Boardroom Priorities for 2025

What Will Boards Be Looking for from CFOs in 2025?

With 2025 already upon us, Boards and CFOs must evaluate their priorities for the year.

When I was at university, one of my friends remarked that I shouldn’t pursue a career in accounting because the role would soon be replaced by a computer. At that time, personal computers had just become popular, and the internet was in its infancy.

Fast forward to today, the CFO remains a pivotal member of the executive team. In fact, the importance of the role has only grown over the years, and it’s clear that the CFO is far from being replaced anytime soon.

A recent Gartner survey on the top five priorities for CFOs in 2025 highlighted sustaining cost discipline while driving top-line growth as a key focus. Traditionally, top-line growth has been the CEO’s responsibility, but CFOs now play a vital role in achieving this balance. They must manage costs meticulously while enabling the business to grow at the required pace.

Over the years, the role of the CFO has expanded significantly, and the skillsets required have evolved well beyond those of the past.

Evolving Responsibilities and Skillsets

Today’s CFO works closely with the CEO, COO, and other key executives to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. The skillsets required include expertise in areas such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Environmental and social governance (ESG)
• Risk management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
• Regulatory compliance

In 2025, CFOs must adopt a forward-looking approach, navigating challenges to ensure steady growth and solid profitability. They also need to be at the forefront of strategic business decisions, influencing virtually every aspect of the organisation.

Boards are seeking CFOs who can drive the adoption of new technologies, leverage data analytics, and provide insights across all areas of the business. CFOs must not only be dynamic leaders but also demonstrate their capabilities effectively to the board.

Key Priorities for CFOs in 2025 >

Cybersecurity

Without a robust cybersecurity framework, all other priorities risk being overshadowed by a potential cyberattack. Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and companies must prepare for the reality that it’s not a matter of if, but when an attack will occur.

Developing a ransomware playbook, assembling a response team, and establishing third-party contacts are crucial. Swift responses can mitigate the exponential damage caused by delays, as evidenced by the experiences of Optus and Medibank. Strengthening cybersecurity defences should be a top priority for 2025.

Digital Transformation

Disruption is no longer a hypothetical scenario but a daily reality. Startups thrive on doing things faster, cheaper, and better. The old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” no longer applies. This emphasises the idea of leaving things as they are when they are functioning well, discouraging unnecessary changes that could lead to complications or problems.

There are many start-ups seeing how they can break your model, so businesses need to be in front of this curve by automating processes, reducing operational costs, and delivering high-quality products or services efficiently. Digital transformation isn’t optional; it’s imperative for survival and growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has become a buzzword, often touted as a catalyst for share price growth. However, its practical application is now essential for staying competitive.

CFOs must assess how AI can enhance their organization’s offerings. In Mustafa Suleyman’s book, The Coming Wave, he states “in the era of abundant venture capital, distinguishing shiny objects from genuine breakthroughs is not straightforward. Mass-scale AI roll out is already underway. AI is becoming much easier to use and access and there are lots of tools and infrastructure to help put state-of-the-art machine learning capabilities in the hands of nonspecialists”.

AI adoption must be approached strategically, with a clear return on investment (ROI) analysis. Potential risks, such as bias and accountability issues, must also be addressed.

Today, AI’s most common applications include virtual assistants for customer support and product recommendations. For example, Amazon uses AI to suggest products, while Netflix recommends content based on viewing history.

It’s also essential to distinguish between automation and true AI. Automation follows predefined rules, while AI simulates human intelligence, enabling learning and adaptation without explicit programming for every scenario.

Elevating Relationships with Stakeholders

Finally, CFOs must strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including the board, the C-suite, talent, customers, and investors. Cultivating a strong support network is crucial for success, and doing so without undermining the CEO is a delicate but essential task.

In 2025, CFOs will be expected to balance financial stewardship with strategic innovation.

CFOs must lead in cybersecurity, embrace digital transformation, and harness the potential of AI—all while driving growth and maintaining profitability.

By demonstrating leadership, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset, CFOs can solidify their role as indispensable partners to the board and other executives. This isn’t just about managing finances; it’s about shaping the future of the organisation.

About the Author:  Jon Brett

Jon Brett is the Chair of Infomedia (IFM). Jon is also a Non-Executive Director of Corporate Travel (CTM) and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. He also serves as a Non-Executive director of Raiz Invest (RZI).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-brett-95734732

Jon is the author of the successful podcast series “The Taking of Vocus” which chronicles the extraordinary rise of Vocus, what went wrong with the M2 merger and the eventual privatisation of Vocus. The podcast is accessible via his LinkedIn profile. The book, ‘The Taking of Vocus’ is now available on Kindle.