

In her interview, Dagar highlights how the role of a CFO has changed over the years, becoming not just about managing finances but also about shaping the future of the business.


Inputs from agencies