The truth CFOs are quietly acknowledging in 2025:
AI won’t eliminate finance and accounting roles. It’s removing outdated workflows and resistance to change.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve watched a clear hiring pattern emerge across mid-market and enterprise finance teams. The strongest candidates aren’t the ones with perfect resumes; they’re the ones who know how to combine financial expertise, automation tools, and strategic thinking.
What is driving the shift?
AI now performs reconciliation, variance tagging, and fundamental analysis in minutes.
Month-end workflows are increasingly automated.
CFOs now expect leaner teams with higher skill density.
Companies want people who can interpret insights, not just produce reports.
The new “hybrid” finance professional looks like this:
1. Technically strong in accounting
2. Fluent in automation platforms (BlackLine, NetSuite, FloQast, Power BI)
3. Data-literate and comfortable with AI-supported analysis
4. Able to communicate insights to executives
5. Capable of redesigning processes, not just following them
The roles evolving the fastest:
• Senior Accountant
• FP&A Analyst
• Controller
• Revenue Accountant
• Cost Accountant
These roles now demand greater analytical thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and comfort with accelerating technology.
The bottom line
AI isn’t a threat; it’s a filter.
The talent willing to adopt new tools will advance the fastest, and companies that hire for adaptability will outperform those still hiring for “traditional” accounting experience.
CFOs trust Controller’s Group to staff their most critical roles every day.