New Year, New Finance Transformation Priorities

As 2025 unfolds, CFO confidence is high.

CFOs are displaying a notably positive outlook for the economy and the future of their health systems. That optimism stems from several key factors, including the anticipated impact of the incoming administration, the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and an economy primed for new investment opportunities.

According to a recent Deloitte survey, 72% of CFOs in all industries have a positive outlook for the 2025 economy. In healthcare, that may translate to growth, enhanced operational efficiencies and improved patient care.

Now, healthcare CFOs know that they run a health system first and a business second, so jumping onto the bandwagon of a bullish market requires thought and caution so that financial decisions do not harm patients. To do this, CFOs must be diligent in how they stay informed and navigate the year ahead.

The Real Benefits of AI

CFOs must reimagine business practices as well as operations through AI. With a constant expanding and shifting AI market, CFOs must invest in AI that will help their organization thrive in its specified goals.

Healthcare staff should only be doing tasks that only they can do. By tasking staff with these types of duties, providers can win back time and operational efficiency, lending a hand to a refined financial outlook.

With the rise of agentic AI, CFOs can explore the deeper benefits that AI can bring, like improving access to information, performing complex tasks, and delivering actionable insights, all with minimal human intervention.

A Good Risky Time

Sixty-seven percent of CFOs surveyed by Deloitte say now is a good time to be taking greater risks. This percentage, stemming from CFOs across different industries, shows an even more complete picture for healthcare CFOs to examine.

After so much unpredictability around the election, many CFOs and CEOs are relieved it’s settled. They now have a much better idea of what to expect and prepare for with the incoming administration.

With this mindset in play, will 2025 be the year of M&A deals?

Dealmaking can allow provider organizations to reach their full potential through an influx of capital and resources, and CFOs and CEOs are focused on a few key initiatives here, such as expanding access and improving technology.

This mindset may be partially due to lower interest rates and the perception that the new administration might be more lenient on antitrust enforcement.

Keeping A Cash Balance

Despite all the talk around investment, risk, and M&A, many CFOs are looking to improve their cash balance. Although the positive economic outlook under the new administration is taking shape, the fact is, we’re not there yet.

Keeping a well-funded cash balance and reserve fund will still be crucial for CFOs

And they will still need to walk the tightrope of making savvy investment decisions to drive their organization forward, while maintaining a strong safety-net, coupled with a recipe for a smooth patient experience.