Artificial intelligence has established itself as an essential tool in the corporate financial sector; adding value through advanced data analysis; process automation and support in strategic decision-making. A global study conducted by KPMG between 2024 and 2025; covering 2;900 companies in 23 countries; reveals that 71% of organizations already use AI in their financial operations. This study highlighted that AI adoption grew significantly between April and October 2024; with its use projected to double over the next three years. In addition; AI facilitates proactive risk management and real-time anomaly detection; increasing financial security. The most common applications include the automation of repetitive tasks such as accounting reconciliation or data entry; as well as the use of predictive analytics for real-time decisions based on market patterns. Strategic Role and Application of AI by CFOsChief financial officers; or CFOs; are at the center of this digital transformation. According to a study published in March 2025 by Payhawk; 65% of CFOs are confident that AI will take on some of their responsibilities; with uses in financial planning; document management and business intelligence. The same study indicates that 30% of CFOs have already integrated AI solutions into key functions within the finance department. KPMG's global study (2024-2025) shows significant improvements in return on investment (ROI) and operational efficiency in companies that have integrated AI into finance. It reports that 95% of pilot projects without an adequate approach fail to achieve relevant financial results; highlighting the importance of proper implementation. AI allows CFOs to free up time from routine activities to focus on growth strategies; cost optimisation and regulatory compliance across multiple channels. However; the need for a balance between automation and human oversight is highlighted in order to maximise profitability without losing expert control.
Strategic Impacts and Benefits
The strategic benefits of AI in finance include:
- More accurate decisions based on predictive analytics and dynamic market data.
- Reduced operating costs through the automation of repetitive financial tasks.
- Improved speed and efficiency in accessing critical financial information and reporting to stakeholders.
- More efficient risk management and adaptation to changing and volatile economic environments.
- Elevation of the CFO's role to more strategic and leadership positions within the organization.
Practical Examples of AI Use by CFOs
A 2024 IBM study interviewed more than 2;000 CFOs from various sectors and concluded that CFOs at leading companies use AI to balance execution and strategy; measure the performance of critical processes; and adjust budgets in real time based on project profitability and market changes.
For example; the use of AI to optimise the supply chain by adjusting inventories based on projected demand is a growing practice. One specific success story was that of a Fintech company that implemented AI to improve financial analysis and reporting; reducing the time to extract data from one week to just four hours; allowing more time to be devoted to strategic analysis and decision-making with real impact. In addition; leading CFOs are adopting cloud-based ERP technologies and applying advanced data management practices; including governance and standardisation; to unlock the potential of AI.
Technical training programs and the use of digital assistants are encouraged to make it easier for the finance team to quickly access reports; perform scenario analysis and gain actionable insights without needing to be data experts. In BARC's CFO Agenda 2025 report; conducted in 2025; one-third of CFOs surveyed identified AI as a strategic priority for optimising processes and supporting sound financial decision-making; demonstrating a clear perception of AI as a driver of change in the finance function.
This body of research and practical experience between 2023 and 2025 confirms that artificial intelligence is redefining the role of the CFO and financial management; transforming it into a more strategic; efficient and agile area.
