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Insights from CFO Mindset Report 2.0
The role of the modern CFO has evolved far beyond looking over the finance function. The leaders of today are expected to move through strategy, navigate change in evolving finance technology and spotting key areas of growth for their organisation; all whilst ensuring better experiences for teams.
But there’s a disconnect happening.
The CFO Mindset Report 2.0 surveyed 1000 finance leaders across the UK and Ireland, and revealed that many finance functions are still held back by poor system experiences, inefficient processes and unnecessary pressure on leaders and teams. The result? Frustration, underperformance and missed opportunities.
To ensure teams get the most from their finance management platform, four priorities stand out as priority for building a truly future-ready finance function.
Smoother implementation is now business-critical
If there’s one area where CFOs feel let down, it’s implementation. Our report spotlighted the painful process that many finance teams have experienced:
- 94% of finance leaders regret implementing an ERP system
- 66% found the ERP implementation process stressful
These aren’t small issues - they point to a systemic problem in how finance transformation is delivered.
A difficult implementation doesn’t just delay ROI. It disrupts teams, creates resistance to change, and often leads to long-term underutilisation of the system.
That’s why CFOs are now prioritising:
- Faster, more structured onboarding
- Minimal disruption to day-to-day finance operations
- Clear pathways to value from day one
A smoother implementation isn’t just a project win - it’s the foundation for long-term success and a team that feels valued without their work spilling into evenings and weekends.
Improving work-life balance across finance teams
Behind every inefficient process is a team feeling the mounting strain.
Finance teams continue to face intense pressure from reporting cycles, manual work and system limitations. The stress highlighted during implementation often doesn’t disappear - it carries into day-to-day operations.
CFOs are increasingly recognising that team wellbeing and performance are directly linked.
By improving systems and processes, organisations can:
- Reduce reliance on manual work
- Shorten reporting timelines
- Create more predictable, manageable workloads
This isn’t just about making life easier - it’s about building teams that are sustainable, engaged and able to operate at a higher level.
Supporting finance teams with the right tools and insights
Even where systems are in place, many teams aren’t getting the full value from them.
- 60% of finance teams use 50% or less of their ERP’s available features
- 65% say financial decisions are sometimes made without enough data
This highlights a critical and alarming gap if not addressed - not just in technology, but in how it’s experienced and adopted.
Modern CFOs are shifting focus towards:
- Systems that are intuitive and easy to use with support embedded in the system
- Better access to real-time, reliable data that can be trusted and accessed beyond the finance department
When finance teams feel properly supported, they move beyond transactional work and start delivering meaningful insight and impact across the business.
Driving better efficiency through smarter finance operations
Efficiency remains a core priority - but it’s no longer just about cost reduction.
Today, it’s about removing friction and enabling finance teams to work smarter.
Yet inefficiencies are still widespread:
- 95% of finance leaders have experienced hidden costs related to their finance software
These hidden costs often come from manual workarounds that leave space for error, poor integration between systems and a lack of unified data. This in turn results in a warped bigger picture, where real-time data can’t be easily shared across the organisations’ ecosystem.
By investing in automation, integration and AI-backed tools, CFOs can:
- Improve accuracy and consistency
- Reduce time spent on low-value tasks
- Refocus teams on strategic work
The result is a finance function that is not just more efficient - but far more effective.
Bringing it all together: Better experiences, stronger finance functions
The CFO Mindset Report 2.0 makes one thing clear: the day-to day experience of teams is central to finance success.
Whether it’s:
- A smoother implementation
- Better work-life balance
- Stronger support for teams
- Or more efficient operations
It’s clear these priorities are deeply connected.
Organisations that invest in these areas are not just improving performance - they’re building future-ready finance functions that are more resilient, agile and better equipped to support their teams.
Final thought
The modern CFO understands that transformation isn’t just about systems - it’s about how people are able to collaborate and the tools and support carefully selected to enhance operations.
When finance teams are supported with the right tools, processes and experiences, they’re empowered to do their best work. And that’s where real value is created.
Call to action
Ready to see what’s really shaping the modern CFO agenda?
The CFO Mindset Report 2.0 uncovers the challenges, frustrations and priorities driving finance leaders today - from ERP regret to the growing demand for better team experiences.
👉 Download the full report to explore the data behind the shift—and what it means for your finance function.
