Though its use isn't common as might be expected among finance professionalstoday, the Internet is likely to become a significant factor in centralizingcorporate treasury functions within two years, according to a survey conductedby the Association for Financial Professionals. The study, released last monthat the AFP?s annual conference in Chicago, reveals that while 35% of the 1,000CFOs, treasurers and controllers polled currently use the Internet as anintegral part of their jobs, that number is slated to swell to 68% by 2003.

Focus on Efficiency

The focus will be on improving efficiency, the results show, with the Internet?smain benefit being access to real-time information that will permit easier dataintegration and sharing. Furthermore, it appears few in treasury are worriedabout losing their jobs as technology takes on a greater role, with 91% sayingthey don't see headcount changing because of the Web.