CFOs chart path to AI adaption amidst growing pressures

OneStream, a prominent enterprise finance management platform, has unveiled findings from a study that highlights the evolving role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the AI landscape. As boards and investors urge increased performance, CFOs are tackling AI's potential amidst significant hurdles.

Conducted among 350+ full-time CFOs in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, the study shows a marked shift towards AI adoption, directly impacting financial operations and beyond.

• AI Investment Increase: Come 2026, AI expenditure is set to surge, with CFOs predominately steering enterprise AI strategy. A staggering 83% of CFOs predict a rise in AI investments, with an emphasis on finance where 80% expect increased allocations. 
• Influence in AI Strategy: Notably, 75% of CFOs claim leadership of AI strategy within their organizations, far surpassing CTOs and CEOs.
• Collaborative Decision-Making: Half of the CFOs report a strategic partnership with their CTOs, anticipating broader cross-functional collaboration as AI strategies mature.

Boards are largely supportive of AI initiatives, yet a divide remains on measuring its value. Despite 54% of boards strongly endorsing AI, CFOs are split on its perceived worth, with a significant 53% noting cost optimization as a future consideration.

While 93% claim knowledge of ROI from AI investments, only 56% of CFOs confirm tangible productivity improvements. Barriers such as limited AI talent and integration difficulties hinder smoother adoption across financial workflows.

While current AI applications are innovative but limited, priorities are set on foundational usage over the next two years, focusing on financial close, forecasting, and risk assessment.

Long-term, CFOs are keen on leveraging AI for strategic decision-making and scenario modeling, foreseeing sizeable efficiency gains despite existing challenges. Finding alignment between increased budgets and clear business outcomes remains essential.