The finance function has never moved this fast, driven by artificial intelligence that’s transforming forecasting, risk management and decision-making. While 72 percent of finance leaders now use AI tools according to Protiviti, a Robert Half subsidiary, many face a common challenge: The technology is advancing faster than their teams can adapt.
Years of automation and analytics upgrades have led to underused tools and untapped potential. Forward-thinking CFOs are closing this gap by turning AI investments into strategic enablement—building teams fluent in data, adaptable to change and guided by a learning mindset.
Rebalancing the equation: Tools, talent and time
CFOs often encounter impressive dashboards from new ERP or analytics platforms that fail to deliver real impact. This happens when tech acquisition outpaces human capability. The most effective finance leaders balance three key resources:
Tools: Purposeful systems that integrate easily and support clear business goals. According to 2026 Salary Guide from Robert Half, 95 percent of finance leaders expect their teams to engage in digital transformation within two years.
Talent: Hiring professionals with AI and analytics skills is essential, but not enough CFOs are reskilling accountants, training FP&A teams in real-time forecasting and creating roles like AI governance officer to ensure responsible innovation.
Time: Transformation is gradual. Successful CFOs set milestones, measure progress and lead with transparency and patience, allowing people to evolve alongside technology.
One global CFO noted that AI-driven forecasting reduced monthly close cycles and freed analysts for strategic planning—a clear example of how mastering AI tools boosts productivity and insight.
Creating a Future-Ready Finance Culture
AI powers transformation, but culture sustains it. CFOs who treat technology as a people strategy foster teams that thrive on curiosity and collaboration. The most impactful finance organizations nurture a culture of continuous learning, experimentation and cross-functional agility.
Modern CFOs work closely with IT, HR, operations and marketing to connect data with strategy. This agility is becoming a defining skill in finance.
Culture also builds trust. AI requires strong governance, and CFOs are well-positioned to lead. By setting standards for data use, transparency and oversight, they ensure automation enhances performance without compromising integrity. This disciplined approach reduces risk and builds stakeholder confidence.
Flexible talent models also help close skills gaps. Interim analysts, contract data scientists and fractional FP&A experts accelerate modernization while mentoring internal teams. These partnerships allow organizations to scale quickly without sacrificing quality or compliance.
A future-ready finance culture is built through consistent leadership, open communication and a daily commitment to learning—not just occasional training.
From Efficiency to Innovation
While efficiency gains are valuable, the real payoff comes when AI enables innovation. Leading finance functions already use AI for forecasting and risk management. The next wave will use it to identify new markets, optimize capital allocation and model opportunities before they appear on a spreadsheet.
This shift from tech debt to talent wealth happens when finance teams become fluent in data and fearless with technology. When CFOs invest equally in people and platforms, organizations gain a competitive edge.
Technology alone won’t future-proof finance—people will. Empower teams with the skills, tools and confidence to harness AI, and they won’t just keep up with transformation—they’ll lead it.
