Continuous learning for finance professionals and striving for innovation are important in today’s world to remain competitive, adapt to structural changes in the industry and make the most of new technology. A regular review of the finance function (processes, software and organisational goals) is important to ensure that transformation keeps in step with the market and aligns with a company’s goals.

The finance function is impacted by rapid global change – technology, climate and demographic shifts – that are transforming the business landscape as we know it. Chartered accountants and other finance professionals can no longer rely on traditional practices; finance roles are increasingly requiring a strategic lens and knowledge of emerging technology. The ability to adapt and embrace financial transformation is essential to remaining competitive and relevant.

Finance teams to look to long-term value over short-term gains

There are several ways that finance teams and accounting professionals can shift their focus from short-term gains to long-term value.

Focus on multi-capital value

To remain relevant, finance teams must move beyond purely financial outcomes and integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics into performance evaluations. Businesses increasingly recognise that long-term value creation depends on a multi-capital approach, where financial, human, natural and social capitals all play a role.

Sustainability as strategy

Sustainable finance is no longer optional, it is a strategic imperative. Finance professionals should adopt circular and regenerative business models that prioritise resource efficiency and long-term resilience. Engaging in value-creation initiatives – such as promoting ‘good jobs’ and reducing inequality – demonstrates a commitment to both business and societal goals. This shift in mindset also helps reengage finance teams and improve retention.

Redefining success

Success is no longer measured solely by profit margins. Instead, finance teams must embrace frameworks that balance people, profit and planet dimensions, ensuring an organisation’s long-term viability and positive societal impact. Sustainability reporting can play a crucial role in this shift.

How your team can build trust in a data-driven world

Finance teams have always been across the data, but the integrity and volume of data required to support decisions are evolving at a rapid pace.

Data integrity is foundational

To stay ahead of increasing regulatory scrutiny, finance professionals must invest in strong data management systems that provide a single, reliable source of accurate, secure and compliant data.

Ethical governance

Trust in financial reporting hinges on ethical governance. Finance teams must adhere to strict ethical standards in data handling and decision making, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Continuous monitoring

Automated data verification tools and anomaly detection provide real-time insights, improving decision making and strengthening trust. Proactive monitoring ensures that finance teams stay ahead of compliance requirements and data security challenges.

Teams embracing AI and automation stay ahead

It can be difficult to know where to start or where to focus the energy of your team when it comes to AI and the potential of automation.

Future-proof processes

AI in finance is revolutionising how teams operate. Automating repetitive tasks, such as transactional processing, frees up finance professionals to focus on high-value activities like scenario planning and strategic consulting. AI-driven forecasting tools provide predictive insights, enabling proactive decision making.

AI with oversight

While AI offers significant efficiencies, human expertise remains critical. To ensure effectiveness, finance teams need to strike a balance between using AI-powered automation and applying human judgement to validate and interpret the results. Ethical AI implementation and transparency are essential to maintaining stakeholder confidence.

Competitive advantage

Organisations that fail to embrace finance technology trends in 2025 risk losing relevance. Finance teams that adopt AI and automation will enhance efficiency, reduce costs and unlock new strategic opportunities.

Reskilling for the future

Hiring for specific skill sets and providing opportunities for existing team members to upskill are crucial in ensuring future success.

New skill sets for finance teams

The future of finance requires more than traditional accounting expertise. Chartered accountants who develop proficiency in sustainability reporting, advanced data analytics and digital tools will gain a competitive edge. Cross-disciplinary capabilities, such as AI modelling and engineering insights, will become increasingly valuable.

Continuous learning

A culture of lifelong learning is critical. Leveraging CA ANZ’s learning and courses will help you and your team stay ahead of these industry shifts. As automation reshapes entry-level roles, judgement-based skills are becoming more important than ever.

Attract and retain talent

To attract up-and-coming professionals, finance teams need to establish an appealing brand. Innovation and purpose-driven work will attract top talent and build a future-ready workforce. CA ANZ’s research highlights key strategies for talent acquisition and retention.

Finance teams evolve to strategic leadership

Transformation in finance teams is happening at all levels – from graduate to senior management.

Strategic partnering

Moving beyond traditional reporting roles, finance teams should become strategic partners, providing forward-looking insights that support decision making. Collaboration with leadership and stakeholder groups – including regulators, suppliers and customers – is essential for driving sustainable success.

Proactive risk management

With access to predictive analytics, finance teams can identify and mitigate risks before they materialise. Moving beyond retrospective reporting, finance leaders must play an active role in shaping long-term business strategies.

Chief value officer mindset

The chief financial officer role is evolving into a chief value officer, responsible for overseeing both financial and societal environmental, social and governance (ESG) outcomes. To achieve success across the organisation, finance team leaders must embrace and lead this change.

The road ahead: staying agile and innovative

To navigate ongoing disruption, finance teams must adopt flexible organisational models that support rapid decision making and innovation. Agility is key to remaining competitive in a dynamic business environment.

Future-oriented culture

An experimental and adaptable mindset is crucial for all members of a finance team. Aligning internal processes with broader organisational goals ensures that the finance function remains relevant and forward-thinking. Investing in workplace culture fosters adaptability and productivity and improves employee engagement.

Building the autonomous function

The future of finance lies in autonomy. As technology advances, finance teams must progress towards an autonomous finance function capable of real-time decision making and preemptive action. This also allows teams to free up human capability for strategic thinking.