AP Automation The Finance Lab

The changing role of the CFO

The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) continues to evolve rapidly in today’s business landscape. The modern CFO is more than simply a financial steward. They are strategic leaders focused on driving efficiency, innovation, and resilience during uncertain times.

We asked 100 finance leaders about the biggest priorities and challenges CFOs are tackling today. Here’s what they had to say.

 

Key takeaways

Today’s CFOs are wearing more hats than ever. They’re cutting costs, adopting new tech, managing risk, scaling operations, and tackling talent challenges — all while navigating a complex economic landscape.

When making business decisions, CFOs and their finance teams are working together to deliver data-driven insights across the broader organization. 45% of finance leaders said they share strategic insights with their organization on a weekly basis. This level of frequency plays a key role in helping organizations stay agile, adjust strategies, and make confident, well-informed decisions.

So what decisions are these insights driving? Let’s dive in and take a look.

Frequent reporting makes a real impact on business outcomes

How often finance teams report insights back to the organization directly impacts how useful the data is in strategic decision-making:

  • Daily: Detailed, real-time financial monitoring and analytics
  • Weekly: Regular performance reviews and budget adjustments
  • Monthly: High-level financial reporting and forecasting
  • Quarterly: Long-term strategic planning and investor reporting
  • Rarely or never: Indicates a gap in leveraging financial insights for decision-making

How often do finance teams provide insights to the organization?

How are businesses using these insights to make decisions?

Finance leaders told us they are primarily focused on the following areas in 2025:

  • Driving cost efficiencies across the organization (32%): Finance teams are doubling down on cost-cutting to keep their companies profitable in an unpredictable economy. They’re streamlining operations, automating financial tasks, and renegotiating supplier deals to stay ahead of the curve.
  • Adopting new finance technologies to stay competitive (20%): Technology is a game-changer, and CFOs know it. They’re investing in AI-powered analytics, cloud-based financial tools, and real-time reporting to stay competitive. With data-driven insights, they can make smarter decisions and forecast with confidence.
  • Preparing for economic uncertainties or market volatility (20%): With interest rates constantly shifting and markets staying unpredictable, finance leaders are focused on preparation. They’re running scenario plans, managing risks, strengthening cash flow, and finding new revenue streams to keep their businesses resilient.
  • Scaling operations to support business growth (15%): Even with market uncertainties, successful businesses will continue to grow. CFOs are tasked with ensuring financial scalability and operational efficiency. This includes optimizing cash flow, managing working capital, and aligning financial strategies with business goals.
  • Addressing talent gaps or upskilling the finance team (11%): A skilled finance team is essential for navigating modern financial challenges. CFOs are investing in training programs, recruiting top talent, and fostering a data-driven finance culture.
  • Meeting ESG Goals (1%): A small but growing number of finance leaders are prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. They’re working to meet reporting standards, increase transparency, and align financial strategies with sustainability commitments.

What are CFOs focusing on in 2025?

Looking ahead

The role of the CFO has never been more exciting — or demanding. They’re juggling cost-cutting, embracing new tech, managing risk, scaling businesses, and solving talent challenges, all while navigating an unpredictable financial world.

To stay ahead, today’s CFOs need to think big, move fast, and turn data into action. The future of their companies depends on it.

Read also: How new tariffs impact your business — and how to stay ahead

What’s the Finance Lab?

The Finance Lab by Rillion is your go-to source for finance automation insights. Each month, we deliver bite-sized reports designed for CFOs and finance leaders, packed with the latest trends in finance and accounts payable automation. Our insights are backed by real-world data from Rillion’s platform and surveys of finance leaders across the US and EMEA.