Feature on FutureCFO - Upskilling: Finance professionals and their proactive approach to learning

This reality is reflected in our latest APAC C-Suite Barometer report 2025, where talent acquisition remains a major challenge, with half of APAC executives citing difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, notably higher than the global average of 43%.

Speaking to FutureCFO in a recent interview on the importance of upskilling, our talent director, Iris Goh and Partner and Head of Outsourcing, Justin Lim, collectively shared their insights on the evolution of industry roles to meet the shift in market conditions, particularly with the continual impact of technology on the economy.

While digital literacy remains a key priority for talent retention and upskilling in the industry, Iris shared that cross-functional learning has risen in its importance.

"As accounting and finance roles evolve from traditional processing functions into strategic business partners, a deeper commercial understanding of the business is becoming essential," she added.

Similarly, by embracing technology and employing digital tools into one's business, Justin highlighted the need not only to incorporate such tools or technical skills, but also for the industry to embrace a mindset shift to 'supercharge' financial roles.

He said, "A modern finance function is agile, forward-looking, and deeply embedded in the business — helping to shape decisions, not just report on them. In many ways, we’re witnessing the redefinition of finance from a back-office function to a core driver of growth and resilience."

Read the full article on FutureCFO.