How CFOs Are Rewriting Their Playbooks Amid Tariffs and Tight Margins

New tariffs. Higher costs. Slower payers. In 2025, CFOs face an economic environment that demands new thinking, not old habits. And while some finance teams are tightening the reins, others are holding steady, at least for now.

If you want to understand how CFOs are responding to tariffs, recent data from Paystand and the CFO Leadership Council paints a revealing picture:

• 21% of finance leaders report more late payments
• 17% are enforcing stricter payment terms
• Only 5% are writing off more debt
• But a surprising 57% say tariffs haven’t changed their AR collections strategy—yet

The takeaway? Many businesses are still waiting to feel the full effect. But the pressure is building, and those who act now will be better prepared to protect margins and speed up collections.

Plus, when asked “What is your top financial challenge amid 2025’s market uncertainty?” tariffs and trade disruption came in at the number one spot, getting almost half of all answers at 49%. Other concerns like talent acquisition and retention came in at 33%, and cybersecurity threats and regulatory compliance came in at 11% and 7%. This latest poll really highlighted the impact that tariffs are inflicting in 2025.

What the Data Tells Us

This isn’t the first time tariffs have squeezed operating margins, but this time it’s different. With inflation still sticky and supply chains reshuffling, how CFOs respond to tariffs reveals more profound shifts in financial strategy.

According to the data:

• 32% are passing on the tariff fee
• 27% are delaying investments
• 25% are cutting costs elsewhere

But what if you could control costs at the transaction level—instead of scrambling after the fact?

Three Moves to Strengthen AR in a Volatile Economy

1. Automate Receivables to Minimize Late Payments

Late payments don’t just slow cash flow—they erode financial agility. AR automation tools help enforce payment terms, send reminders, and reconcile payments faster.

2. Use Smart Controls to Shift Transaction Costs

Fee-shifting capabilities let you reroute processing costs off your books—especially useful when your margins are under pressure from external forces like tariffs.

3. Audit Your Finance Stack for Margin Leaks

Delaying investments may seem prudent, but sticking with outdated AR tools can be more costly long-term. Look for platforms that eliminate hidden fees and manual work.

Tariffs may be outside your control. But how CFOs are responding to tariffs shows there’s room to act decisively—before the ripple effects hit your bottom line.

The right payment infrastructure gives you tools to absorb shocks, improve cash flow, and turn volatility into an advantage.

Check out our ebook to learn how zero-fee rails can stabilize your margins, or watch our latest webinar on tariff turmoil.