CFOs Confront Unprecedented Uncertainty Amid Talent Shortage and Economic Volatility

Navigating the New Normal: CFOs Manage Uncertainty as Talent Remains a Big Worry In today's ever-changing business environment, chief financial officers (CFOs) are facing unprecedented uncertainty. According to Deloitte's Q3 2025 CFO Signals report, released this morning, finance chiefs are adapting to persistent variability by fostering strategies and mechanisms designed to manage this unpredictability. Key Findings The report reveals that the CFO confidence score has slightly increased from last quarter's reading of 5.4 to 5.7. In North America, only 19% of CFOs believe the economy is good now, but 34% are optimistic about its improvement within a year. The report also highlights the ongoing concern about talent management, with 62% of CFOs citing it as one of their top three priorities. "Weathering economic shifts has become the new norm for CFOs," said Steve Gallucci, global and U.S. leader of Deloitte's CFO Program. "It's critical for them to develop strategies that can adapt to this uncertainty." Background and Context The report is based on a survey of 1,300 CFOs across various industries and geographies. The findings suggest that CFOs are increasingly focused on managing talent, with many struggling to attract and retain top performers in a competitive job market. "CFOs need to be more proactive in developing their teams' skills and competencies," said Gallucci. "This includes investing in training programs, providing opportunities for growth and development, and fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation." Additional Perspectives According to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 60% of CFOs believe that talent management is more important than ever before. The survey also found that 71% of CFOs are concerned about the impact of automation on their workforce. "CFOs need to be thinking about how to upskill and reskill their employees," said SHRM's chief economist, Brian Kropp. "This includes investing in education and training programs, as well as providing opportunities for workers to transition into new roles." Current Status and Next Developments The report highlights the ongoing uncertainty facing CFOs, but also suggests that they are adapting to this environment by developing strategies to manage variability. "CFOs need to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions," said Gallucci. "This includes being more proactive in managing talent, investing in innovation and technology, and developing a culture of experimentation and learning." As the business environment continues to evolve, CFOs will need to remain focused on managing uncertainty and adapting to changing market conditions. Sources Deloitte's Q3 2025 CFO Signals report Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey Interviews with Steve Gallucci, global and U.S. leader of Deloitte's CFO Program *Reporting by Fortune.*