CFO mindsets have definitely had to change in 2025. This is mainly because of an increased focus on technology and data (especially AI), a drive to lead growth and transformation, and a need to manage volatility and risk in an uncertain global landscape. This shift sees CFOs moving from a traditional control-oriented role to a more strategic, forward-looking leadership position, emphasising resilience, sustainability (ESG), talent development, and robust financial management for both growth and cost efficiency.
Technology and data as a strategic driver
- AI and Automation: CFOs are prioritising AI and advanced analytics to improve forecasting accuracy, gain real-time insights, automate processes, and drive efficiency across finance operations.
- Digital Transformation: A significant increase in technology spending is planned, with CFOs actively leading digital transformation initiatives to modernize financial systems and build more agile, scalable operating models.
Leading growth and transformation
- Growth Orientation: The focus is shifting from merely managing costs to actively driving growth and serving as business advisors alongside CEOs, according to Medius.
- Strategic Investments: CFOs are balancing cost management with strategic investments in technology and new opportunities to foster efficient, sustainable growth, says AccountsIQ and Medius.
- Innovation: To overcome uncertainty, CFOs are embracing reinvention, exploring new revenue streams, markets, and technologies to boost productivity and performance, notes PwC.
Navigating uncertainty and risk
- Risk Management: Geopolitical instability and economic volatility are forcing CFOs to update risk frameworks, champion resilience, and deploy technology for financial controls.
- Economic Challenges: CFOs are navigating fluctuating interest rates and increased costs by developing hedging strategies and maintaining financial flexibility.
- Sustainability (ESG): There’s a growing role for CFOs in measuring and reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, reflecting increasing investor and customer demand for transparency.
Evolving CFO role and skills
- From Controller to Catalyst: The modern CFO is evolving from a traditional financial controller to a strategic leader and “catalyst” who partners in growth rather than hindering it.
- Versatile Leadership: The role now demands versatility and a broader engagement across multiple business functions, with strong data analysis skills becoming a core requirement, according to Rydoo and Unit4.
- Team Development: CFOs face the ongoing challenge of developing their finance teams with the necessary data skills to support digital transformation and operational responsibility.
Elaine Birch from AccountsIQ is holding a seminar at financeSHOWCASE Leeds – titled ‘What has been shaping CFO mindsets in 2025 (and why it matters)’
A synopsis of her seminar:
‘A new wave of challenges has been reshaping the role of the CFO in 2025 – from increasing complexity and shifting priorities to the growing pressure on time, tools and teams. In this session, we’ll explore key pain points drawn from the second edition of AccountsIQ’s CFO Mindset Report, including ERP regret, data strain, AI and the realities of digital transformation. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on what has been influencing finance leaders in 2025 – and learn exactly how to avoid common implementation pitfalls and future-proof your finance function.’
Don’t miss out on this FREE seminar and a whole room full of the leaders in FinTech…grab your FREE ticket here
