#tech landscape

The role of the technology CFO has never been more complex. Tasked with driving growth while navigating a rapidly evolving tech landscape, CFOs face a critical balancing act: maintaining the stability of core financial systems while embracing innovation to stay ahead of the curve.

Permira recently gathered our network of North American Tech CFOs to discuss key priorities and challenges shaping their technology investment decisions. Here’s what we learned:

The ERP Balancing Act

ERPs remain mission-critical, consuming roughly 40% of software budgets according to our group of CFOs. While this spend is projected to grow, non-ERP solutions are also gaining traction, reflecting the need for specialized, best-of-breed tools alongside core systems. 

CPM: High Value, High Stakes

In discussions with our network of Tech CFOs, Corporate Performance Management (CPM) solutions were recognized for yielding the highest strategic value to their respective company – and more than half of the CFOs identified CPM vendors as difficult to switch out, attempting to keep it separate from ERP re-bundling even during a cloud ERP migration.

The Rise of the Machines (and AI)

Generative AI is on the radar, with CFOs recognizing its potential to automate tasks and optimize functions like FP&A, AR, and AP. Our  Tech CFOs expect Gen AI to act as an accelerant over the next 5 years – it’s not just hype. Expect to see increased investment in AI-powered solutions that drive efficiency.