Posted by Ma. Jessica Paula Florita
Jul 09, 2025
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What worked in the past may not be the best approach in the present. In 2024, many Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) spent most of their time dealing with rising costs, and stricter regulations. While those issues haven’t disappeared, 2025 brings new challenges that demand a fresh approach.
Here are 6 important priorities that CFOs should direct their efforts this year:
1. Focus on Sustainability & Corporate Governance
What It Means:
- CFOs must lead sustainable efforts by considering how financial decisions impact the environment, society, and long-term business growth.
- Strengthening governance shows that the company operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Why It Matters:
- A strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach builds investor confidence and enhances reputation within society.
- Good governance helps prevent legal risks and strengthens relationships with stakeholders.
2. Forecast & Mitigate Risks
What It Means:
- CFOs must identify and anticipate potential threats early on, including economic shifts, supplier dependencies, and regulatory changes.
Why It Matters:
- Being proactive about risks prevents financial instability and operational setbacks.
- Understanding regulatory changes helps the company adapt and avoid costly penalties in the long run.
3. Bring Financial Expertise into Business Strategy Discussion
What It Means:
- CFOs should take an active role in strategic decision-making, using financial insights to guide company-wide plans and budgets.
Why It Matters:
- Financial oversight ensures that company resources are allocated efficiently.
- Eliminating unrealistic proposals helps prevent overspending that could possibly harm company finances in the long run.
4. Revenue Generation
What It Means:
- CFOs must take an active role in identifying growth opportunities, whether by expanding into new markets or introducing new products/services.
- Collaborating with different departments ensures that financial strategies align with business expansion goals.
Why It Matters:
- A strong revenue strategy helps companies maintain a competitive edge in a competitive industry.
- Diversifying revenue streams reduces dependence on a single source of income, making the organization more resilient.
5. Invest in Automation and Technology
What It Means:
- CFOs should explore new technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and predictive analytics, to optimize workflows.
- Automating workflows allows finance teams to focus on higher-level strategic tasks rather than manual processes.
Why It Matters:
- AI-driven financial tools improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance decision-making.
- It reduces manual workload, allowing CFOs to focus on the important things within the organization.
6. Build Trust Inside & Out
What It Means:
- CFOs must build strong relationships with their teams, peers, and the board by fostering transparency and integrity within their organization.
- Trust within the organization enhances collaboration and strengthens their influence on others, which can help drive change and growth.
Why It Matters:
- A CFO who is trusted by employees can effectively lead and implement changes.
- Strong relationships with stakeholders increase support for financial decisions and long-term business growth.
The Bottom Line
By considering the priorities above, CFOs can take a proactive role in leading their team and the organization this year.
Do you need support in making sustainability a key part of your financial strategy? If yes, then consider reaching out to D&V Philippines.
We understand the challenges CFOs face as businesses continue to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Our team can support you in this changing market—whether it’s measuring ESG performance, managing resources efficiently, or creating transparent and actionable reports. We’re committed to helping you align financial strategies with sustainability goals.
Contact us at marketing@dvphilippines.com to learn more about our services. You may also download our whitepaper, Finding the Right Talents: D&V Philippines’ Solutions to Modern Accounting Firms to learn more how we can help you.
