Discover the top CFO priorities for 2025, including leveraging AI, enhancing digital skills, and scaling finance partnerships to drive profitable growth.
The Evolving Role of CFOs in 2025
CFOs are stepping into broader roles, navigating complex challenges like AI integration, global risks, and heightened expectations for profitability. With responsibilities expanding to areas such as enterprise data, ESG, and cybersecurity, their influence now extends far beyond traditional finance functions.
Key Challenges in 2025:
- AI Adoption with ROI: Despite AI becoming mainstream, only 14% of CFOs report significant financial benefits from these investments.
- Digital Skills Gap: 74% of CFOs cite a lack of digital proficiency within their teams as a critical barrier to success.
- Escalating Responsibilities: CFOs are now integral to enterprise strategy, data governance, and operational decisions.
Top Priorities for CFOs in 2025
1. Deliver Profitable Growth Through Strategic Partnerships
CFOs must act as key business partners, providing data-driven insights to support sound decision-making. Financially unsound decisions currently erode 3% of EBITDA in most organizations, underscoring the need for CFO involvement at every level.
Action Plan:
- Scale finance business partnerships using technology.
- Develop frameworks for smarter trade-offs in prioritization.
2. Leverage AI for Real ROI
While AI adoption is widespread, most organizations fail to unlock its full potential. Common applications include intelligent automation, anomaly detection, and decision augmentation, but CFOs need to focus on high-impact, challenging use cases.
Pro Tip: Build AI strategies around complex problems like profit variability or advanced forecasting to justify investments.
3. Build a Digitally Competent Workforce
CFOs must close the skills gap by upskilling finance teams with essential digital competencies like technological literacy and bias management. This not only prepares teams for the future but also helps attract and retain top digital talent.
Insight:
- Digital finance talent prioritizes career growth, flexible opportunities, and manager quality more than traditional compensation.
- Investing in digital learning tools and clear career paths is critical.
How CFOs Can Stay Ahead
Adopt Advanced Metrics and Storytelling
CFOs need better financial and operational KPIs that align with broader business goals. Presenting these metrics using storytelling and visuals can improve retention by up to 75%, making data more actionable for stakeholders.
Streamline Prioritization and Time Management
The breadth of the CFO role demands smarter time management. CFOs should reduce distractions like recurring meetings and focus on high-value strategic tasks.
Prepare for the Future of Finance
To lead effectively, CFOs must redefine leadership roles within their teams. Empower direct reports, such as FP&A leaders and finance transformation specialists, to take on more responsibility and ensure a seamless delegation of tasks.
Conclusion
As CFOs navigate 2025, their role will be pivotal in driving profitable growth and steering organizations toward success in a digital, AI-driven world. By addressing key priorities like AI ROI, digital skill development, and advanced partnerships, finance leaders can unlock their organization’s full potential.