CFOs Embrace AI and Cybersecurity Amid Surging Tariff Concerns: Insights from ManpowerGroup's Jefferson Wells Survey

In a press release dated October 28, 2025, ManpowerGroup Inc. announced the findings of Jefferson Wells' 2025 CFO Priorities Annual Survey, highlighting a significant shift in the concerns and priorities of America's Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). With the emergence of tariffs and trade barriers as a critical issue, CFOs are more focused than ever on enhancing profitability, adopting technology, and addressing cybersecurity threats.

For the first time, tariffs and trade barriers have surged into the top five concerns for CFOs, with 66% anticipating negative impacts on their organizations. This marks a sharp increase from last year, where inflation was the primary concern for only 32% of CFOs. The urgency to navigate these new complexities is evident, as only 29% of CFOs believe they possess the necessary skills and processes to comply with new tariff regulations. In contrast, 43% are still in the process of developing internal solutions to tackle these challenges.

Profitability continues to dominate the landscape of CFO priorities, remaining the top concern for 34% of respondents, slightly down from 36% in 2024. The next highest priorities include cybersecurity and economic uncertainty at 27% each, followed closely by technology transformation at 24%. Notably, profitability tops board agendas at 63%, while technology transformation and competitive advantage have gained traction over previous priorities such as digitalization and staff retention.

The survey reveals a positive outlook on headcount growth, with 45% of CFOs planning to increase their finance teams in the upcoming quarter, marking a 19% increase from 2024. Additionally, 65% expect growth within the next 12-24 months, driven by the expanding role of finance, increased focus on risk management, and the necessity to support transformation projects. This hiring momentum reflects a broader recognition of the importance of finance functions in navigating today's complex business landscape.

CFOs are rapidly transitioning from exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to implementing it within their organizations. A remarkable 96% of organizations are now engaging with AI, with 42% already utilizing it operationally. Furthermore, 59% of CFOs are seeking external support for AI initiatives, a significant increase from just 17% in 2024. This shift underscores the urgency with which CFOs are addressing technological transformation as a means of enhancing operational efficiency and competitive advantage.

Cybersecurity has emerged as a pressing issue, with nearly three-quarters of CFOs (73%) now involved in shaping their organizations' cyber strategies. About half of these CFOs report being deeply engaged in both strategy formulation and response planning. However, confidence in cyber prevention and mitigation efforts has dipped to 43%, down from 46% in 2024, indicating a shift in focus from prevention to readiness in response to unpredictable cyber threats.

The 2025 survey indicates a notable transition among finance leaders, who are moving beyond the fatigue that characterized 2024. They are actively embracing AI and automation, taking strategic ownership of cybersecurity, and preparing to tackle tariff impacts. The expansion of headcount and the formation of partnerships reflect a proactive approach to transformation, with a focus on leveraging technology to achieve deliberate growth while keeping profitability at the forefront.

As the financial landscape grows increasingly complex, the findings from Jefferson Wells' 2025 CFO Priorities Annual Survey reveal a marked evolution in CFO priorities. With a strong emphasis on profitability, technology adoption, and cybersecurity, finance leaders are positioning themselves to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs and trade barriers, ultimately striving for resilience in an unpredictable economic environment.

For a deeper dive into the survey's findings and insights, interested parties can download the 2025 CFO Annual Priorities Survey Report from Jefferson Wells' official website.