Core Insights - The study titled "The Glass Chair" reveals that companies led by women CFOs achieve an average annualized shareholder return of 4.5%, outperforming industry benchmarks by approximately 0.2% annually across Europe, the UK, and the US [2][9] - Women CFOs are seen as pivotal in shaping the future of finance leadership, with 83% indicating that automation, particularly AI, is facilitating the entry of diverse expertise into the role [4][11] - The research highlights that women often take longer and less linear paths to the CFO position, averaging 18 years in Global Fortune 500 companies and 20 years in FTSE 100 firms [6][9] Business Value of Diversity - Companies that appoint women CFOs experience a 10% performance uplift in underperforming firms after the appointment [9] - The study emphasizes that advancing women into CFO roles enhances innovation and competitiveness, modernizing a critical business function [5][13] - Women CFOs are more likely to possess a broader enterprise-wide perspective and deeper operational acumen, which are essential for balancing financial strategy with people development and risk management [7][13] Skills for Future CFOs - The research identifies digital literacy and strategic leadership as essential skills for future CFOs, with 75% of women finance leaders recognizing their importance [4][11] - Women CFOs align with leadership personas that emphasize financial governance, strategic planning, and team development, which are crucial for today's finance leaders [8][10] - Despite the recognition of AI's importance, only 24% of women CFOs currently rely significantly on AI tools, indicating a gap in AI adoption that could be addressed to empower women leaders [12][9] Barriers to Advancement - Structural barriers such as economic downturns, workplace politics, limited mentorship access, and work-life balance challenges hinder women's progression to CFO roles [13][14] - The study suggests that addressing these barriers can unlock higher returns and broader skillsets necessary for steering finance into the future [14][13] - Women CFOs' focus on transparency and governance may contribute to their slower adoption of generic AI tools, which lack the necessary context for effective financial decision-making [12][11]

Core Insights - A new study reveals a significant AI skills gap between finance students and seasoned finance professionals, highlighting the need for improved AI readiness in the finance sector [1][3][4] AI Readiness and Skills Gap - Two-thirds (66%) of current corporate finance professionals report using AI at work, while 86% of all respondents believe they will use AI tools in their careers [2] - There is a notable decline in AI skills readiness as professionals gain experience; 89% of finance students feel prepared to use AI, compared to only 54% of professionals with over 10 years of experience [3] - Over half (57%) of finance professionals identify a generational technology divide as a significant issue within their organizations, with the AI skills gap being a major contributor [3] Gender Disparities in AI Adoption - Male finance professionals report higher AI usage (71%) compared to female professionals (61%), indicating a gender gap in technology adoption [5] - Among young finance professionals, only 56% of young women feel prepared to use AI, compared to 69% of young men [6] - In finance education, only 12% of female students expect to rely heavily on AI, versus 68% of male students, reflecting a broader trend in expectations and experience [7] Career Expectations vs. Reality - The top motivators for pursuing a finance career include job stability (63%), high salary (57%), and a clear roadmap for career growth (55%) [8] - There is a disconnect between student expectations and the realities of finance careers; 79% of students expect to work less than 40 hours per week, while 58% of current professionals report working 40 hours or more [9][10] - Only 51% of current professionals believe new graduates are adequately prepared for the realities of finance jobs, emphasizing the need for better training [11] Recommendations for Future Success - To bridge the skills gap, the finance industry must invest in early training programs and modern practices that equip new talent with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment [12]