Harper May | Knowledge Hub | UK Accounting Recruitment Agency

CFOs play a crucial role in boosting productivity, balancing financial health with strategic growth. By focusing on strategic productivity—aligning people, finances, and technologies—they can drive long-term success. This evolving role requires strong leadership, digital adoption, and collaboration to enhance efficiency and value creation.

The finance sector faces a skills shortage, driven by an aging workforce and lack of diversity. Modernising perceptions, supporting alternative career pathways, and fostering inclusivity can help address this gap, attracting diverse talent and enabling business success.

Quantum computing is set to revolutionise financial modelling by enhancing risk analysis, portfolio optimisation, and option pricing. With superior computational power, it promises faster, more accurate decision-making. Despite challenges, collaboration between finance and tech sectors will drive quantum adoption and innovation.

Small businesses face new tax and employment changes from April 2025, including higher Employer National Insurance Contributions and National Living Wage. Understanding reliefs like the Employment Allowance, working with licensed accountants, and leveraging digital tools can ensure compliance and financial stability.

Accounting firms must evolve beyond compliance to remain competitive. As automation devalues traditional services, firms offering CFO-level advisory—cash flow management, forecasting, and strategy—see higher client retention and revenue growth. The future belongs to firms that prioritise financial intelligence over routine accounting.

2025 brings major tax changes, rising inflation, and global policy shifts impacting UK businesses. Employer NICs increase, US tariffs pose risks, and Trump’s tax policies create uncertainty. Strategic financial planning is key to navigating these economic challenges and ensuring business resilience.