HP, Hurd, Deloitte and Tone at the Top
Leaders of public companies, like policemen or firemen that do a job for money, also sign up for a public duty. As stewards of a public company, the CEO and CFO’s job is not a reward for years of service, an entitlement after achieving career objectives but a responsibility and honor that should be earned every day by setting an example for all those who work under them. The auditors serve the role of independent watchdog, guardian of shareholders’ interests in the capital markets. Their relationship to management should be adversarial – not friendly, cozy and comfortable.