One of the key corporate governance factors within an organisation is that of responsible planning...

One of the key corporate governance factors within an organisation is that of responsible planning and management of resources. This is often referred to as stewardship. Whilst this is the responsibility of all directors, financial resources are overseen by the financial director. The finance department, under the direction of the financial director, issues weekly staff performance reports to line managers and department heads, annual statistical information to local government departments and quarterly high level results statements to shareholders. Why is stewardship such an important responsibility of company directors and the finance function?