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Hey there, CFOs! 💼

Did you know CFOs are stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight, redefining what it means to lead in today’s business world?

This week, we’re unpacking how they’re balancing bold innovation with razor-sharp strategy to navigate 2025’s biggest challenges.

From leveraging AI to drive decisions, to turning acquisitions into growth engines, CFOs are rewriting the playbook for success. Curious about what’s next for the world of finance and beyond? You’re in the right place—let’s dive in!

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• When CFOs Run the Show: The New Masters of Strategy 💼

• How a CFO's Strategic Acquisitions Drive Innovation and Growth 💡

• CFOs Walking a Tightrope: 6 Trends Defining 2025 🎯

When CFOs Run the Show: The New Masters of Strategy 💼 read the full 1,190-word article here

Article published: January 8, 2025

Move over CEOs—CFOs are taking charge.

In The CFO’s “What Happens When CFOs Start Running the Show,” we’re taken into the boardroom where Chief Financial Officers are becoming the ultimate strategists. No longer just guardians of budgets, today’s CFOs are driving innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

A Finance 2035 report reveals CFOs are now seen as linchpins of business success, outranking CEOs in influence on investment decisions. But this expanded role comes with massive pressure: mastering AI, building net-zero strategies, and upskilling teams for a data-driven future. The stakes couldn’t be higher—companies that fail to modernize risk obsolescence.

Is the CFO ready to lead the charge? The clock is ticking.

Key Takeaways:

• 📈 From guardian to strategist: 88% of investors say CFOs will be critical to strategic decision-making by 2035.

• 🤖 AI is non-negotiable: 74% of CFOs believe AI and automation will completely reshape finance within the next decade.

• 🌍 ESG drives investor decisions: 73% of investors prioritize sustainability metrics; CFOs must quantify value beyond profit.

• 🧑‍💻 Talent transformation needed: Modern CFOs must upskill teams and bridge the gap between financial expertise and digital innovation.

How a CFO's Strategic Acquisitions Drive Innovation and Growth 💡 read the full 820-word article here

Article published: January 7, 2025

What happens when a CFO thinks like an innovator?

In CFO Brew’s “The Art of Strategic Acquisition,” Todd Patriacca, CFO of BVI Medical, shares how the Massachusetts-based ophthalmology company is redefining acquisition strategy to fuel growth. By targeting complementary businesses, BVI has transformed into a “one-stop shop” for eye surgeons, streamlining everything from surgical tools to lens production materials.

But Patriacca’s vision goes beyond deals. He’s blending lean manufacturing techniques with data-driven insights to optimize operations and expand BVI’s product portfolio. From molding lenses to eliminating waste, his disciplined approach ensures every dollar spent aligns with the company’s future-focused growth strategy.

For CFOs like Patriacca, acquisitions aren’t just financial transactions—they’re strategic moves that shape the future.

Key Takeaways:

• 📦 Smarter acquisitions: BVI uses internal data and analytics to identify gaps and opportunities in target companies, improving efficiency and pricing strategies.

• 🔧 Lean manufacturing focus: Investments in waste-reduction processes, like lens molding, cut costs and improve product quality.

• 🌍 Global expansion: Acquiring firms in Spain and Portugal enables direct sales and greater control over margins.

• 🧠 CFO innovation: Patriacca’s industrial background helps balance product development costs with disciplined capital allocation for long-term growth.

CFOs Walking a Tightrope: 6 Trends Defining 2025 🎯 read the full article here

Article published: January 7, 2025

2025 is shaping up to be a high-stakes balancing act for CFOs. From navigating unpredictable federal policies to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, finance executives must tread carefully while driving their companies forward.

In CFO Dive’s latest article, “Walking a Tightrope: 6 CFO Trends for 2025,” Jim Tyson outlines the six critical issues every CFO needs to monitor this year. From Trump’s disruptive tariff policies and the Fed’s cautious approach to inflation, to the pressure of proving AI’s ROI and addressing an accountant shortage, CFOs are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

With economic volatility, technological upheaval, and mounting operational demands, the modern CFO’s role has never been more complex—or more essential.

Key Takeaways:

• 📈 Tariff Turmoil: Trump’s proposed tariffs could trigger trade wars, higher costs, and inflation, requiring CFOs to plan for worst-case scenarios.

• 🤖 AI ROI Pressure: AI adoption moves from hype to practical solutions, with 25% of enterprises deploying AI agents in 2025.

• 🌿 Regulatory Shift: Trump’s SEC pick signals relaxed oversight, impacting climate disclosures, crypto rules, and enforcement crackdowns.

• 💼 Accountant Shortage: Persistent talent gaps raise risks of financial errors, forcing CFOs to offer better training and compensation.

Why It Matters

CFOs are no longer just the financial backbone—they’re the innovators, strategists, and decision-makers shaping the future of business. Their ability to navigate complexity, embrace emerging technologies, and drive transformation sets the stage for success in an unpredictable world.

Whether you're in finance or any leadership role, the lessons from today’s CFOs are clear: adaptability, innovation, and vision are non-negotiable. The decisions being made now don’t just impact today—they’ll define the next decade.

Are you ready to keep up? Let’s learn from the best.

Vanessa Carter
Editor-in-Chief
CFO Executive Insights