Embracing Change: How Financial Executives Can Lead With Confidence

Recently, Forvis Mazars hosted and moderated the “Embracing Change: How Financial Executives Can Lead With Agility & Confidence” panel during the 2025 Financial Leadership Summit in Las Vegas. The informative discussion featured professionals from our CFO & Business Consulting practice at Forvis Mazars, an electronics manufacturing services company CFO, and a head of finance for wealth management at a super regional bank.

The session opened with an update on the 2025 Financial Executives Priorities Report, co-developed by FEI and Forvis Mazars, which surveyed hundreds of finance executives on possible opportunities and challenges for the year. At the time of publication in January, optimism was high, driven by modest gross domestic product (GDP) growth and reduced inflation, with executives planning to leverage advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to enhance efficiency, innovation, cost management, and revenue growth while maintaining cautious confidence over hiring and wages.

Leading With Uncertainty

Four months later, financial executives face a vastly different landscape marked by heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. The new U.S. presidential administration’s shifting tariff and trade policies have impacted markets and supply chains, prompted investor caution, and raised concerns over inflation, leading to historically low consumer confidence and the first GDP decline (during Q1 25) in three years. With tariffs being a key priority, many companies have adopted diverse measures to lessen tariff impact, such as reassessing supply chains, establishing strategic partnerships, adjusting pricing, refining tax strategies, promoting fair trade, and expanding investments in U.S. operations.

Embracing Change

The panelists covered a range of topics, beginning with the impact of market uncertainty on their finance roles and organizational health. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing key areas like cost management and operational efficiency and developing actionable and measurable strategies for both short- and long-term success. The conversation then shifted to workforce challenges in finance, where companies must navigate increased workloads and consider technology investments that could enhance efficiency. The panel discussed the impending wave of CPA retirements, the need to drive efficiency through technology, process optimization, and modernizing their finance operating models. Ways to address these challenges could include more aggressive use of AI, outsourcing, or fractional staffing models.

Reshaping Investment

In addition, members of the panel emphasized that economic uncertainty is reshaping investment strategies for transformation projects. While most companies recognize the ongoing need for investment, there is an increased focus on measurable return on investment (ROI) and positive business outcomes. The challenge lies in quantifying returns, yet project sponsors face mounting pressure to demonstrate value and impact. Drawing on lessons from the early challenges of robotic process automation (RPA) implementation, finance executives are encouraged to prioritize technology initiatives with clear road maps, robust processes, meticulous planning, and well-defined impact assessments. Furthermore, the panel noted a growing preference among executives for “out-of-the-box” solutions rather than extensive customization.

Data & IT Management

Finally, the panel highlighted the increasing need for clean, reliable data to drive confident business decisions, which supports a strong data strategy and foundation as a top priority for organizations. Companies can start with foundational steps such as helping to ensure data is accurate, complete, and properly formatted, as well as maintaining a robust data strategy with increased use of AI. This may allow for improved execution of major IT implementations and integrations to drive ROI and safeguard that critical information is accessible and accurate.

Despite the ongoing challenges in finance and the broader market, the panelists embraced the changes ahead with optimism. They concluded by outlining four key principles for navigating the future:

• Invest in areas within your control or those with long-term viability.
• Utilize cost management strategies that boost efficiency, sustain profitability, and reduce risk.
• Leverage new and existing technologies to drive both innovation and operational effectiveness.
• Establish a robust data strategy to enable confident, on-demand analytical decision making.

How Forvis Mazars Can Help

Financial executives face both challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic market. As you shape your organization’s future, having a solid plan in place is essential for navigating evolving conditions. Forvis Mazars is here to support you. Our team has experience in strategy, risk management, performance optimization, and workforce planning to help you build a robust approach. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to a professional at Forvis Mazars.