Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Finance: Why Fractional Finance Roles Are More Crucial Than Ever

Rutherford Cross Consultant, Christina McLean, shares key insights from conversations with delegates at Scotland’s largest tech showcase, DigitExpo, and how advancements in technology have led to an increasing demand for businesses to engage fractional CFOs in efforts to accelerate their growth strategy.

The Gender Gap Remains Prevalent Amongst Tech Specialists:

Following an ongoing partnership, Livingston James Group (consisting of Rutherford Cross and its sister brand, Livingston James) was delighted to represent dressCode at Edinburgh’s Digit Expo Tech showcase in November. dressCode is a charity that aspires to reduce the computing science gender gap by engaging, inspiring and raising awareness of opportunities in the world of tech.

It is apparent that gender inequality within the tech industry remains a challenge. In 2024, women represent only 26% of the UK tech workforce compared to females in the Chartered Accountancy field who represent roughly 45% of the UK market. From my experience speaking with professionals at DigitExpo, this disparity does not go unnoticed by the individuals working within tech and is recognised by all genders as an ongoing challenge.

These observations emphasise that dressCode is a cause worth advocating for, and as a purpose and values-led business, Livingston James Group is continuing to support its mission going into 2025.

AI Continues to Close the Gap Between Technology and Finance:

“While machines are wizards at spotting patterns, human oversight is still the secret sauce. It’s true that AI enables more efficient financial reporting and analysis. However, the key decisions based on those insights still require human expertise.” – statement from Michael Robert, AI expert at gaming specialist GTA Boom.

As businesses adapt to AI tools, and accountants begin to upskill their digital literacy, there appears to be a shift in the perception that AI will replace workers. A growing body of research suggests that despite service sectors such as accountancy and finance being particularly exposed to AI, role replacement is unlikely and cutting-edge technologies will instead partner with finance professionals, encouraging productivity within a field which has been historically difficult to automate.

The Tech Sector is Seeing an Increase in Demand for Fractional CFOs:

With the acceleration of AI and the high growth potential of technology-led businesses that are often pre-revenue, organisations are increasingly relying on interim finance professionals. In particular, fractional CFOs are being brought in to bridge gaps in knowledge and implement new systems, as well as to deliver strategic and commercial expertise. As a result of having a more refined focus than their full-time counterparts, fractional CFOs offer high-value input at a more affordable, shorter-term cost.

Fractional CFOs continue to be in high demand; will this trickle down from C-suite to middle-management to create more opportunities for part-time contractors? It will be interesting to see the impact these changes will have on the wider interim market in 2025.

For more information on our interim and fractional finance offering, please contact our interim team: [email protected] / [email protected]

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