Over a third – 36 per cent – of finance teams say their company has already entered the metaverse, with a further 52 per cent saying they plan to increase their presence, according to research from Sage.

The study, which surveyed 1,900 people working in finance teams across healthcare, non-profit, financial services, professional services, hospitality, SaaS / tech, e-commerce and retail industries at organisations in the US, UK, Australia, South Africa, and Canada, also found that a third plan to accept digital currencies in the next 12 months.

Over half – 52 per cent – said they think decentralised currencies will prove ‘extremely’ viable as a long-term payment solution.

A further 32 per cent said that their finance teams are looking for employees with coding, developer, and AI experience, while 83 per cent say they believe the industry needs a ‘new breed’ of chief financial officer.

“Today’s finance leaders are future-focused strategists and advisors capable of providing guidance and commercial insights where their businesses need them most,” said Jonathan Howell, chief financial officer at Sage. While getting the numbers right will always remain critical, CFOs are now a real blend of traits using real-time analysis, predictive modelling and forecasting to shape the future as well as reporting on what’s gone before.

“This requires greater flexibility. CFOs must now balance more traditional finance skillsets with an appreciation for emerging technology and an awareness of how to balance purpose and profit to deliver long-term, sustainable value.”

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