CFOs increasingly embrace AI; finance organizations leveraging it double.

The growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) among Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) is reshaping the finance sector, as revealed by Protiviti’s recent Global Finance Trends Survey. The findings highlight a significant uptick in the adoption of AI tools within financial organizations, illustrating how these technologies are being leveraged to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning. With the number of finance teams using AI more than doubling from 2024 to 2025, it’s evident that CFOs are prioritizing innovative solutions to tackle challenges posed by economic uncertainty and evolving trade dynamics.

Expanding Adoption of AI in Finance

The latest survey indicates a remarkable increase in AI usage among finance teams, soaring from 34% in 2024 to an impressive 72% in 2025. This surge underscores a burgeoning recognition of AI’s potential to drive value across various financial functions. Key applications identified include:

Streamlining Processes with Automation

Process automation has emerged as the most prevalent application, with 66% of respondents utilizing AI to streamline repetitive tasks. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes errors, allowing finance professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Enhancing Financial Forecasting

Financial forecasting is another critical area benefiting from AI integration, with 58% of CFOs employing these tools to improve the accuracy and agility of budgeting and planning processes. By leveraging advanced analytics, organizations can make more precise predictions about future financial performance.

Proactive Risk Management

Additionally, 57% of finance leaders are using AI for risk assessment and management. Advanced analytical capabilities enable firms to identify potential risks earlier and implement mitigation strategies effectively. As Christopher Wright, a leader within Protiviti’s CFO Solutions practice noted, today’s CFOs are evolving beyond traditional roles as mere capital stewards; they are now key drivers of innovation and operational optimization.

Navigating Tariff Volatility Through Strategic Planning

The ongoing volatility regarding tariffs continues to challenge financial planning and analysis (FP&A) functions. The survey reveals that nearly two-fifths (39%) of finance leaders recognize a need for enhanced attention towards FP&A practices due to tariff impacts. Respondents specifically noted several consequences:

• 64% indicated at least a moderate impact on their financial forecasting capabilities.
• 62% mentioned that tariffs have affected reporting timelines and overall accuracy.
• 59% acknowledged that external factors influenced their profitability levels.

In response to these challenges, rather than drastically changing their offshoring models, many organizations (60%) are choosing instead to strengthen supplier communication channels while enhancing risk management oversight over suppliers at a rate of 52%. This represents a significant shift toward building resilience through collaboration rather than resorting to disruptive structural changes.

Investments in FP&A Technology

CFOs increasingly view FP&A as crucial for driving enterprise value and are investing in innovative technologies such as:

• Driver-Based Machine Learning Models: These models help organizations better comprehend which factors influence performance metrics.
• Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics: Such analytics facilitate forward-looking decisions based on data-driven insights.
• Self-Service Reporting Tools: These empower business users by granting direct access to essential data and insights.

This maturation within FP&A reflects CFOs’ efforts to transform finance into an integral component that supports organizational strategy through data-driven decision-making processes facilitated by technologies like AI.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Collaboration

A critical concern for CFOs remains data security and privacy—elements that have consistently topped their list for two consecutive years. As regulatory demands regarding cybersecurity disclosures evolve, CFOs must work collaboratively with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Together, they aim to modernize technology infrastructure while bolstering cybersecurity measures that address both operational integrity and reputational risks associated with digital transactions.

This alliance is essential given how rapidly changing threat landscapes can affect data privacy protocols across industries. CFOs today play an active role not just in safeguarding financial information but also in shaping comprehensive strategies for securing all organizational data amidst increasing complexity within digital environments.

CFO Strategies for Embracing Change

CFOs are rapidly adapting their approaches by placing greater emphasis on adopting AI technologies while reinforcing data security measures—all aimed at navigating periods marked by uncertainty successfully. Their expanded responsibilities enable organizations not only to mitigate disruptions but also seize opportunities related directly or indirectly linked back into growth areas presented throughout this modern digital landscape.

Dive Deeper into Finance Trends Survey Findings

If you’re interested in exploring the key findings from Protiviti’s Finance Trends Survey further or wish access additional resources—including action item recommendations designed specifically for CFOs—you can find detailed materials available online including downloadable reports formatted conveniently as PDFs along with engaging infographics summarizing core insights gathered during research phases conducted over recent months. Learn more here .

Your Path Forward With Protiviti

If you’re seeking expert guidance tailored toward enhancing your organization’s financial operations through advanced technology integration or improving overall governance structures surrounding sensitive information management systems—consider reaching out directly! Protiviti provides consulting services across various domains including finance expertise coupled alongside technological innovations ensuring compliance adherence while fostering sustainable growth initiatives across numerous sectors globally!