Our Finance and Spend Trends Report 2025 has revealed fascinating insights into how these functions are driving productivity, harnessing cutting-edge technology, and evolving to navigate emerging challenges. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key takeaways to help you prepare for what’s next.
Unlocking productivity through technology
Achieving higher productivity remains a top priority for 48% of finance and procurement leaders over the next 12 months. With digital technology at the core of this drive, cloud-based systems and AI have become essential tools for streamlining operations, enabling faster decision-making, and automating repetitive tasks. These advancements offer not only efficiency gains but also the scalability and flexibility necessary for strategic growth.
Interestingly, 79% of respondents have plans to upgrade their technology in the next year, showcasing the hunger for continued innovation. Finance teams lead the charge here, with 82% actively seeking new solutions compared to 64% of procurement teams, indicating room for further development in the spend management realm.
Cybersecurity remains a pressing concern
Cybersecurity is seemingly the top challenge within finance and procurement in 2025, overshadowing other concerns such as talent shortages and technological adoption constraints. While 72% of leaders feel more prepared for cyberattacks compared to a year ago, barriers like employee vulnerabilities and fragmented systems still pose risks. Alarmingly, 45% of leaders cite phishing scams as the primary employee-related issue, highlighting the need for ongoing training and robust security protocols.
Cloud technology offers a strong defence against cyber threats, with 73% of leaders expressing confidence in its capabilities. However, adoption disparities exist—39% of finance leaders use cloud-only systems compared to just 24% in procurement. Bridging this gap is critical as organisations seek safer, more integrated systems.
AI’s transformative potential
Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of the technology evolution, with 63% of finance and procurement leaders implementing AI projects in the past 12 months. Finance teams, in particular, are embracing this, with 82% using AI tools weekly for tasks like fraud detection, invoice processing, and financial reporting. The potential is clear—78% anticipate AI will make the majority of their decisions by 2030.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. A lack of AI skills and siloed implementations are key hurdles, suggesting organisations must adopt a cohesive, enterprise-wide AI strategy. This will not only unlock new efficiencies but also position businesses as innovators within their industries.
Challenges with hybrid working
Work culture has evolved just as much as technology. With 59% of finance and procurement teams working on a hybrid basis, flexibility is now standard. However, some technology issues persist—with over half of finance leaders reporting difficulties accessing systems remotely, limiting productivity away from the office.
Solving these challenges with better digital tools will enable organisations to create effective hybrid working policies, fostering greater job satisfaction and overall team productivity.
Overcoming talent shortages
Talent shortages remain a pressing challenge, with 33% of finance leaders identifying recruitment and upskilling as priorities. A well-crafted employee value proposition (EVP) is critical in attracting and retaining top talent. By offering appealing benefits, competitive remuneration, and a positive company culture, organisations can secure the skills they need for success.
Hybrid working also plays a vital role in talent strategies, but gaps in technology can undermine its effectiveness. Leaders must invest in smarter tools and strategies to ensure their workforce is equipped to thrive.
Sustainability beyond compliance
Sustainability is no longer just a moral imperative; it’s also a strategic one. However, while 45% of finance and procurement professionals consider ESG a recent priority with clear targets, only 32% view it as business-as-usual—a figure that drops significantly in procurement.
Legislation remains the most significant driver of ESG adoption, but the cost-saving potential of sustainable practices remains under-leveraged. Actions such as reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and managing sustainable supplier relationships can yield significant financial and reputational benefits. For leaders, embedding sustainability alongside financial goals is a key step towards a future-focused strategy.
Looking forward
From cybersecurity to AI, digital transformation to sustainability, the new frontier of finance and procurement is brimming with opportunity. Leaders in these functions must lean into their strategic role as well as their obligatory operational responsibilities.
By investing in secure, integrated cloud technology, championing AI, and embedding ESG into decision-making processes, you can position your organisation for long-lasting success. Productivity isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter—and the right tools and strategies will make all the difference in this regard.
For even more tangible business insights, be sure to download the full Finance and Spend Trends Report 2025.
