The 2025 CFO Pathways Report provides a timely and structured look at how the role of Chief Financial Officers is changing across regions and sectors. For the International CFO Alliance (ICFOA), the findings mirror the challenges and opportunities that many of its member associations are already observing. The report offers valuable context for how member bodies might respond to shifts in finance leadership.
The Expanding Role of the CFO
CFOs today are expected to contribute far beyond traditional financial oversight. The report highlights the growing demand for CFOs to lead digital strategy, manage risk across global markets, support organisational transformation, and maintain operational control. Although local conditions differ, these expanded expectations are becoming common across industries and geographies.
The Need for Greater Alignment
Despite similar demands being placed on CFOs around the world, the support systems that prepare and develop them remain fragmented. Training frameworks, accreditation standards, and regulatory expectations vary significantly from one country to another. This creates inconsistency in how CFOs are developed and recognised. The report suggests that greater alignment across professional bodies could strengthen the profession’s global foundation and provide more predictable pathways into executive roles.
Unlocking Broader Leadership Potential
The data also reflects a positive shift. More CFOs are being promoted internally, and there is a rise in first-time appointments, particularly in emerging markets. However, experience continues to dominate hiring decisions, and potential is often undervalued. To help diversify the future leadership pool, member bodies may wish to expand mentorship initiatives, leadership readiness programmes, and support systems that are inclusive of women and professionals from underrepresented groups. Building equity into the development pipeline will take deliberate effort across the profession.
New Pressures and New Skills
The increasing presence of private equity and fast-moving capital structures brings added pressure to the CFO role. In parallel, the growing influence of AI, ESG reporting frameworks, and international tax compliance is expanding the skill set required for effective leadership. CFOs are being asked to navigate unfamiliar territory at speed, while maintaining long-term resilience.
To help address this, ICFOA is facilitating peer-led working groups focused on AI readiness, ESG reporting, international regulatory shifts, and cross-border financial coordination. These forums help national bodies share insights, respond to developments, and adapt their own professional standards in a coordinated way.
ICFOA’s Current Priorities
ICFOA’s work continues to support its members by fostering international collaboration and amplifying the collective voice of the profession. Based on the report’s findings, the current areas of focus include:
- Working with member organisations to promote alignment in CFO accreditation and ethics standards
- Hosting annual summits and regional roundtables to encourage cross-border learning and peer engagement
- Engaging with global platforms such as the G20, IFAC, and World Bank to share perspectives from the CFO community
These initiatives aim to support consistency, raise professional visibility, and ensure that national bodies are equipped to address both local and global challenges.