Signal AI and automation (40%) lead the talent responses, ahead of training, outside hiring, and insourcing

Summary

Deloitte finds finance leaders using a wide range of measures to attract or develop the skills they need most. The leading response to talent acquisition and retention pressure is applying AI and automation to productivity gaps, chosen by 40% of respondents. Next comes specialized training to upskill the current workforce at 39%. Looking outside their walls, 35% consider candidates from nontraditional backgrounds, and 28% insource talent from other departments. The insourcing option was also a top answer in the first-quarter 2025 CFO Signals survey on how workforce strategy is changing. Together these steps aim to train staff, bring new talent directly into finance and combine data science with traditional finance expertise.