In the evolving landscape of corporate finance, chief financial officers are grappling with a perfect storm of technological disruption, talent shortages, and economic pressures. As 2025 unfolds, CFOs are increasingly skeptical about artificial intelligence’s immediate impact, prioritizing data skills and reevaluating traditional credentials like the CPA. A recent roundtable by CFO.com highlights these shifts, with 98% of participants indicating that changes are required in areas like ERP modernization amid spending cuts and hiring freezes.

Drawing from insights across industry reports, CFOs are navigating a terrain where AI promises efficiency but delivers mixed results. According to a Gartner survey cited in CFO Dive, AI adoption in finance is slowing due to challenges like data literacy and inadequate data quality, which remain the largest obstacles. This skepticism is echoed in social media discussions on X, where finance professionals express doubts about AI’s reliability, with one post noting that while AI can work 100x faster, it fabricates information 10% of the time.

The Rise of AI Skepticism in Finance

Industry insiders point to a ‘vibe shift’ in AI perceptions, as detailed in Fortune Magazine. CFOs are doubling down on AI and cybersecurity, yet tariffs emerge as a new threat, with 66% expecting impacts, per a PR Newswire report. Deloitte’s guide to tech trends for 2025 emphasizes the need for CFOs to navigate innovation carefully, balancing hype with practical implementation.

Zuora’s analysis of CFO trends identifies AI and automation as top priorities, alongside ESG and risk management. However, Raconteur reports that global economic policy shifts and talent shortages are front of mind, with AI’s impact adding complexity. Kyriba’s US CFO survey reveals how leaders plan to use AI for efficiency and growth, yet many remain cautious due to integration hurdles.

Talent Shortages and Evolving Skill Demands

The demand for data skills is surging, as CFOs seek professionals who can handle AI-driven analytics. CFO.com’s article on labor trends for 2025 notes changes in CPA certification, return-to-office initiatives, and the value of data leveraging. Posts on X highlight a 33% decline in CPA applications and a talent shortage, with 75% of accountants nearing retirement, per a fintech-focused discussion.

Gartner’s 2026 CFO Agenda underscores top priorities like upskilling for AI disruptions. A WebProNews piece on 2025 CFO evolution discusses high turnover and the need for leaders with financial expertise, strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and tech skills. McKinsey’s report, referenced on X, shows 88% of companies using AI but 80% reporting zero bottom-line impact, underscoring the gap between adoption and results.

ERP Modernization Amid Budget Constraints

ERP systems are under scrutiny as CFOs push for modernization to support AI integration. Tydeco’s fact sheet on finance stack trends reveals priorities in ERP, automation, and AI-driven tools to enhance performance. However, spending cuts and hiring freezes complicate these efforts, as 98% of CFO.com roundtable participants agree changes are needed.

Founders Forum Group’s Tech CFO Survey 2025 provides insights on how CFOs are adapting investments in the AI age. Anrok’s report on tech trends, covered in Winona Daily News and ABC17News, urges CFOs to embrace agentic AI and blockchain, yet many face resistance due to economic uncertainties.

Strategic Responses to Hiring Freezes

Hiring freezes are forcing CFOs to optimize existing talent. A post on X from CPA Trendlines discusses takeaways from a Finance and Accounting Technology Expo, including AI skepticism, ERP cleanup, and shifting CFO talent demands. PwC’s 2025 AI Business Predictions offer strategies for transformation, emphasizing actionable insights amid skepticism.

Finance leaders are also eyeing soft skills, as Raconteur notes macroeconomic shifts demanding adaptability. Gartner trending news highlights AI co-writing financial reports, per The Wall Street Journal, raising questions about accuracy and ethics in an era of doubt.

Leadership in an Uncertain Future

As CFOs position themselves for potential CEO roles, CFO.com stresses workforce collaboration and roadmaps to leadership. X posts warn of AI replacing workers, with 3 in 10 firms planning reductions in IT, finance, and accounting, per a Dion Hinchcliffe share.

Ultimately, the convergence of AI skepticism, data skill needs, and budget pressures is reshaping the CFO role. Insights from Kyriba and Zuora suggest a focus on strategic growth, while Gartner’s agenda calls for progress against key priorities to future-proof finance functions.