Some CIOs have been given bigger budgets and increasing levels of influence in their companies according to the 2015/16 Michael Page Australia CIO Viewpoint report.
There were 55 respondents to the survey which was conducted in October .
The report found that the uplift was being driven by businesses focusing on digitalisation and transformation and the critical role IT infrastructure will play in moving these businesses forward.
Forty nine per cent of CIOs surveyed in the report indicated that their budget had increased since last year, with a further 42 per cent stating that their budgets remained the same.
Meanwhile, 73 per cent of CIOs stated that they were making decisions that impact the overall company strategy.
On average, 34 per cent of CIOs time was being spent on operations and 25 per cent spent on strategy.
Meanwhile, 41 per cent of CIOs believe the technology job market will improve or significantly improve in the next 12 months, with 45 per cent believing it will remain stable
In addition, 47 per cent of CIOs expect to increase headcount over the next 12 months, while 41 per cent expect headcount will remain the same.
Michael Page Technology director Niall O’Rourke said that new budget resources are being allocated to fund increased headcount and the need for more advanced skillsets which command premium salaries.
“Much of the hiring is for fixed-term contract roles, where individuals with specialist skills can assist with the implementation phase of projects,” he said.
Commenting on the fact that more CIOs were making company-wide decisions, O’Rourke said was directly related to the fundamental role that IT plays in supporting business functions.
“The number of business solution lead roles has increased, helping companies improve current processes and drive efficiencies and alignment,” he said.
CIOs were also exerting their influence over decisions related to operations, strategic direction, talent and resource planning and innovation, which almost always need technical support to make an impact.
“Additionally, the role of CIO is no longer just about improving technology, it has become pivotal in determining how revenue can be increased or how the overall operational performance of a business can be improved.”