Why Finance Should Lead Your AI Strategy

Most AI projects fail to deliver. Finance teams can change that.

Key takeaways:

• Only ~6% of finance teams turn AI into P&L impact

• Success depends more on leadership than tools

• Focus on high-value use cases, not the shiny new tech

I’ve been following AI conversations and just like anyone else, constantly get pulled into all new directions with the rapid movements taking place. One thing is clear, most finance teams are not utilising anywhere near the full potential of AI.

Research shows only around 6% of teams actually turn AI into something that moves the needle on the P&L. It’s not about who has the best tools. It’s about who is leading the charge.

Without clear leadership and a solid financial strategy, how do you even know which tools to use or where to focus your efforts?

Finance teams can help guide and drive AI adoption so ultimately:

• You stop chasing every new use case and start choosing the ones that deliver measurable results.

• You focus on solving your businesses real problems, not by simply 'providing' ChatGPT to staff members, so they can refine emails and scan contracts.

• You measure the ROI for experimental AI projects and adjust quickly if successful, so it doesn’t come at the expense of your businesses core operations.

The best results come when finance teams bridge tech and business strategy.

The reality is the median ROI from AI is sitting around 10%. But for the small percentage of finance leaders that get it right, the gains are significant because they’re deliberate about where it's applied and efficient in rolling it out.

AI will impact two things in every business, money and efficiency. If finance isn’t leading that conversation, you’re leaving both on the table.