CFOs Want More Disclosure on Auditor Exits

CFOs also think CEOs are overpaid – except the one they report to.

In a national survey of CFOs and senior comptrollers conducted by Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd., 83% believe that the positions of CEO and chairman of the board should be separate.

Two-thirds of respondents think that the average CEO is overpaid, but only one-fourth think their own CEO is overpaid.  Some 55% say they would like to be CEO of a company one day.

Grant Thornton LLP conducted the national survey from September 8th through September 19th, with 688 chief financial officers and senior comptrollers.

DETAILS:

Do you believe the roles of CEO and chairman of the board should be independent of each other?

Yes:  83%

No:  17%

Considering total pay and benefits package, do you feel the average CEO is:

Overpaid: 66%

Appropriately paid : 33%

Underpaid: 1%

Considering total pay and benefits package, do you feel your CEO is:

Overpaid: 25%

Appropriately paid: 62%

Underpaid: 14%

Should the SEC enhance the 8-K rules to require explanations for all company dismissals of auditors, for all auditor resignations and for all instances in which the auditor chooses not to stand for reappointment?

Yes: 70%

No: 30%

Should shareholders have greater access to the proxy in order for them to nominate directors more easily?

Yes: 63%

No: 37%

Should shareholders be able to access the proxy online?

Yes: 94%

No: 6%