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From aspiring to inspiring: Your path to CFO
There is no one-size-fits-all path to CFO. Career progression can be part of a long-term plan, a move to a new organization or achieving results by creating value in unique ways. How can you prepare for this important C-suite role? First, better understand what’s important to today's CFOs.
Next, excel in your current position while showcasing forward-thinking leadership. Provide strategic insights that highlight your business perspective and knowledge of new, engaging technologies.
In the spotlight
The next era of CFO leadership
The future needs CFOs who don’t just respond — they reimagine. Volatility, policy shifts and AI are rewriting the rules, and the next generation of finance leaders has a critical role to play. It’s not just about managing costs or risk. It’s about designing agile, insight-driven organizations that can adapt fast — and grow faster.
Finance leaders are already moving. Fifty-seven percent say US economic policy is reshaping strategy, and 58% are investing in AI to plan smarter and faster.
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57% of CFOs and finance leaders say US economic policy is driving short-term strategy shifts
Source: PwC Pulse Survey, May 2025
Where to focus in 2025
Strategy and growth
Level up your strategy
Elevate your path to the C-suite by stepping into the role as a strategic advisor. Add value by becoming the go-to source for data-driven insights, trends and informed business decisions.
If your career has mainly focused on one part of the business, seek experience in other areas for a broader perspective. Investor relations, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), treasury and business unit-level CFO roles are worth considering. Exposure to corporate development, banking and capital markets, profit and loss management, technology transformations, strategic cost management, sustainability and even sales can make you a better advisor. Remember, the modern CFO role doesn’t just focus on the back office. Increased globalization and policy uncertainty is likely to continually push you to focus on the middle and front office, too.
Additional ways to level up your strategy
Strategy and growth
3 strategic leadership goals for future finance leaders
From redefining roles to enhancing collaboration and embracing innovation for transformative outcomes, these goals can help you unleash your finance function.
Strategy and growth
How transformative leadership can improve performance and drive business reinvention
Why organizations need transformative leaders who can adapt and innovate to stay competitive and drive business outcomes.
Transformation
What future finance leaders can prioritize over the next year
Build the skills to become a trusted advisor — sharpen your data, tech and storytelling capabilities to lead in the future of finance.
44% of CFOs say increasing the use of tech to reduce costs is very important to fund in the next 12 months
Source: PwC Pulse Survey, June 2024
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