Public Sector CFOs: From Balancing Budgets to Building Futures
Public sector CFOs are navigating a perfect storm of change—political shifts, return-to-office mandates, and sweeping regulatory reforms are reshaping priorities and straining budgets. As digital services expand, so do cybersecurity and compliance demands, requiring major investments. Yet many agencies remain tethered to outdated, costly legacy systems, making modernization feel daunting despite its long-term payoff.
Public sector CFOs are feeling the pressure. Almost three-quarters (73%) of public sector leaders in our study agree that expectations of CFOs have multiplied in the last three to five years. Not only that, but:
- 76% of public sector CFOs identify numerous competing pressures that take away from long-term strategic initiatives as a significant barrier to performing their role effectively.
- 73% of public sector CFOs identify skills gaps in the finance department as a significant barrier to success.
- 68% of public sector CFOs identify legacy systems as a significant hindrance to doing the job effectively.
What must public sector CFOs do to navigate these challenges to lead through 2035?
Download the Finance 2035: Return to Investment – Public Sector Report to learn about what strategic CFOs must prioritize to future-proof their function.
