The role of Chief Financial Officers is evolving more than ever toward a strategic position in response to economic and regulatory challenges. According to the 2025 CFO Barometer published by ABV Group, this year is set to be marked by critical decisions aimed at ensuring profitability and business resilience. Here’s a closer look.
2025: A Year of Caution and Optimization
Following a mixed 2024, the priorities of CFOs in 2025, as reported in the ABV Group barometer, reflect a clear refocus on core fundamentals:
- Driving revenue growth while safeguarding margins
- Enhancing competitiveness and profitability through improved cost control
- Transforming the organization—but with more caution than in 2024
While digital transformation and external growth had been top priorities in recent years, they are now taking a back seat to a more defensive strategy. Organizations are seeking powerful and flexible tools to steer their financial strategies effectively. With Anaplan, Beyond Plans helps finance departments structure decision-making by integrating advanced simulation models and real-time scenario management.
Mounting Economic and Political Uncertainties
CFOs also express growing concern over several threats:
- 88% fear political instability in France
- 68% are worried about the social climate and its potential impact on their companies
- 59% anticipate constraints linked to a shift toward a “wartime economy”
The growing length of customer payment terms is becoming a major issue (27.1%), increasing pressure on cash flow management.
In such a complex environment, predictive modeling and cash flow optimization are essential. The Anaplan solutions implemented by Beyond Plans enable CFOs to anticipate and simulate crisis scenarios, allowing for proactive and informed decision-making.
Digitalization and Automation: Where Do Companies Stand?
Artificial intelligence is starting to gain traction, with 63% of CFOs viewing it as a valuable lever for financial optimization and regulatory compliance. However, its adoption remains cautious due to complex processes and a lack of internal expertise.
To accelerate this transformation and ensure a successful rollout, Beyond Plans supports CFOs in deploying Anaplan—a solution designed to enhance financial planning and risk management through AI and advanced automation.
Toward Tighter Cost and Cash Management
Unsurprisingly, cash flow management remains a top strategic concern in 2025:
- Preserving cash is the number one priority for 70.6% of companies
- Debt repayment is on the rise (47.0%), reflecting a desire to reduce financial risk
To meet these demands, Beyond Plans offers advanced approaches to planning and budget control. By integrating Anaplan into their financial processes, CFOs gain greater visibility into spending, investments, and overall profitability.
Outlook for 2025: A Balance of Caution and Anticipation
While 47% of CFOs anticipate business growth in 2025, caution remains the watchword. In terms of valuation, 55% believe EBITDA multiples will remain flat, and only 20% of companies expect an increase.
In this context, cost optimization becomes essential to preserve profitability. The areas most targeted by CFOs include:
- Payroll (37.3%)—a sensitive area given recruitment challenges
- Procurement of goods and services (36.6%)
- Overhead expenses (32.3%)—with a focus on streamlining day-to-day costs
Beyond budget cuts, financial efficiency depends on smarter resource allocation and agile planning. With its Anaplan expertise, Beyond Plans enables CFOs to implement real-time simulation and cost optimization strategies, ensuring fast and effective decision-making.
CFOs Playing an Increasingly Strategic Role
In 2025, CFOs will navigate an environment marked by heightened caution, economic uncertainty, and a pressing need for cost optimization. While digitalization and AI offer promising avenues to improve financial performance, internal constraints often slow their adoption.
Beyond Plans supports finance departments in implementing Anaplan solutions tailored to the new realities of financial management. Automation, advanced planning, cash flow oversight—these strategic areas empower CFOs to anticipate risks and secure business growth.
To learn more about the insights from the 2025 CFO Barometer, visit the full report on ABV Group’s website!
