Scaling AI in Finance: Practical Guidance for CFOs
Discover how CFOs can scale AI in finance, optimize operations, and create a roadmap for digital transformation with actionable insights and best practices.
CFOs today are leveraging AI to drive smarter decisions, streamline operations, and shape enterprise strategy. As digital transformation accelerates, finance leaders are no longer just managing the numbers, they’re shaping the strategic direction of their organizations. AI is no longer experimental; it’s embedded in core finance processes and has become a key differentiator for CFOs who want to optimize forecasting, control costs, and lead with confidence.
To help finance executives scale AI effectively, Velosio has created the CFO’s Guide to AI and Digital Transformation. This resource provides best practices, real-world examples, and actionable steps for integrating AI responsibly across finance operations.
From Early Wins to Enterprise-Wide AI in Finance
AI adoption is expanding rapidly across industries, and finance continues to be at the forefront of this shift. Many CFOs are now focused on bridging the gap between early successes and a cohesive, enterprise-wide AI strategy. At the same time, finance teams face growing volumes of data, tight deadlines, and increasing compliance demands.
AI offers finance leaders the opportunity to run leaner operations, improve forecasting, and guide strategy with confidence.
Key benefits of leveraging AI in finance:
- Operational efficiency: Automate routine tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and reporting.
- Advanced analytics: Apply predictive models to gain insights into cash flow, profitability, and risk.
- Accuracy and compliance: Reduce errors and monitor for compliance risks in real time.
Research highlights the potential impact:
- McKinsey estimates that 42% of finance activities could already be automated with today’s technology.
- Deloitte suggests up to 60% of accounting tasks are automatable.
- IDC found that for every $1 invested in AI, companies see an average return of $3.50 within 14 months.
What Finance Leaders Need to Know
In finance, the real value of AI goes beyond cutting costs. Today, it enables teams to move past repetitive work, focus on high-value analysis, and drive strategic business decisions. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, nine out of ten employees want simpler ways to automate daily tasks so they can focus on work that matters.
With a thoughtful, enterprise-focused AI strategy, CFOs can:
- Shift teams from repetitive tasks to strategic decision support.
- Improve forecasting accuracy with AI-powered models.
- Integrate ERP and BI systems to gain a single, holistic view of financial performance.
- Foster a culture of responsible AI adoption built on compliance and trust.
For a quick overview of these best practices, explore our AI in Finance Cheat Sheet.
What’s Next for CFOs?
The question is no longer if CFOs should use AI, but how to get the most value from it.
Practical next steps include:
- Identify high-volume, repetitive processes for expansion or deeper automation.
- Scale AI initiatives in areas like forecasting, reporting, and reconciliations.
- Partner with IT to strengthen security, compliance, and governance frameworks.
- Equip teams with resources to support enterprise-wide adoption.
The next step for finance isn’t adopting AI. It’s optimizing existing capabilities, building a strategic roadmap, and unlocking the full potential of digital transformation across the organization.
Your Next Step: Build a Smarter, AI-Optimized Finance Function
Ready to move from strategy to impact? Download the CFO Guide to AI and Digital Transformation to explore best practices, real-world use cases, and actionable steps for scaling AI across your finance organization.
For a more tailored approach, schedule a 30-minute Strategy Session for Finance Leaders with Velosio experts. Together, we’ll build a roadmap to optimize AI, strengthen processes, and unlock the full potential of digital transformation.
About Velosio
With more than 30 years of experience, Velosio helps organizations modernize applications, simplify operations, and unlock the power of business data. Our finance and technology experts specialize in digital transformation for CFOs, guiding leaders from strategy through execution.
We don’t just implement tools, we partner with you to design smarter systems, harness AI insights, and ensure your teams are ready for the future of finance.