Strategy & Operations
Global CFO Turnover Rate Hits Seven-Year High, Ripple Effects of 2024 CEO Departure Wave Emerge
The Global CFO Turnover Index released by Russell Reynolds Associates shows that CFO appointments at global listed companies reached 173 in the first half of 2025, an increase of 4 year-on-year, marking the highest level in seven years. Departing CFOs who retired or transitioned to board director roles accounted for 56%, while the internal promotion rate rose to 57%. The analysis suggests that the record number of CEO departures in 2024 (202, up 9% year-on-year) is one of the main driving factors.
New Cloud Digital Tax Rules Take Effect, CFOs Need to Pay Close Attention
Recent cases such as Apple's lawsuit over a $26 million tax bill in Florida highlight the urgency of determining the tax sourcing of digital transactions. States adopt different sourcing rules, and federal and state requirements may diverge. CFOs need to proactively address this from four aspects: audit risk, system upgrades, cost allocation, and compliance documentation.
AI-Assisted Planning: The Key Strategy for CFOs to Win the War for Finance Talent
The finance talent gap reaches 3.5 million, 75% of CPAs will retire by 2040, and 80% of companies struggle to hire the talent they need. AI-assisted planning is helping leading CFOs automate repetitive work, improve forecast accuracy (59% report greater precision), enhance data transparency (52%), and free up strategic time (57%). This article proposes five strategies to help CFOs turn annual planning into a transformation catalyst and win the talent war.