Final answer:
The highest priority for financial managers, as indicated by recent surveys, is to create a strong financial base through effective budgeting, managing revenues and costs, and ensuring profitability to attract outside investors.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to a recent survey, the highest priority for financial managers is likely centered on ensuring that the company has a solid financial foundation. This foundation includes creating a budget and sticking to it, managing revenues, costs, and profits effectively to ensure sustainable profitability, and making the company attractive to outside investors such as bondholders and shareholders by providing clear and accessible financial information. Such measures are critical as they contribute to the firm's ability to receive financial capital, which is a significant aspect of a financial manager's role.