The Evolving Role of the Tech CFO: From Scorekeeper to Strategic Playmaker
David Boosey · Posted on: September 3rd 2025 · read
In the UK’s fast-changing tech scene, the CFO role is shifting dramatically. Where CFOs used to be seen mainly as the finance watchdogs—focused on compliance, reporting, and cost control—today’s tech CFOs are stepping into the spotlight as key drivers of business strategy. They’re no longer just keeping score; they’re shaping the game.
Think of the modern tech CFO like an attacking midfielder in football—someone who sees the whole field, anticipates challenges, spots new opportunities, and helps set up the plays that fuel growth. It’s no longer enough to just be good at numbers. Today’s CFO needs to understand different parts of the business, think ahead, and be ready to innovate.
What’s Behind This Shift?
Several big forces are changing the game. Rapid advances in AI, SaaS, cloud computing, and blockchain are speeding up product cycles and raising the stakes.
CFOs are now involved earlier than ever, helping steer investments and strategy to keep up with the pace. Investors don’t just want accurate reports—they want a clear picture of how the company plans to win in a fast-moving market, where capital is going, and how long-term value is built.
On top of that, the external environment is more complex and unpredictable. From geopolitical tensions and cyber threats to shifting regulations, CFOs face a lot of new challenges. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority’s new Digital Markets Regime is tightening oversight on big tech players. Meanwhile, businesses have to navigate a tangled web of rules from the EU’s AI Act, the UK’s AI Regulation White Paper, and evolving requirements around data, ESG, and digital assets.
Today’s CFO isn’t just a numbers person—they’re also translators of complex regulations, navigators of policy, and storytellers who connect financial strategy to the bigger picture.
Cross-Functional CFOs are like Glue Holding Strategy Together
"The expanded role of the CFO really shines in how they work across teams. In fast-growing tech companies—especially SaaS and platforms—the CFO acts as a bridge between finance, product, marketing, and sales. They help product teams figure out which features will boost long-term margins, guide sales on commission plans that support sustainable growth, and work with marketing to align customer acquisition costs and lifetime value with overall business ROI."
This kind of integration isn’t a nice-to-have anymore; it’s essential. As companies scale, the risks of departments pulling in different directions grow. The CFO is uniquely placed to make sure decisions across the business stay grounded in financial reality and long-term value.
From Compliance to Capital CFOs are Strategic Leaders
Real-world examples show this change clearly.
- Cathy Graham, CFO at cybersecurity company Darktrace, played a crucial role in taking the business public. She combined solid compliance with a compelling story about AI innovation and future growth. Her work shows how CFOs now lead not just on the financial details, but on shaping investor confidence and positioning companies for success.
- At Revolut, former CFO Mikko Salovaara helped scale international operations, synced forecasts with rapid product launches, and secured key financial licenses. His efforts highlight how CFOs are no longer blockers but enablers of growth and expansion.
These stories reflect a bigger trend: tech CFOs are stepping out of the background and into leadership roles that shape their companies’ futures.
Looking Ahead
As the CFO’s role keeps evolving, the support they need is changing. Accounting and advisory firms must evolve to deliver more than audits—they need to provide real-time data tools, ESG advisory, transaction support, and interim CFO services.
In this series, we’ll dig deeper into how CFOs are managing risk, building resilience, embedding ESG into their DNA, and leading digital transformation.
In this new game, the CFO isn’t just on the sidelines—they’re calling the shots.
At MHA Baker Tilly, we partner with CFOs to provide the insights, tools, and confidence they need to lead with certainty — no matter what the future holds.
Get in touch today to future-proof your finance function and lead with confidence through uncertainty.
