How small businesses can build a strategic finance function

Small 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 processes, uneven AI adoption, and skills gaps can limit how much value finance teams are able to deliver.

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

The realities facing finance teams in small businesses

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

Expectations for finance are rising

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

AI is delivering value—but unevenly

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

Progress is limited by learning time, not ambition

Leaders want to deepen their understanding of AI and strategy, but limited time and competing priorities slow progress.

Finance teams are stretched thin

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

Alignment between CEOs and finance leaders is critical

When expectations, priorities, and ownership are aligned, finance can play a much stronger role in guiding business decisions.

Why this matters now

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

Download the whitepaper to learn how small 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.