In an insightful webinar hosted by Sally Fletcher and Keaton Olund, finance leaders explored the transformative trends set to shape 2025. Titled “2025 Finance Trends: Preparing Your Back Office for the Year Ahead,” the session provided practical strategies and critical insights for finance professionals looking to future-proof their operations. Below is a summary of the key trends, complete with integrated statistics, and five takeaways to ensure success in the year ahead.
Key Trends Shaping Finance in 2025
1. Workforce Evolution in Finance
The finance workforce is undergoing significant changes, with challenges in hiring and retaining talent coming to the forefront. A staggering 78% of CFOs report a growing skills gap in their departments, which reflects the evolving responsibilities placed on finance teams. Modern finance professionals are now expected to excel in strategic thinking, digital proficiency, and data analysis – skills that 36% of professionals identify as intermediate, with only 19% considering themselves highly knowledgeable.
The increasing demand for technical and analytical expertise also comes with the challenge of employee turnover. Many organizations are seeing experienced team members retire, creating knowledge gaps, while others struggle to onboard and upskill new hires. For instance, some AP positions remain unfilled for months due to a lack of qualified applicants. This highlights the critical need for upskilling initiatives to equip employees with the tools to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
2. Rising Fraud Risks
Fraud threats continue to grow, especially in accounts payable (AP) and receivable processes. Over 80% of organizations experienced attacks or attempts in 2024, and 52% reported a rise in AP fraud attempts over the past 12 months. Common threats include billing schemes, ACH fraud, and vendor impersonation, all of which are exacerbated by manual processes and poor internal controls.
The financial cost of these fraud attempts can be devastating, and as digital payments increase, fraudsters are evolving their tactics. AI-powered impersonation and phishing emails targeting finance professionals are becoming more sophisticated. For example, business email compromise (BEC) attacks, where fraudsters impersonate executives or vendors, are now a significant risk to finance teams.
Organizations are responding to these risks by increasing their reliance on automation to mitigate vulnerabilities. Automation platforms equipped with AI-driven fraud detection can flag suspicious invoices, verify payment details, and ensure only verified suppliers are paid.
3. AI and Automation in Finance
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer just industry buzzwords—they are critical components of modern finance operations. By 2035, 74% of CFOs expect that AI and automation will have completely reshaped finance functions. However, many organizations are still in the early stages of adoption. A recent survey revealed that 36% of finance professionals describe themselves as at an intermediate level in using AI, while 38% are beginners.
Far from replacing human jobs, AI is now recognized as an enabler of productivity and efficiency. It streamlines repetitive tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and report generation, allowing finance teams to focus on strategic priorities. OnPhase, for example, processes over 7 million invoices annually—equivalent to $50 billion in transactions—demonstrating the scale at which automation can impact finance operations.
Organizations that proactively invest in automation are not only addressing short-term challenges but also setting themselves up for long-term scalability. AI-driven tools like intelligent document processing, payment automation, and supplier relationship management are proving invaluable in reducing errors, increasing efficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Five Top Tips for 2025
- Invest in Upskilling – Organizations must prioritize upskilling initiatives to close the growing skills gap. Leverage microlearning platforms, professional courses, and vendor partnerships to equip teams with the skills needed to navigate digital transformation.
- Strengthen Fraud Prevention Measures – Fraud risks are rising, but automation is a powerful ally. Implement systems with built-in fraud detection, invoice verification, and supplier validation to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Leverage AI to Optimize Workflows – AI and automation are essential for streamlining finance processes. Tools like intelligent document processing and workflow automation not only save time but also empower teams to focus on value-added activities.
- Enhance Supplier Relationships – Supplier portals can bridge the gap between buyers and suppliers, providing real-time updates on payment statuses and reducing communication delays. This transparency strengthens trust and collaboration.
- Think Long-Term with Technology Investments – Finance leaders should prioritize future-forward investments in scalable technology solutions. CFOs increasingly seek tools that not only solve today’s challenges but also enable long-term growth and resilience.
2025 will be a pivotal year for finance departments. With workforce changes, rising fraud risks, and advancing technology, finance professionals must adapt quickly to thrive. By embracing automation, addressing fraud vulnerabilities, and investing in upskilling, organizations can future-proof their operations and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape.
With tools like OnPhase’s automation platform and a focus on strategic innovation, finance teams are well-positioned to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.
As the finance landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of key trends is critical for optimizing financial performance and operational efficiency. As such, Serrala presents an insightful webinar, Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Order-to-Cash in 2025 and Beyond, which will explore the top trends driving finance teams, offering strategic insights to help businesses navigate emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.