CFOs in 2025: Why now is the time for GenAI
CFOs in 2025: Why now is the time for GenAI
What has developed in the past twelve months around generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is nothing less than a paradigm shift. Last year, GenAI was still considered an exciting topic for the future in most companies. Today, according to the Hackett Group’s current “2025 CFO Agenda”, 89% of companies are already actively driving it forward – and the trend is rising.
Finance departments in particular are in the spotlight: two thirds of finance managers now see their role as a “valuable business partner”. This increased importance is also a clear expectation: the finance function should serve as a catalyst for transformation – and GenAI is the central tool for this.
GenAI in the finance department – where do we really stand?
Although many companies are working with AI-supported analysis, the financial function of GenAI is still in its infancy. According to the study, many are still in the exploration phase or are taking a wait-and-see approach. The problem: anyone who hesitates now will fall behind. This is because the prerequisites – such as data quality, processes and skills – take time to develop.
Nevertheless, it is already clear that even the first, small-scale GenAI applications are having measurable effects – for example in the form of productivity gains or improved analysis capabilities.
Where GenAI is used today – and where the greatest potential lies
Its use is particularly advanced in areas with high transaction volumes such as cash disbursements or in complex subject areas such as taxation. GenAI is also increasingly being piloted in financial planning (FP&A). Most CFOs expect noticeable progress in the coming years – particularly in operational planning, reporting and analysis.
Top priorities for CFOs in 2025: digitalization, data and efficiency
The five most important CFO goals according to the Hackett Group:
- Optimization of cash flow and working capital
- Accelerating the digital transformation
- Increase in profitability
- Cost optimization
- Improving data quality and analysis capability
All of these priorities are directly linked to the potential of GenAI. But there are hurdles – from a lack of talent to data issues and change management challenges.
What CFOs need to do now: 6 fields of action for 2025
The Hackett Group has formulated six clear recommendations:
1. develop a dedicated GenAI roadmap for finance – aligned with the overall strategy.
2. prioritize and pilot use cases – with a clear focus on practical feasibility.
3. set realistic expectations – See not only savings potential, but also speed and agility.
4. ensure data quality – No added value from AI without reliable data.
5. reduce process complexity – especially in FP&A, taxes and reporting.
6. developing talents – Upskilling i
Conclusion: the time to act is now
GenAI will rewrite the rules of the game for the finance function in 2025. Those who invest now will not only be able to act more efficiently, but also more strategically – and thus secure decisive competitive advantages. CFOs should define their roadmap now, implement initial use cases and, above all, prepare their team for the new reality.
Would you like to delve deeper?
The Hackett Group’s study “The CFO Agenda” can be downloaded via the link https://go.poweredbyhackett.com/w28 can be downloaded.
