Increasing Focus on AI and Cybersecurity Amid Rising Tariff Concerns for CFOs

CFOs Embrace AI and Cybersecurity in Face of Tariff Pressures

A recent survey from Jefferson Wells highlights a critical shift in priority for America's Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). In 2025, tariffs and trade barriers have risen significantly to become one of the top five concerns for CFOs nationally. A notable 66% of CFOs anticipate that these tariffs will negatively affect their organizations, emphasizing a drastic change from previous years where such issues were not prioritized in the same way.

Shift in Financial Leadership Priorities

The findings of the Jefferson Wells' 2025 CFO Priorities Annual Survey, conducted between August and September, reveal an evolving landscape in financial leadership. Michelle Search, the national practice leader, reported that CFOs are becoming increasingly focused on profitability amidst constant external changes. The effective deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and talent management has emerged as critical in differentiating their organizations in a competitive market.

Profitability remains the greatest concern for CFOs in 2025, holding steady at 34%. This is closely followed by cybersecurity worries at 27%, economic uncertainty also at 27%, and technology transformation at 24%. Notably, on board agendas, profitability leads at 63%, with technology transformation and competitive advantage at 38% and 37%, respectively. The previous year's focus on digital transformation and employee retention appears to have shifted.

Tariffs Adding Complexity

The introduction of tariffs has complicated the economic landscape for CFOs. Two-thirds of those surveyed expressed concerns over the negative impacts of these tariffs, a considerable increase compared to the 32% who were concerned about inflation last year. Alarmingly, only 29% of CFOs reported having the necessary skills and processes in place to comply with the new tariff regulations. In contrast, 43% indicated they are still working on developing these solutions.

Growth in Finance Headcount

Interestingly, the 2025 survey indicates a return to growth regarding finance headcount. Nearly half of the respondents, or 45%, plan to boost their finance teams in the upcoming quarter, marking a 19% increase from 2024. Over the next 12-24 months, 65% expect further expansion. Factors such as the increasing role of finance within organizations (63%), a sharper focus on risk management (57%), and the need for support in transformation projects (46%) are driving this hiring momentum.

AI Integration and Cybersecurity Engagement

The adoption of AI has moved decisively from exploratory phases to practical applications. A remarkable 96% of organizations are now engaged with AI, and 42% have already started utilizing it operationally. This represents a significant rise from just 17% in the previous year. Additionally, CFOs are not only more involved in discussions about cybersecurity—73% reported being involved in cyber strategy—but a substantial half are deeply engaged in both strategy formulation and response policies. This reflects a marked increase in concern about cyber threats, highlighting a critical shift from previous years where preventative measures were prioritized over responsive strategies.

Moving Forward with Deliberate Growth

The insight gained from the 2025 survey illustrates that finance leaders are moving past the fatigue of the previous year. They're proactively pursuing innovations in AI and automation, taking ownership of cybersecurity strategies, and preparing to address challenges posed by tariffs. There's a noted shift towards expanding headcount, forming partnerships, and transitioning from reactive modes to strategic, tech-driven growth, all while keeping profitability as their primary goal.

To learn more about how finance leaders are aiming to balance profitability pressures with ongoing technology transformation, download the complete 2025 CFO Annual Priorities Survey Report available at Jefferson Wells.

About Jefferson Wells

Jefferson Wells is a distinguished professional services firm specializing in finance and accounting, risk and compliance, and internal audit solutions, and is part of the ManpowerGroup family.

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