CFO Strategies for 2025: Using Technology to Boost Growth and Profitability

The demand for growth and profitability continues to increase — and as critical markers of future success, CFOs know steady growth and solid profitability demonstrate organizational competence. 

N2 Growth, an executive search firm, explains what makes today’s CFO successful: “The modern CFO is not just a finance expert — they’re a strategic partner, playing a critical role in driving innovation, digital transformation, and growth. The best CFOs today bridge the gap between finance and technology, turning data into actionable insights that steer the company forward.”

In this article, we explore how CFOs can leverage technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to drive growth and profitability, bolstering the following critical areas:

Resilience. Strong growth and profitability provide a robust buffer against economic uncertainties. Companies with solid financial foundations can weather the storm more effectively when market conditions fluctuate or unexpected challenges arise. This resilience allows businesses to maintain operations, retain employees, and continue strategic initiatives during turbulent times.

Investment capacity. Healthy growth and profitability generate the necessary capital to fund innovation and expansion. This financial strength enables companies to invest in research and development, explore new markets, upgrade technologies, and pursue strategic acquisitions. Such investments are crucial for staying competitive and seizing new opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Talent attraction. High-performing companies with strong growth trajectories and stable profitability are magnets for top talent. These organizations can offer competitive compensation packages, career advancement opportunities, and the promise of long-term stability. Companies can further drive innovation and maintain their competitive edge by attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

Stakeholder confidence. Consistent growth and profitability instill stakeholder confidence. Investors are more likely to support companies with strong financial performance, leading to better access to capital. Employees feel more secure in their roles and are more engaged, contributing to higher productivity. Customers and suppliers view the company as a reliable partner, fostering stronger business relationships and potentially leading to more favorable terms.

The vital role of technology in growth and profitability

In 2025, integrating advanced technologies into financial operations is not just an option — it's a necessity for staying competitive. CFOs who effectively leverage these technologies will be better positioned to drive growth and profitability in their organizations. With growth as a top priority for executives in 2025 — nearly 2/3 of CEOs (62%) and CFOs (65%) cited it among their top 3 priorities, according to Gartner — operational readiness with a reliable infrastructure is critical. 

Key technologies in finance

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing finance by automating routine tasks such as data extraction, invoice processing, PO matching, approvals, and payments. This technology can operate without human intervention, freeing up more time for strategic thinking while enhancing accuracy rates, improving fraud detection, and supporting risk management.

Cloud computing is transforming how finance teams work, enabling real-time data access and collaboration. It efficiently scales resources to meet changing business needs and significantly reduces IT infrastructure costs.

Advanced data analytics or predictive analytics offer deeper insights into business performance, supporting data-driven decision-making. Real-time data helps identify new growth opportunities and uncover potential cost-saving measures, giving businesses a competitive edge.

Robotic process automation (RPA) and optical character recognition (OCR) are a more traditional approach to streamlining repetitive processes in financial operations, using a template- or rules-based solution, both of which require oversight.

‍

AI’s impact on growth and profitability

AI is rapidly transforming the business landscape, offering CFOs powerful tools to drive growth and profitability. As highlighted in a recent KPMG report, companies are heavily investing in generative AI, expecting substantial revenue growth and productivity gains within the next three years. 

From slashing operational costs by automating invoice processing to unlocking new market opportunities with advanced analytics, AI is reshaping how businesses operate. Here are a few of those critical areas:

Cost reduction: Automation and AI can significantly reduce operational costs. For example, AI-driven invoice processing can cut costs by up to 80%.

Revenue growth: Advanced analytics help identify new market opportunities and optimize pricing strategies.

Improved decision-making: Real-time data and predictive analytics enable faster, more informed decisions.

Financial accuracy: AI-powered automation quickly increases invoice processing and bill pay with more accuracy, improving the balance sheet and enabling a faster close. 

Enhanced customer experience: AI-powered chatbots and personalized services can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Risk mitigation: AI and machine learning algorithms can detect patterns indicative of fraud or financial risks before they impact the bottom line.