Soft power in finance — Why influence matters more than accuracy

A finance leader reveals why accuracy falls short without the crucial skill of translating numbers into influential insights that drive key business decisions.

By Oreoluwa Onabowale • Sept. 23, 2025

Risk and business strategy go hand in hand: EY

Companies with a traditional approach to risk management may miss opportunities to improve the function.

By David McCann • Sept. 22, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Tax policy shifts: What CFOs need to know to stay ahead

Discover how evolving tax policies are creating new opportunities and challenges for CFOs.

By CFO.com staff

CFOs adjust to private equity’s growing influence

As private equity firms buy up businesses across many industries, finance chiefs are navigating a more complicated leadership structure.

By Dan Niepow • Sept. 19, 2025

Eric Mason’s move from Quincy, Massachusetts CFO to advising municipalities

Formerly the CFO of his hometown, Mason details his first formal onboarding process, the scope of his new role, lessons learned in public finance and how he’s preparing for fatherhood.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 19, 2025

AI use is casual for consumers but becoming formal for CFOs

While only 30% of ChatGPT inquiries are for work, CFOs are facing mounting pressure to prove AI’s business value through measurable results, according to new data.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 18, 2025

Tariffs throw a snag into companies’ planning and profits

Almost two-thirds of finance executives say their FP&A teams are challenged to prepare reliable forecasts.

By David McCann • Sept. 18, 2025

7 pieces of advice for CFOs from former PCAOB Chair Erica Williams

While talking on topics like AI risk and auditor accountability, she said CFOs must double down on compliance while promoting a culture that encourages whistleblowing.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 17, 2025

Agentic AI rushes to the leading edge

A majority of companies that use generative AI are also now using nearly autonomous agents that can plan and reason on their own.

By David McCann • Sept. 16, 2025

Qualities of the successful small business CFO

Corporate experience becomes invaluable when transitioning to the dynamic world of small business leadership, where versatility and hands-on expertise shine.

By Steve McNally • Sept. 15, 2025

What mid-market CFOs say about the job today and where it’s headed

With lots of talk on how the CFO role is set for change, finance leaders at a recent Long Island CFO event emphasized the daily realities of forecasting, technology and leading teams.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 12, 2025

79% of FP&A teams are using AI, but mostly to enhance operations

Fewer are deploying the latest tools strategically, such as to drive scenario modeling or guide cross-functional decisions.

By David McCann • Sept. 12, 2025

CFO interest in agentic AI surged in Q3, but skepticism lingers

Two-thirds of CFOs say they have no plans to adopt agentic AI, yet testing jumped from zero to more than one in 10 enterprises in just 90 days.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 10, 2025

6 initial takeaways from FinovateFall

From customization and customer experience to AI and stablecoins, early themes at FinovateFall highlight trends CFOs should be watching.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 9, 2025

Liquidity under pressure: How CFOs can respond to economic uncertainty

CFOs can transform liquidity challenges into strategic advantages through improved forecasting, technology investments and smarter capital management.

By Kelley Pruetz • Sept. 9, 2025

Companies favor targeted IT strategies over ‘big-bang’ projects

Instead of years-long implementations, the focus has shifted to smaller deployments that can be halted if they’re failing.

By David McCann • Sept. 8, 2025

6 podcasts CFOs should listen to in preparation for Q4

Insight from finance leaders at Meta, USA Hockey, Wayfair and GoFundMe may help CFOs looking to end the year on a strong note.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 5, 2025

August earnings update: Affirm, Build-A-Bear, Intuit, MSG Entertainment, Rumble

Affirm outlines interest-rate impacts, Build-A-Bear warns about tariffs, and J.M. Smucker details its coffee pricing strategy, while Intuit and Rumble lean on AI and new revenue streams.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 4, 2025

Aflac US CFO Fred Simard takes operational reins

Combining the finance chief and COO roles enables more nimble decision-making, Simard says.

By David McCann • Sept. 4, 2025

5 strategies for a faster year-end close: Metric of the Month

Thorough pre-work and AI-powered tools can help reduce both cycle time and end-of-year workloads. 

By Perry D. Wiggins • Sept. 3, 2025

CFOs must balance boomers’ demand for flexibility with millennial and Gen Z’s AI use

Flexibility is driving loyalty for older workers as younger peers adopt AI, a shift CFOs must navigate across pay, policy and technology.

By Adam Zaki • Sept. 3, 2025

Setting the record straight on VATs and tariffs

For U.S. companies doing business globally, an accurate understanding of these tax principles is more important than ever.

By George L. Salis • Sept. 2, 2025

Employers’ medical costs are up almost 6% this year

Causes include a shortage of health care workers, the introduction of new specialty drugs and the consolidation of health care systems.

By David McCann • Aug. 28, 2025

How Aurora Cannabis’ shift to global medical market led to higher margins

CFO Simona King explains how new markets, technology and patient demand helped Aurora become free cash flow positive for the first time while creating a new pathway for growth.

By Adam Zaki • Aug. 28, 2025

In-person compliance tracking rises 53% as attendance rules tighten

Companies across America are enforcing office policies more often, raising new cost and culture considerations for finance chiefs.

By Adam Zaki • Aug. 27, 2025

How Trump’s tariffs trigger state tax bills most CFOs never see coming

As companies adjust supply chains and pricing strategies in response to tariffs, they may inadvertently create a tax nexus in new states.

By Glenn C. McCoy, Jr. • Aug. 26, 2025