The report, CFO and beyond, found that 38% of UK CFOs are looking to become board members or trustees of a charity or cultural institution in addition to their role.
This was ranked as the most popular non-executive role, ahead of non-executive directorship of other companies in the same sector, policy advising to government or chairmanship.
The report found UK CFOs are more interested in taking on such roles than global counterparts, while 15% already hold a position in the sector.
The report also claims that it reflects a growing shift in business culture, CFOs interviewed said such roles may take up less time than other positions while strongly boosting core and new skills.
The report found that the demand for CFOs is increasing across all boardrooms in all sectors driven by greater complexities, regulation and difficult economic conditions.
Les Clifford, partner and chair of Ernst & Young CFO Program in the UK and Ireland, said: "CFOs can make a valuable contribution to charitable roles, because they can apply the discipline and analytical skills that they bring to their core role to create better financial outcomes for the charity, cultural or social enterprise.
"These findings are also interesting as the CFO community who set the tone on financial probity across UK business are engaged in wanting to make a difference to society, through crucial non-executive positions.
He added: "This is a positive and deliberate response to the spotlight that is increasingly being shone on business and their role in society, and the need for a more responsible capitalism."
The report is based on a global survey of 800 CFOs, and a study of the career paths of group CFOs at 347 of the world's largest companies.
