Finance 2035: Return to Investment – UK Market Report

UK CFOs Are Under Pressure—What Do They Need to Succeed?

Finance leaders are facing a perfect storm—tariffs, inflation, geopolitical tensions, talent shortages, and legacy tech. Expectations are rising while resources are shrinking. Agility and predictability are no longer nice-to-haves—they're non-negotiables.

In the UK, the pressure’s especially intense. 71% of CEOs expect CFOs to step up as ambitious growth drivers, expanding the role far beyond the traditional remit.

But let’s be real—the road ahead isn’t easy:

• 75% of UK CFOs say their growing responsibilities make it harder to focus on strategy
• 72% are stuck with outdated systems
• 77% are battling serious skills gaps

To lead through 2035, CFOs must shift from stewards to strategic catalysts—leveraging AI, automation, and unified data to boost agility, performance, and smarter decision-making.

Ready to future-proof your finance function?

Download the Finance 2035: Return to Investment – UK Market Report to learn what strategic CFOs must prioritize to drive growth.