AI Revolution: CFOs Forecast a Transformation in Finance Teams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the finance function—accelerating decision-making, unlocking deeper insights, and enabling a shift from transactional tasks to strategic influence. From predictive modeling to autonomous reporting, AI is becoming foundational in corporate finance operations. In Egon Zehnder’s 2024 report on the evolving responsibilities of CFOs, nearly all respondents said they believe machine learning and AI will have the greatest impact on the future of the function. 

To better grasp where CFOs are on their AI journey, we reconnected this year with our previous survey respondents to dig deeper, exploring questions such as:

• What does AI adoption look like in their function so far? 
• Where are CFOs finding the most value and benefit? 
• And how are the expectations for AI shaping their approaches to team building and innovation?  

What we found is a function in transition. CFOs see AI as crucial to both financial performance and broader enterprise strategy. They know that AI is more than just a tool for doing things faster or more efficiently. Above all, they are anticipating how, once implemented, AI will allow finance experts to create more understanding and value behind the numbers and elevate their business partnership. Yet adoption is still in the early stages of implementation: Fewer than 10% of finance leaders we surveyed have fully integrated or scaled AI accounting and finance use cases across their functions and organizations. Still, wherever they are on the AI journey, CFOs are already seeing meaningful benefits and expecting more ahead. 

CFOs across industries are cautiously optimistic—and increasingly pragmatic—about the role AI will play in transforming the finance function. While most remain in the early phases of implementation, many are already reporting tangible benefits and making strategic moves to prepare their teams for a more tech-enabled future.

Here’s a snapshot of what we uncovered in our latest research:

As CFOs take on more strategic responsibilities, AI is enabling finance leaders to focus on creating value. As one respondent put it: AI will enable CFOs to move from “responding to prompts to prompting the human being to capitalize on the opportunities and connections they might not have been able to see before to create more value.” The AI transformation is already underway. What’s next is how CFOs will lead it.