CFOs increasingly adopt AI in finance, doubling year-over-year usage

Interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing among Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and finance teams, as evidenced by the latest findings from Protiviti’s Global Finance Trends Survey. The survey reveals a significant year-over-year increase in the number of finance organizations adopting AI technologies, indicating a clear shift towards innovation in financial practices. As CFOs prepare for the future, they are increasingly focusing on AI, data security, and strategic planning to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape. This article delves into the survey’s key insights regarding AI adoption among finance teams, the impact of tariffs on financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital era.

AI Adoption Among Finance Teams: A Rapid Increase

The Protiviti survey highlights that the number of finance teams utilizing AI tools has surged from 34% in 2024 to an impressive 72% in 2025. This remarkable growth underscores a burgeoning interest in leveraging AI to enhance various finance functions. Key applications of AI include:

Process Automation

A significant 66% of respondents reported using AI for process automation, which helps streamline repetitive tasks, boost efficiency, and minimize errors.

Financial Forecasting

58% are harnessing AI to improve the accuracy and agility of budgeting and planning processes, enabling more proactive financial management.

Risk Assessment and Management

57% utilize advanced analytics through AI to proactively identify, measure, and mitigate financial risks.

Christopher Wright, global leader at Protiviti’s CFO Solutions practice, emphasizes that CFOs are evolving from mere capital stewards into innovators who leverage scenario planning and digital modernization. These strategies enable organizations to optimize operations while preparing for future challenges such as global price fluctuations and data governance concerns.

The Impact of Tariffs on Financial Planning

The survey indicates that tariffs continue to significantly influence FP&A activities. About 39% of finance leaders believe their FP&A practices require more attention due to these external pressures. Specific impacts highlighted by respondents include:

• 64% report moderate disruptions affecting financial forecasting capabilities.
• 62% indicate that tariffs are impacting reporting timelines and accuracy.
• 59% say overall profitability is being affected by these external factors.

Rather than overhauling their offshoring models entirely in response to tariff volatility, many organizations (60%) are opting to strengthen supplier communication. Additionally, 52% are enhancing risk management oversight regarding their suppliers—showcasing a shift toward building resilience through collaboration rather than disruptive structural changes.

This evolving landscape has led finance leaders to recognize FP&A as a strategic driver of enterprise value. Investments are increasingly directed towards:

• Driver-based machine learning models: To better understand performance influencers.
• Predictive analytics: For making well-informed choices based on forward-looking data.
• Self-service reporting tools: Empowering business users with direct access to insights.

CFOs transforming finance into a strategic engine reflect a clear shift towards integrated decision-making supported by data-driven technologies like AI. This approach allows finance teams to accurately assess performance across enterprises while informing broader business decisions within executive leadership circles.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Financial Governance

This year marks another where data security remains at the forefront for CFOs—signifying its essential role in maintaining trust within today’s digital finance environment. The integration of AI presents both opportunities and new risks related to threat detection and data protection practices.

CFOs are increasingly collaborating with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) as they modernize technology architectures while strengthening cybersecurity measures. This collaboration is vital as regulatory requirements evolve concerning cybersecurity disclosures—ensuring firms remain compliant while protecting sensitive information effectively.

CFO Leadership in Cybersecurity Governance

CFOs have taken an active role not just in safeguarding financial data but also shaping how organizations secure all types of information amidst complex digital landscapes. Their focus extends beyond compliance; they aim for robust governance frameworks that address operational risks alongside reputational factors associated with potential breaches or leaks.

Navigating Future Challenges Through Strategic Planning

CFOs today must adapt swiftly amid rapid changes affecting global economies—from rising tariffs influencing cost structures down through cybersecurity threats challenging data integrity—all while aiming for growth opportunities presented within our modern digital era. By prioritizing initiatives like adopting advanced analytics or enhancing risk management capabilities through improved supplier communication channels—businesses can position themselves favorably against adversity while seizing chances for innovation along their paths forward!

Your Resources for Further Exploration

If you’re interested in diving deeper into these findings from Protiviti’s Global Finance Trends Survey or seeking actionable insights tailored specifically for CFO roles today—you can find key resources available on their website with complimentary downloads offered including full reports along with infographics summarizing major takeaways!