Finance functions have never moved faster with artificial intelligence (AI) transforming forecasting, risk management, and decision-making. According to Protiviti, a subsidiary of Robert Half, 72% of finance leaders are currently using AI tools, but many face common challenges. That means technology is advancing faster than teams can adapt.
Years of automation and analytics upgrades have left tools underutilized and their potential untapped. Forward-thinking CFOs are closing this gap by turning AI investments into strategic enablers. That means building teams around a data-savvy, adaptable, and learning mindset.
Balancing the equation: tools, talent, and time
CFOs often encounter impressive dashboards from new ERP and analytics platforms that don’t deliver real impact. This happens when technology acquisition outpaces human capabilities. The most effective finance leaders balance three critical resources:
tool: A purposeful system that integrates easily and supports clear business goals. According to Robert Half's 2026 Salary Guide, 95% 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 officers to ensure responsible innovation.
time: Change happens gradually. Successful CFOs set milestones, measure progress, lead with transparency and patience, and allow people to evolve with technology.
One global CFO said AI-powered forecasting has shortened monthly close cycles and freed up analysts to focus on strategic planning. This is a clear example of how mastering AI tools can improve productivity and insight.
Building a future-ready financial culture
AI drives change, but culture supports change. CFOs who treat technology as a people strategy develop teams that thrive on curiosity and collaboration. The most influential financial organizations foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and cross-functional agility.
Modern CFOs work closely with IT, HR, operations, and marketing to connect data to strategy. This agility is becoming a defining skill in finance.
Culture also builds trust. AI requires strong governance, and CFOs are in a position to lead. By setting standards for data usage, transparency, and monitoring, we ensure that automation improves performance without compromising integrity. This disciplined approach reduces risk and increases stakeholder trust.
Flexible talent models can also help close skills gaps. Interim analysts, contract data scientists, and fractional FP&A experts coach internal teams and accelerate modernization. These partnerships allow organizations to scale quickly without sacrificing quality or compliance.
A future-ready financial culture is built through consistent leadership, open communication, and a daily commitment to learning, not just occasional training.
From efficiency to innovation
Efficiency gains are valuable, but the real gains come when AI enables innovation. Leading finance departments are already using AI for forecasting and risk management. In the next wave, we will use this to identify new markets, optimize capital allocation, and model opportunities before they appear in spreadsheets.
This shift from technology liability to talent asset will happen as finance teams become data savvy and technology fearless. When CFOs invest equally in people and platforms, organizations gain a competitive edge.
Technology alone will not make future-proof finance possible; humans will. By giving your team the skills, tools, and confidence to leverage AI, you can not only keep up with the transformation, but lead it.
