The role of the Chief Financial Officer is undergoing a profound revolution. No longer a mere the of numbers, the CFO is now emerging as a driver of digital innovation and an architect of ESG strategy.

New technologies, with Artificial Intelligence at the forefront, are redefining data management—enabling fast, informed decisions that go far beyond the financial sphere and involve the entire organization. Today’s CFO plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainability and business resilience, tasked with integrating ESG parameters into financial metrics. To unlock maximum value and enable transformation from mere control to strategic vision, organizations need new tools embedded in business processes and powered by AI.

This was the central theme of the event “The CFO as a Leader of Digital and ESG Transformation: Evolution Beyond AI “, organized by ABS and Nextea in collaboration with ANDAF Lombardia and with the scientific contribution of SDA Bocconi.

The event sparked many valuable insights and practical applications, including success stories from our clients who have chosen Oracle Cloud EPM as their platform for controlling and planning corporate performance.

The feedback received agrees on one key point:

2. Data Governance and Data Quality

Reliable analysis depends on data quality. Without accurate and consistent data, any insight generated may be misleading or impractical. It’s the CFO’s responsibility to ensure strong data governance.

This includes implementing rigorous policies and processes for data collection, cleansing, storage, and management. Standardizing the way data is defined and categorized (through master data management) helps ensure consistency and integrity across systems.

It’s also crucial to clearly define roles and responsibilities such as “data owner,” “data steward,” and “data custodian”

—while keeping in mind compliance with data protection regulations (like GDPR) and information security.

3. Appropriate Technological Infrastructure

To support a data-driven approach, it’s essential to equip the organization with a robust, advanced technological infrastructure. A forward-thinking CFO leads investments in solutions that enable in-depth analysis powered by AI, along with predictive planning capabilities.

This includes adopting integrated Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platforms, such as Oracle Cloud EPM, which provide a holistic view of the organization by combining financial and operational data.

Embracing advanced analytics tools like Business Intelligence (BI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) enables predictive analysis, scenario simulations, and the discovery of hidden patterns in data. Process automation (RPA) can free up valuable resources by eliminating manual and repetitive tasks.

Lastly, scalable and flexible infrastructure adapts to the growing volume of data and evolving business needs, supporting sustainable business growth.

4. Advanced Analytics and Actionable Insights

A data-driven CFO doesn’t just present numbers—they deliver actionable insights that guide strategic decisions. This calls for a shift in the kind of analysis being conducted.

It’s crucial to define and track strategic KPIs that go beyond purely financial metrics, encompassing operational, market, and increasingly ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) indicators.

Predictive and prescriptive analytics, powered by AI, allow organizations to anticipate future trends and recommend the best course of action. Scenario simulations become essential tools to assess the impact of strategic decisions on financial outcomes and reduce potential risks.

So the CFO also plays the role of storyteller—translating complex insights into clear, compelling narratives that are accessible to non-financial decision-makers.

CFOs are well aware of the growing focus on ESG KPIs, which directly influence financial exposure in the market and, in turn, investor influence. Achieving ESG compliance offers better access to capital and more favorable financial conditions, such as reduced interest rates and greater flexibility in credit lines. Equipping the organization with tools that can accurately monitor and measure performance indicators is essential to demonstrate a strong ESG rating.

Transparency in ESG reporting is also crucial to meet the rising expectations—not only of investors but also of customers and stakeholders—strengthening the company’s reputation and long-term value.