To help finance and accounting professionals navigate this complex terrain, AvidXchange surveyed 500 finance leaders to better understand their priorities and concerns for 2025. The findings of this August 2024 survey are detailed in our 鈥溾€� report.
Below, we summarize the report, showcasing seven trends for the coming year and discussing their potential impact on real estate finance and accounting teams.
1. The ROI of AI
One of the most significant trends this year has been the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within finance departments. According to the AvidXchange 2025 Trends Survey, 82% of finance departments are either already using AI or plan to adopt it by next year. This trend may have a big impact on the real estate industry. Though reports that real estate businesses are often resistant to new technologies, AI can potentially deliver transformative benefits in the industry.
Although AI adoption is widespread, the outcomes and obstacles associated with its integration differ. In the 2025 Trends Survey, 68% of respondents using AI noted substantial return on investment (ROI); however, 71% also indicated challenges in measuring that ROI.
Many experts suggest that businesses should initially concentrate on the beyond ROI, such as increased productivity and process automation.
2. Focus on cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for finance leaders. In fact, 52% of participants in our 2025 Trends Survey identified cybersecurity as their top priority for the year, prompting increased investments in secure payment platforms and advanced fraud prevention measures.
The rise of sophisticated threats such as check fraud, phishing schemes, and deepfake attacks has created an urgent need for more robust security protocols. In 2024 alone, 60% of finance departments experienced at least one cybersecurity incident.
A study noted that nearly 21% of B2B real estate transactions are made via paper check. Given the prevalence of check payments in the industry and their susceptibility to fraud, savvy businesses will turn towards electronic payment methods in 2025, taking advantage of their enhanced security measures.
3. Evolving finance roles
Another significant development in the finance sector is the ongoing . This shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including the persistent and the acceleration of .
reports that the labor shortage is one of the top five issues in real estate businesses today, due to an aging workforce. Our study found that 66% of finance departments were impacted by staffing shortages in 2024.
With 77% of finance departments investing in AI and automation to counter staffing shortages according to our 2025 Trends Survey, it鈥檚 clear that the scope of finance roles is expanding, requiring professionals to acquire new tech skills and adapt to a changing environment.
4. Technology consolidation
The consolidation of technology platforms is another trend reshaping the finance landscape. Many finance departments are moving away from manual, paper-based systems that can slow down workflows and hinder operational flexibility. Cloud-based solutions are becoming the norm, with 96% of 2025 Trends Survey respondents stating that at least some of their work is now conducted in the cloud.
Additionally, organizations are increasingly adopting centralized enterprise resource planning (ERP) and apply management tools to streamline processes and gain better insights. According to the AvidXchange 2025 Trends Survey, 64% of organizations are considering switching their ERP systems due to issues including security concerns and the need for more advanced analytics.
5. Digital payments
Our 2025 Trends Survey found that 92% of organizations are now using ePayments, such as and real-time payments, as their primary method for paying suppliers. Digital payment systems can offer many advantages like convenience, reduced processing times, and enhanced fraud protection.
Though ePayments can be instrumental in maintaining efficiency and security in financial operations, real estate businesses may be hesitant to give up traditional payment methods, according to .
6. Automation
Seventy-five percent of AvidXchange 2025 Trends Survey respondents anticipate that automation will have a positive impact on their finance departments. At present, 64% of organizations are using finance automation tools, with an additional 17% planning to adopt them soon.
Respondents highlighted key advantages of automation, including enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved accuracy in financial operations. As automation continues to expand, finance teams may be able to dedicate more time to high-level strategic tasks, delivering increased value to their organizations.
7. Supplier relationships
In 2025, strengthening relationships with suppliers is becoming a key focus for finance departments. In a competitive business landscape, fostering strong supplier partnerships can lead to advantageous terms and opportunities for early payment discounts.
Self-service supplier hubs 鈥� platforms that allow suppliers easy access to payment status and resources 鈥� are increasingly viewed as vital tools. According to our 2025 Trends Survey, 64% of respondents expressed a willingness to adopt payment automation software or switch providers to access a supplier hub. By investing in such technologies, finance teams can enhance supplier collaboration, building partnerships that contribute to long-term success.
Preparing your business for 2025
As the real estate sector looks toward 2025, finance teams may need to adjust to emerging trends. Embracing tools like AI, automation, and ePayments can enhance efficiency, especially in the face of staffing shortages.
Prioritizing advanced data reporting and bolstering cybersecurity measures will not only protect financial resources but also deliver essential insights needed to excel in a competitive market.
Staying ahead of these trends will help finance teams plan for future success. To explore these ideas in more detail, download AvidXchange鈥檚 complete .