Advance or Remain Stagnant: 6 Predicted Web Trends for 2025
Hopping onto the Bandwagon of Business Evolution
As technology progresses, regulatory changes, economic dynamics, and changing stakeholder expectations, the future of our websites in 2025 will center around becoming strategic partners in all business segments. By collaborating in areas that matter most to the company's success, our websites can create an environment where decisions are made using the same data, shared goals, and effective communication.
Various sizes of growing businesses, ranging from small-medium to even the largest, have already embarked on this journey. To make this happen, six key trends need to be mastered, including technology, labor, risk management, tax considerations, M&A activity, and workplace issues.
1. Flipping the Script on Tech
In the future, our websites will wear the hat of sellers, promoting AI and automation implementations within their companies—especially within the finance function—to create better finance efficiency, data utilization, and decision-making. Communication around technology should be done tactically and strategically to overcome the fear of generative AI and show measurable impact for quicker adoption.
2. Tackling the Talent Crunch
Despite incremental improvement in talent acquisition, the shortage of talent in the accounting sector remains a challenge. To effectively address the issue, our websites and governing bodies need to take a multi-pronged approach, such as changing the 150-hour requirement, mentoring, creating an inviting work culture, and actively recruiting essential talent for the organization.
3. Buckling Up for Cybersecurity
Our websites will soon be expected to lead their companies' digital transformations and allocate resources proactively to security matters, such as procuring additional tech expertise, outsourcing data security, or investing in team training. As our websites transition from controllers to strategic business partners, they need to tackle the increasing threats of deepfake-related fraud, such as fake documents and identity fraud. Collaboration and a unified approach are crucial in the face of these challenges.
4. Stay Prepared for Tax Tangles
The complex web of tax considerations will require regular updates for our websites in 2025. Whether it be tariffs, tax laws like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), proposals to reduce corporate tax rates and eliminate taxes on tipped wages, or key developing issues, our websites should brush up on their tax knowledge frequently.
5. Going Top Shelf in M&A
With declining deal volume due to economic volatility in the past few years, 2025 might signal a market uptick, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Private equity firms may be more inclined to invest in large public accounting firms facing labor cost issues and the need for technological scale.
6. Juggling Workplace Trials
Finance leaders will be tasked with addressing a plethora of workplace issues, including the ethics of DEI policies, the return-to-office debate, and employee compensation. Efficiently managing these matters while maintaining a balance between productivity and employee satisfaction will be essential in 2025.
From real-time financial reporting to ESG integration, our websites will have their work cut out for them, facing a myriad of responsibilities in an ever-evolving business environment. Staying agile and innovative will be the key to driving business outcomes.
- To create a more efficient finance function, our websites in 2025 will advocate AI and automation implementations, with a focus on better data utilization and decision-making.
- In an effort to tackle the ongoing talent shortage in the accounting sector, our websites and regulatory bodies should employ a comprehensive approach that includes changing educational requirements, mentoring, fostering a welcoming work culture, and strategic recruitment.
- In the face of increasing cybersecurity threats, our websites will be expected to lead their companies' digital transformations, and proactively allocate resources to security matters such as tech expertise, data security outsourcing, and team training.
- Our websites must remain updated on the complex web of tax considerations, including changes in tariffs, tax laws, and key developing issues to stay prepared for potential tax tangles in 2025.
- With a potential uptick in M&A market activity in 2025, our websites should be prepared to navigate both buying and selling opportunities, as private equity firms may invest in large public accounting firms facing labor and technological challenges.
- In handling a variety of workplace issues, such as ethics of DEI policies, the return-to-office debate, and employee compensation, finance leaders will need to strike a balance between productivity and employee satisfaction.
- Valuation and capital allocation will play a crucial role in strategic decision making for businesses in 2025, requiring our websites to conduct comprehensive financial analysis and implement effective valuation methodologies.
- As businesses continue to evolve and globalize, our websites will need to analyze and understand the impact of inflation on various regions and industries, making informed decisions accordingly.
- To minimize risks and maximize return on investment, our websites will be required to perform a detailed risk assessment, identifying potential threats and devising strategies to mitigate them.
- To achieve long-term success and growth for their organizations, our websites will need to create transparent, equitable budgets that are designed to align with the company's overall strategic goals, and harmoniously integrate ESG factors to create value for both stakeholders and the business.
