Jefferson Wells Releases Latest CFO Survey Report, Revealing Profitability and Technology Transformation as Top Focus Areas

Core Insights - The 2024 CFO Annual Survey Report by Jefferson Wells highlights the evolving priorities of CFOs amid economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and technological advancements [1][2] - Profitability is identified as the top challenge for CFOs, with 36% citing it as their primary concern, followed by inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty at 32% [2][3] - The report emphasizes the need for CFOs to focus on strategies that enhance efficiency and profitability in response to increasing pressure from boards and investors [3] Group 1: Challenges and Priorities - Profitability is the foremost challenge for CFOs, with a significant increase in focus compared to previous years [2][3] - Inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty are also major concerns, indicating a challenging financial landscape for organizations [2][3] - Company culture and resistance to change are identified as the primary hurdles in achieving business transformation [4] Group 2: Strategies and Technological Adoption - CFOs are increasingly investing in new technologies, including AI and automation, to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs [3][5] - The shift towards technology adoption reflects a growing belief among CFOs that it is essential for long-term financial sustainability [3] - Cybersecurity remains a concern, but its priority has decreased as CFOs focus more on profitability and technology integration [5] Group 3: Workforce and Skills Development - CFOs plan to increase headcount for the first time since 2022, focusing on specialized skill sets to meet future demands [6]