Leading enterprise finance management platform, OneStream, released the findings from a global study of 1,146 finance leaders, professionals, and business executives. The research explores the measurable business value of diversity in finance leadership, the routes to achieving the CFO role, barriers women face on the path to CFO, and the accelerators that help them advance.

The report – entitled "The Glass Chair" -- shows that women CFOs are not only driving strong business results but are also helping shape the skills and capabilities required for the future of finance leadership. Companies led by women CFOs deliver an average 4.5% annualized shareholder return, outperforming industry benchmarks by approximately 0.2% per year across Europe, the UK, and the US.

Notably, these findings are consistent with earlier independent research from S&P Global Market Intelligence study which found that companies appointing women CFOs generated 6% higher profitability and 8% higher stock returns in the first 24 months post-appointment.

Part of the ongoing Finance 2035 Initiative, the study found that women are prioritizing the capabilities most critical for tomorrow's CFO role. Eighty-three percent of women CFOs say automation – especially AI -- is enabling different types of expertise to enter the role, and three-quarters identify digital literacy and strategic leadership as essential skills for the future.

"The data is clear: advancing women into CFO roles enhances innovation, competitiveness and modernizes a critical business function," said Pam McIntyre, Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller, OneStream. "At a time where CFOs are being asked to do more and navigate increasing complexity, women leaders are accelerating digital transformation, outperforming benchmarks and bringing strategic and leadership skillsets businesses need to thrive in an uncertain future."