What’s the backbone of CFO success?
The role of the Chief Financial Officer is undergoing a significant transformation. Once seen as the gatekeeper of numbers, today’s CFO is expected to play a more strategic role, driving growth, leading innovation, and steering companies through a rapidly changing economic landscape.
With technological advancements, evolving business needs, and the global economic environment in flux, CFOs in 2025 will need to be more agile, visionary, and tech-savvy than ever before.
In the past, CFOs primarily focused on financial reporting and risk management. However, the modern CFO is now expected to provide strategic insights that help shape a company’s future.
A 2024 survey by PwC revealed that 78% of CFOs now consider themselves as strategic advisors to the CEO, responsible for identifying new growth opportunities, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation across the organization.
This shift from financial oversight to business leadership has been driven by several factors, including the need for faster decision-making in a digital-first world, an increase in data-driven insights, and a greater focus on long-term business sustainability.
In fact, 64% of CFOs say they are now actively involved in driving digital transformation within their organizations.
One of the most significant trends shaping the future of the CFO role is the integration of technology. As businesses embrace the digital revolution, CFOs are increasingly relying on tools like AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and reduce costs.
AI-powered financial tools, for example, are enabling CFOs to automate routine tasks like data entry, invoicing, and reporting, freeing up valuable time to focus on more strategic initiatives.
The rise of cloud-based financial systems has also made it easier for CFOs to access real-time data, allowing for faster and more informed decision-making.
Moreover, advanced analytics have become indispensable for forecasting and risk management. CFOs now have the ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real time, providing actionable insights that can help companies navigate uncertainty and seize growth opportunities.
In fact, according to Gartner, 59% of CFOs said they are investing in predictive analytics to improve financial forecasting and planning.
The global economic environment remains unpredictable. From the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions, economic volatility continues to challenge CFOs in 2025.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 CFO Signals survey, 58% of CFOs cited economic uncertainty as their top concern, with 47% noting that they expect the economy to worsen in the next 12 months.
CFOs are not only focused on navigating these uncertainties but also on preparing their organizations for the future. They are tasked with maintaining financial stability while also investing in innovation, talent, and new technologies to ensure long-term business growth.
This balancing act requires a strong focus on risk management. In fact, 65% of CFOs said they are increasingly involved in managing organizational risk, including cybersecurity threats, regulatory compliance, and operational risks.
To mitigate these challenges, many CFOs are investing in risk management frameworks and strengthening their relationships with other key departments, such as IT and legal teams, to ensure that their organizations remain resilient in times of uncertainty.
In addition to embracing technology and navigating economic challenges, CFOs must also address the growing need for talent.
The skills gap, particularly in technology, is one of the biggest hurdles for CFOs today. As more companies adopt digital tools, there is a rising demand for finance professionals with a solid understanding of data analytics, AI, and financial technology.
To meet these demands, CFOs are placing a greater emphasis on upskilling their teams and fostering a culture of continuous learning. According to a survey by Robert Half, 56% of CFOs said that attracting and retaining top talent is a key priority for 2025.
This is leading many CFOs to invest in training programs, mentorship opportunities, and internal development initiatives to ensure that their teams are equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex and tech-driven landscape.