CFO Slice

A recent Deloitte survey reveals that finance chief confidence at large North American enterprises (with $1bn+ in annual revenue) rebounded sharply in the fourth quarter, rising to 6.6 out of 10 after a six-month decline. The survey, which polled 200 CFOs, highlights a strong shift toward technology and automation in 2026, with 50% identifying digital finance transformation as their top priority. AI is seen as central to this transformation, with 87% of CFOs deeming it extremely or very important for finance operations. More than half plan to integrate AI agents into workflows. Cash management, capital allocation, and enterprise risk management are also key focus areas, as companies seek greater efficiency and cost control. Amid ongoing economic and competitive pressures, CFOs are balancing internal cost concerns with growth ambitions, particularly through M&As—63% reported increased interest in M&A activity. Hiring strategies are also evolving, with a preference for internal promotions to manage labor costs while retaining institutional knowledge. Overall, the survey signals a finance function increasingly driven by innovation and strategic agility.