6 Skills Every CFO Needs to Succeed in 2025

The role of the CFO has evolved in the past decade. Traditionally, CFOs were considered as mere bean counters who keep the books balanced and the company’s finances in order.  

Today, chief financial officers or CFOs play a much bigger role—they help businesses make smarter decisions, handle risk management, and stay ahead in a competitive market by leveraging their financial acumen and strategic foresight. 

To become more effective with their roles, CFOs need a mix of skills that go beyond what was expected in the past. Let’s break down the key skills every CFO needs to succeed in 2025. 

Skills that CFOs Need Today 

To succeed in 2025, CFOs must possess the following skills.

1. Strategic thinking and decisiveness

Gone are the days when CFOs were solely number crunchers. Today’s CFOs are integral to shaping a company’s business strategy and long-term success. Their ability to think critically and make timely, well-informed decisions can determine the organization’s success. 

In addition, as a strategic thinker, they need to look at the bigger picture, such as being able to analyze trends, figure out where risks are, and spot opportunities to help their company maintain a competitive edge. They also need to be decisive — as waiting too long to act can mean missing out or falling behind in the market and/or competition. 

2. Advance knowledge of data analytics 

Let's face it, data is everywhere, and it is also the backbone of modern financial planning and decision making. And so, CFOs must champion data-driven approaches, leveraging advanced data analysis tools and business intelligence software to help them forecast trends, plan better, and make a decision that drives the company forward. 

3. Management and collaboration

As one of the company’s top executives, CFOs should have a strong ability to collaborate, manage their finance and accounting team's work with other executives, and interact with investors or board members. 

Finance chiefs must also see the importance of leveraging external resources to function more effectively — whether it’s signing up for finance and accounting outsourcing in developing countries or investing in robotic process automation. 

On top of this, the finance chief should be able to develop people skills like listening, resolving conflicts and mentoring their finance and accounting team. By doing this, they can create a strong motivated group that works well together. 

4. Adaptability and innovation

Change is the only constant in business, and CFOs need to be prepared for it. They should be able to adapt quickly when new regulations are introduced or when their company’s strategy changes.  

This means being open-minded about new ideas and technologies, as well as having a flexible mindset that allows them to pivot when necessary.  

For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies work. Hence, CFOs should embrace such tools that make financial processes faster and smarter, like AI-powered forecasting or automated reporting. Being open to these changes can help their organization stay ahead of the competition. 

5. Leading Sustainability Efforts

CFOs now play a big role in making sure their companies are sustainable and responsible. This isn’t just about being “green” – it’s about meeting standards for how businesses impact the world. 

They set goals to improve things like reducing waste or creating fair policies and share progress with employees and investors. By doing this, CFOs can help their companies build a reputation for being responsible and forward-thinking. This can help attract top talent, win new customers, and create long-term value for shareholders. 

6. Risk management

Playing it safe won’t always cut it in today’s competitive industry. Hence, your finance chiefs need to take calculated risks that can help the company grow or innovate. 

This might mean exploring a new market, investing in cutting-edge technology, or changing an outdated process. Of course, risk-taking involves careful planning—CFOs should weigh the potential benefits and downsides before making a move. 

By being open to risks, CFOs can help their companies stay competitive and forward-thinking. 

Preparing for the Future: Why These Skills Matter More Than Ever? 

As we approach 2025, the role of the CFO will only become more demanding. Hence, it’s important for finance chiefs to prepare themselves for the future.  

By honing the skills outlined above, CFOs can better position themselves as indispensable leaders in their organizations. These capabilities allow them to steer the company to navigate uncertainties they may face and can help their organization thrive in today's complex and competitive market. 

The Bottom Line 

CFOs play a huge role in a company’s success. To stay ahead in 2025 and beyond, they need to go beyond managing finances—they must lead, adapt, and collaborate in ways that push the business forward. These are just a few traits that distinguish a successful CFO from the rest. 

Hire Trustworthy Experts 

Are you looking for a finance and accounting outsourcing partner that can support your business every step of the way? Consider D&V Philippines. We have access to world-class finance and accounting talent who can assist you in fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the modern CFO. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how we can help you. 

You can also download our whitepaper, D&V Philippine’s Premier Finance and Accounting Solutions for CFOs to learn more about our services and how we can help you succeed. 

This post was first published on 14 February 2017 and edited on 03 December 2024 for relevancy and comprehensiveness. Edited by: Angelica Garcia