How Finance Professionals Are Embracing the Future

What does it take to prepare for the future of finance? That’s the question 170 CFOs, CAOs and global controllers tackled at the AICPA & CIMA’s 4th Annual Future of Finance Summit in sunny San Diego. This conference was a powerhouse of ideas, strategy and forward-thinking leadership.

The energy in the room was electric. These finance leaders weren’t just reacting to change; they were actively shaping what’s next. From generative AI to workforce transformation, every conversation centered on how to turn disruption into opportunity.

So, what are the biggest shifts on the horizon? And more importantly, how can finance professionals position themselves to lead? Here are five key takeaways from my wingman, Barry Payne , and I that will help you confidently navigate the future.

1. The Need for New Skills

The T-shaped professional is a powerful concept that came up again and again at the summit. Think of it as the sweet spot where deep technical expertise meets broad human skills like storytelling, adaptability and collaboration.

Roger Hargreaves Kenyanya from Lowe's Companies, Inc. showed us how their business immersion programs are bringing this idea to life. By placing finance professionals in cross-functional projects, they’re creating leaders who can navigate complexity and drive value across the organization.

2. Generative AI (Gen AI)

Laszlo Kalman from IBM shared how they’re rolling out scalable AI learning programs using tools that are accessible to everyone. And then Rachael A. Crump, CPA, NACD.DC, CGMA, CITP from Insight took it to the next level with her “Shark Tank” pitch program, where employees presented AI-driven solutions to real challenges.

If you’re not already experimenting with AI, what’s holding you back? These tools aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about creating opportunities to rethink the way we work.

3. Accelerated Digital Transformation

The waves of transformation are getting bigger and moving faster than ever. Glenn Hopper of Eventus Advisory Group, LLC demonstrated how AI is reshaping workflows and creating more space for strategic thinking. Don Tomoff, MBA of Invenio Advisors, LLC brought this to life with practical examples of tools that improve efficiency and simplify complex processes.

Alexander Bant and Mallory Barg Bulman of Gartner pointed out that staying agile and adaptable is critical to unlocking the full potential of these advancements. Now’s the time to assess your approach, explore new tools and position your team to drive meaningful innovation.

4. Innovation and Growth

Optimism was in the air. Thanks to our real-time polling, we found that 67% of attendees felt positive about the fourth quarter. A big jump from 41% in Q3. That shift in energy sparked some great conversations about what’s next for finance leaders.

André Gevargiz and Karol Jozwicki ACMA, CGMA of 亿滋食品 shared how they’re turning financial performance indicators into strategies that drive growth, showing what’s possible when data leads the way. Their approach wasn’t just about numbers; it was about creating a vision and making it happen. A good reminder of how the finance function can be more than a support system. It can be the engine that moves the organization forward.

5. Building the Workforce of the Future

Talent was another hot topic at the summit, and for good reason. Building the workforce of the future is one of the biggest challenges finance leaders face today. Paul S. Young, CPA, CGMA, MBA of Liberty Bank - CT 's apprenticeship program stood out as a game-changing approach to recruiting diverse talent. Lindsey Oshita of Franklin Templeton added another layer, showing how integrated global teams can maximize collaboration and open up new career paths.

But it’s not just about hiring the right people. Great cultures aren’t built by accident; they’re created by design. Chris Dyer , author of The Seven Pillars of Corporate Culture and Leadership, laid out a framework for fostering trust, transparency and collaboration. His insights left no doubt that shaping culture is an active, deliberate process, grounded in the choices we make every day.

And then there was Samuel Munzele Maimbo of 世界银行 . Using real-world crisis scenarios, like managing emergency evacuations, Sam challenged us to rethink leadership under pressure. His message? Resilience isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset. In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, leaders need the courage to make tough calls and the clarity to navigate through chaos.

Shape the Future of Finance

Taken together, these sessions painted a clear picture: Building the workforce of the future means attracting top talent. But it’s also about equipping your people with the tools, culture and leadership skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

The future of finance is about more than adapting to change, it’s about leading it. What’s next for you? There’s no better time to start taking bold steps toward the future!

If you’re ready to be part of this journey, reach out to learn more about our 2025 Future of Finance events. Together, we’ll shape what’s next.

Be sure to get a copy of the Future of Finance 2024 Summit Whitepaper that we compiled live during the event using AI.