How small and mid-sized businesses can build a strategic finance function

Small and mid-sized businesses face constant pressure to grow—often with limited resources, lean teams, and little room for error. Finance leaders are expected to play a more strategic role, but manual finance processes, uneven AI adoption, and skills gaps can limit how much value SMB finance teams are able to deliver.

This research‑backed finance whitepaper explores how small and mid-sized businesses can strengthen their finance function to support better decision‑making, improve AI returns, and help CEOs navigate cost, risk, and growth more effectively.

Key challenges facing SMB finance teams

From AI adoption to skills and capacity constraints, small and mid-sized business leaders are juggling several challenges at once. Our latest research highlights where finance teams in SMBs are falling short—and where targeted changes can make the biggest impact.

Expectations for finance are rising

CEOs want finance teams to lead on cost efficiency, risk management, and strategic insight—but delivery often falls short due to capacity constraints and outdated finance operations.

AI adoption in SMB finance is delivering value—but unevenly

Many small businesses are seeing benefits from AI and finance automation, yet outcomes depend heavily on data quality, adoption, and realistic ROI evaluation.

Progress is limited by learning time, not ambition

Finance leaders want to deepen their understanding of AI, finance technology, and strategy, but limited time and competing priorities slow progress.

Finance teams are stretched thin by manual finance processes

Understaffing, manual work, and slow finance technology adoption continue to absorb capacity that could otherwise be directed toward strategic financial planning and business growth.

Alignment between CEOs and finance leaders is critical

When expectations, priorities, and ownership are aligned, finance teams can play a much stronger role in guiding business decisions and long-term financial strategy.

Why this matters now

As AI adoption accelerates and economic pressure persists, small and mid-sized businesses need finance teams that can look beyond transactions and reporting. Stronger data foundations, finance automation, clearer ownership, and better use of technology allow finance teams to shift from reactive support to proactive strategic guidance.

Download the whitepaper to learn how small and mid-sized businesses can elevate finance into a more strategic partner—supporting smarter decisions, stronger AI returns, and sustainable growth.

Looking for more insights?

Explore CFO Insights and IT Leader Insights for additional research on AI ROI, data foundations, and digital risk.