2025 Market Outlook for the C-Suite

CFO outlook of the market

Stay ahead. Stay sharp. Welcome to Executive Edge.

We’re getting ready to close the curtain on 2024. What does the future hold in store for the Finance & Accounting industry?

Now is the perfect time to look ahead and prepare our strategies for success in 2025.

Transcend Search & Strategy is thrilled to launch our new LinkedIn newsletter series, Executive Edge. Our mission is to provide our information and insights to the industry. We will arm you with the tools to stay sharply ahead of the game and reach new heights of success.

This first edition offers a glimpse inside our newly released market report on the forces shaping the executive landscape, and how to prepare for them.

With that, welcome to Executive Edge—your go-to resource for the latest market intelligence, analysis, and actionable strategies to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing world.

How the Market Is Changing the C-Suite in 2025

2024 being an election year is impacting companies’ hiring decisions as they consider coming economic policy changes and tax implications.

Even so, the Finance & Accounting industry is projected to continue growing in the coming years. Increasing globalization and digitalization of businesses are creating high demand for financial leaders who can manage complex financial situations and utilize technology to drive growth.

Here’s what you need to know:

Elevated Strategic Roles of CFOs

CFOs and finance leaders will continue to act as strategic advisors to the business, shaping overall business strategy and guiding the organization to increase profitability.

AI and Automation Integration

Companies will increasingly leverage AI and automation for routine tasks, especially in finance roles, allowing executives to focus on high-value strategic activities.

Talent Shortage Intensification

The shortage of qualified accounting and finance professionals is expected to worsen, driving up salaries and increasing competition for top talent. Companies will respond by further investing in their existing employees and technologies to fill skills gaps.

Remote Work Normalization

Hybrid and remote work models will become standard, even for executive positions, requiring different approaches to leadership and team management than were necessary a decade ago.

Emphasis on Data Analytics

Finance leaders will need to become ever more proficient in advanced data analytics and visualization to drive business insights and make cases for strategic direction.

Cross-Functional Expertise

Finance executives with broader business acumen who can communicate intelligently with other departments will find themselves more in demand than traditional numbers-oriented, antiquated leaders.

Preparing for Success in 2025

As the finance landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable is more important than ever. At Transcend Search & Strategy, we’re here to help you navigate these shifts and set yourself up for success.

For a closer look at these trends and what they mean for you, check out our new market report. It’s packed with insights and strategies to help you raise the bar and lead with confidence in the years ahead.

In our upcoming Executive Edge editions, we’ll slice through the noise and carve out the strategies you need to stay ahead of the curve. We’re not just talking about trends; we’re sharpening your competitive edge for 2025 and beyond.

Our Edgy Leaders!

Jamie Hersh
Jamie Hersh, Founder and Managing Partner, Transcend Search & Strategy

Jamie Hersh, Founder and Managing Partner of Transcend Search & Strategy, is a seasoned expert in C-suite recruitment and retention. With almost 20 years in financial leadership, Jamie excels at aligning top-tier talent with strategic business needs, particularly for private equity-backed firms. Her insight into financial leadership roles allows her to seamlessly connect companies with candidates who fit their culture and drive operational success. Jamie’s clients value her sharp focus and responsiveness, trusting her to guide them through complex financial landscapes and secure the talent needed for growth.

Bryn Adams, Executive Partner of Transcend Search & Strategy
Bryn Adams, Executive Partner, Transcend Search & Strategy

Bryn Adams, Executive Partner at Transcend Search & Strategy, is a renowned executive search expert. With a focus on innovative, relationship-driven methods, she excels in matching top executive talent with client needs. Bryn’s expertise in operations and technology enables her to seamlessly navigate complex structures. Her honest communication and strategic networking build lasting client and candidate connections, ensuring precise and enduring placements. Bryn’s keen market insights make her a trusted advisor in accounting and finance recruitment, offering tailored solutions for business challenges.

Thank You to Our Strategic Partners

Purple Page Marketing provides comprehensive 360 marketing services for solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses. We thank them for composing this market report for Transcend Search & Strategy. Interviewing our partners to draw upon their insights and combining them with hard data, they brought the Transcend message to life on the page.

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Ratcliff Creative is an independent design agency creating bespoke visual identities and communications for the finest B2B companies across the globe. We thank Ratcliff Creative for the graphic design and branding services they provided to give this market report a visual identity.

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Orange Star Design, Inc. is a design agency and strategic consultant that offers full-service branding and creative solutions to diverse clientele. We thank Orange Star Design for applying the contents of this market report to the digital platform to make it more accessible to our peers and colleagues.

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