Hey there, CFOs! 💼

What if the biggest challenge for CFOs in 2025 isn’t balancing the books—but keeping their best people? 🤔

This week, we’re uncovering a major shift: finance leaders are trading spreadsheets for strategy, prioritizing culture and AI to attract and retain top talent. But with salary freezes rising and economic uncertainty ahead, can they afford to make these investments—or is cutting costs the bigger risk?

Let’s explore the high-stakes decisions shaping the future of work.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• The Rise of the Culture-First CFO: Why Workplace Values Now Drive Success 💡🏢

• CFOs Are Tightening the Purse Strings 💰📉

• The Secret to Retaining Accounting Talent? Culture and AI 🤖🏢

The Rise of the Culture-First CFO: Why Workplace Values Now Drive Success 💡🏢 read the full 860-word article here

Article published: January 23, 2025

For years, CFOs were laser-focused on spreadsheets, profits, and cost-cutting. Now? They’re prioritizing culture.

A new survey from Grant Thornton reveals that 58% of tech CFOs see workplace culture as their #1 investment priority for human capital. The reason is simple: employees don’t just want a paycheck—they want purpose.

CFOs are embracing DE&I initiatives, leadership development programs, and employee engagement strategies to build workplaces where people thrive. But it’s more than just feel-good policies—it’s smart business. Strong culture fuels talent retention, innovation, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• 💡 Culture is now a CFO priority: Leadership is shifting from cost-cutting to fostering purpose-driven workplaces that attract top talent.

• 🤖 AI isn’t replacing people—it’s reshaping roles: With 58% of CFOs expanding AI use, investing in upskilling and adaptability is critical.

• 🔐 Cybersecurity is a cultural issue, too: 33% of CFOs are prioritizing cybersecurity training because people, not tech, are the weakest security link.

• 📉 Layoffs are coming, but morale still matters: 46% of CFOs anticipate workforce reductions in the next six months, making a strong company culture essential to weathering uncertainty.

CFOs Are Tightening the Purse Strings 💰📉 read the full 480-word article here

Article published: January 28, 2025

For the third straight year, employee raises are shrinking—and this time, fewer companies are offering them at all.

According to a new Gartner survey of 300 CFOs and finance leaders, only 61% of companies plan to increase salaries in 2025, down from 86% in 2022. Meanwhile, the number of companies planning zero raises has jumped to 37%—a dramatic increase from just 9% in 2023.

Why? A cooling labor market and declining inflation are reducing the pressure to boost wages. But experts warn that CFOs who cut pay increases too aggressively risk losing talent and engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• 📉 Fewer raises ahead: Only 61% of CFOs plan pay increases, continuing a three-year downward trend.

• 💲 Zero raises are on the rise: 37% of companies will skip salary hikes entirely in 2025—up from just 9% two years ago.

• ⚖️ The risk of disengagement: Employees still face high living costs, and CFOs who cut too deep may see talent walk away.

• 🔍 Watch for early warning signs: Monitoring engagement metrics is crucial—or CFOs will find out the hard way through rising turnover.

The Secret to Retaining Accounting Talent? Culture and AI 🤖🏢 read the full 650-word article here

Article published: January 27, 2025

Accounting firms are in a talent crisis, and 41% of firms say staffing shortages will significantly impact the industry in 2025.

So, what’s the solution? Culture and AI, according to a new Wolters Kluwer study.

Younger accountants—especially Gen Z—aren’t interested in grueling hours and repetitive tasks. They crave purpose, flexibility, and meaningful work. Meanwhile, firms are using AI and automation to eliminate the “grind” and create advisory-focused roles that attract and retain top talent.

Key Takeaways:

• 🏆 Culture is everything: 32% of firms are enhancing workplace culture to combat staffing shortages. Gen Z wants purpose, not just paychecks.

• 🖥️ AI is the game-changer: 61% of firms say AI makes accounting work more engaging, while 35% believe it attracts tech-savvy professionals.

• 📉 The long hours myth is fading: Flexible work arrangements (37%) and higher salaries (38%) are also top talent retention strategies.

• 🚀 The shift to advisory services: With automation taking over routine tasks, 83% of firms now offer advisory services, with 20% planning to expand.

Why It Matters

CFOs are no longer just financial gatekeepers—they’re shaping the future of work. Companies that invest in culture and AI will build engaged, resilient teams. Those that slash salaries and ignore employee expectations? They risk losing top talent when they need it most.

The workforce is evolving. The question isn’t whether CFOs will adapt—it’s whether they’ll do it in time.

Vanessa Carter
Editor-in-Chief
CFO Executive Insights