GBF Group is a leading food and beverage manufacturer with an international presence in over 50 countries worldwide. The group has seven strategic business units (SBUs) and each has responsibility for one of the group's key business segments. The business segments comprise:
- Frozen foods
- Dairy products
- Pet food
- Biscuits
- Confectionery
- Breakfast cereals
- Soft drinks
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each of GBF Group's strategic business units (SBUs) having its own finance function.
GBF Group has a dedicated finance function embedded in each business area operating as a business partner. This should mean that members of the finance function will play a full role in strategic development of the business unit and providing information to help inform strategic decisions.
There are a number of benefits for GBF Group which is associated with having the finance function as part of the business area that it serves. For example, the finance function should have a stronger connection with the activities of the business unit and, as such, will build up a solid knowledge and understanding of the business, its products and the markets it serves. As a dedicated resource, members of the finance function should be able to play a more valuable role in contributing to planned decisions, rather than being at arm's length. Members of the finance team will gain a detailed local knowledge of the business and understand its finance information requirements.