Things CFOs must do to support their growth strategy

CFOs and senior finance leaders are driving growth by increasing cybersecurity investments, harnessing AI to streamline manual processes and enhance forecasting, and approaching ESG as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

In last year’s report, we explored how finance leaders were repositioning for growth after the economic downturn. This year, CFOs are taking the lead in driving growth within their organisations. 

Economical and geopolitical issue are top challenges for CFOs in 2025

However, despite the pressure, there is some reluctance to share responsibility for growth

And department have different ideas on how they can better collaborate

THREE ACTION ITEMS FOR CFOs TO DRIVE GROWTH

1. INVEST IN CYBER SECURITY

CFOs are certain cyber security developments will not slow growth

CFOs have the opportunity to collaborate with CIOs and other C-suite peers on cyber security and data privacy issues, including weighing benefits against costs, risk management, and crisis response plans. Increasing cross-functional collaboration can position cyber security as a growth driver rather than a cost centre, aligning it with growth initiatives.

2. MAXIMISE EFFICIENCY WITH AI

Financial forecasting remains difficult

And frustration with cost control software are increasing

But finance leaders are optimistic that AI will improve forecasts

Finance leaders can unlock more opportunities with AI by collaborating with IT to identify automation possibilities and implement solutions across the organisation, leading to greater efficiency and business insights.

3. LEVERAGE ESG

ESG is moving from a challenge to a growth driver.

Despite the deregulation in the United States, sustainability reporting rules and standards are still growing rapidly around the world. CFOs can partner with IT to monitor and measure ESG initiatives to meet regulatory demands, and collaborate with HR to provide ongoing employee training and regular updates on ESG initiatives and resources.

The 2025 SAP Concur CFO Insights report contains additional data and insights on how CFOs are meeting today's business challenges and driving growth.

Download it here.