UK CFO Report 2025: Driving Transformation and Strategic Growth

As enterprise transformation accelerates, UK CFOs are driving efficiency, adopting new technologies, and upskilling talent to manage risks and seize opportunities in 2025. Their role has expanded beyond financial oversight to strategic decision-making amid technological advancements and economic shifts. Key trends include 73% expecting over 10% growth, 86% enhancing forecasting accuracy, and 88% investing in finance technology.

CONTENTS:

• CFOs Drive Bold Growth Strategies for 2025
• BDO USA Unveils 2025 CFO Outlook Survey

UK CFO Report 2025: Driving Transformation and Strategic Growth

As enterprise transformation accelerates, CFOs in the UK are taking a leading role in driving operational efficiencies, adopting new technologies, and upskilling talent to seize opportunities while managing risks in 2025 and beyond. Their role has evolved beyond traditional financial oversight, requiring a more strategic approach to navigating technological advancements, economic uncertainties, and shifting business models. This report highlights key trends shaping the priorities of UK CFOs, providing in-depth analysis, expert insights, and forward-looking projections to help financial leaders navigate a year of both opportunity and uncertainty with confidence. Notably, 73% of CFOs expect over 10% growth in 2025, 86% plan to enhance forecasting accuracy, and 88% are investing in finance technology.

CFOs Drive Bold Growth Strategies for 2025 

“Moving into 2025, it’s clear CFOs are not just adapting to change but are actively embracing it and helping shape their organization’s response.”

Report Highlights:

• 52% of CFOs anticipate increased profitability over the next year.
• 21% of organizations are developing proprietary generative AI platforms.
• 28% of CFOs are expanding upskilling and reskilling initiatives as part of workforce strategies.
• Top concerns for CFOs include operational risk (48%), tax risk (45%), and third-party risk (40%).

CFOs Shift from Uncertainty to Action

The 2025 CFO Outlook Survey indicates a shift from cautious optimism in 2024 to decisive action in 2025. Over the next 12 months, CFOs plan to accelerate growth by increasing AI investments (60%), expanding products or services (48%), and adjusting pricing strategies (46%).

Despite a strong growth outlook, CFOs remain aware of potential challenges such as policy changes, cyber threats, and the competitive job market. To enhance resilience, companies are focusing on strengthening cybersecurity (37%), adopting advanced risk monitoring tools (37%), and updating business continuity plans (31%).

BDO USA CEO Wayne Berson emphasized that CFOs are not merely reacting to market pressures but are proactively shaping business strategies. By investing in AI, workforce development, and sustainability, they are redefining their industries and positioning for long-term success.

AI Adoption Gains Momentum

CFOs are taking different approaches to AI adoption, with 21% developing proprietary platforms and 32% opting for third-party solutions. However, challenges such as employee adoption, scaling, and IT infrastructure limitations remain key hurdles.

Talent Strategy in Focus

Organizations are prioritizing talent retention and recruitment to support growth. 39% are leveraging AI to enhance workforce productivity, while 32% plan to increase compensation to attract top talent.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Expansion

Strategic transactions are on the rise, with 38% of CFOs preparing for company sales and 16% exploring M&A opportunities to drive growth or pivot business models.

Sustainability Enhances Business Value

Sustainability initiatives are yielding tangible benefits, including increased innovation and new business opportunities (37%), along with better access to favorable financing (34%). The top sustainability priorities for 2025 include investing in employee well-being (40%) and sustainable product development (39%).

Industry-Specific CFO Insights:

• Healthcare: After a strong rebound in 2024, healthcare CFOs are focusing on M&A, technology adoption, and site-of-care strategies.
• Life Sciences: Facing fundraising challenges, life sciences CFOs are focusing on cost-cutting, with 42% prioritizing administrative expense reductions.
• Manufacturing: 25% of CFOs anticipate at least 10% profit growth, balancing technology investments with operational improvements.
• Retail: With shrinking profit margins, 36% of CFOs are leveraging AI in supply chains, while 34% are reassessing store footprints.
• Technology: 86% of tech CFOs expect revenue growth, and 92% report improved data stewardship.
• Sustainability: 47% of CFOs plan to be more involved in sustainability strategies, though many still focus primarily on compliance.

The 2025 CFO Outlook Survey polled 500 CFOs from companies with revenues ranging from under $250 million to over $3 billion in November 2024. Conducted by Rabin Roberts Research Company using Slice MR’s executive panel, the study provides critical insights into CFO priorities for the year ahead.

BDO USA Unveils 2025 CFO Outlook Survey

The coming year is set to be a defining one for CFOs, where decisive action will distinguish market leaders from the competition. As companies adopt new growth strategies, key trends such as transformative AI investments, a resurgence in M&A activity, and the integration of sustainability into core business strategies will play a pivotal role in reshaping the corporate landscape.

Chicago-based BDO USA, an IPA 100 firm with FY23 net revenue of $2.9 billion, has released its 2025 CFO Outlook Survey, offering insights from 500 CFOs across industries including life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology. This survey provides a comprehensive look at how businesses plan to drive innovation, fuel growth, and navigate an evolving economic environment.

While companies push forward with strategic initiatives, they must also address emerging challenges such as federal policy changes, increasing cyber threats, and the ongoing competition for top talent. The ability to effectively manage these complexities while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth will set market leaders apart.