CFOs Called to Lead AI Initiatives as Finance Takes Center Stage in Business Transformation

Gartner Urges CFOs to Define Their Role in AI Initiatives

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a key driver for operational efficiency and innovation, finance leaders are being called on to take a more active role in AI adoption. Gartner, Inc. highlights the need for CFOs to lead AI integration efforts to ensure their organizations realize the full benefits of these technologies.

At a recent Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference, Marco Steecker, senior director analyst, pointed out that while AI presents clear opportunities, many companies still lack a defined approach for its adoption. CEOs expect finance teams to take charge—from working with AI vendors to managing internal projects—on top of their regular responsibilities.

Expanding Responsibilities for Finance Leaders

The responsibility for AI projects is moving beyond IT, with CFOs expected to oversee and govern AI initiatives across the enterprise. Finance leaders often act as project sponsors for new technology projects, and this role naturally extends to AI efforts. Their tasks include reviewing business cases, ensuring data availability, and validating the results AI produces.

Approaching AI initiatives with a proof-of-concept mindset allows CFOs to test potential impacts early, monitor outcomes, and decide whether to continue investments. This method helps keep AI projects aligned with business goals and budgets.

Different Roles Based on AI Initiative Complexity

The involvement of CFOs in AI depends on how customized the AI solutions need to be. For off-the-shelf AI tools, finance leaders mainly act as advocates for end users, making sure the solution fits business needs and is implemented correctly.

When AI projects require more technical input, such as custom coding or modeling, CFOs take on a co-developer role. In this capacity, they collaborate closely with IT or external experts to shape the AI’s application, maintain data quality, and establish governance to manage risks.

In larger organizations where AI drives major innovation, finance leaders may also oversee technical aspects like data engineering and AI model development. This broader role demands new skills and deeper involvement beyond traditional finance functions.

Preparing Finance Functions for AI

The push for CFO leadership in AI is more than a trend. As AI reshapes business operations, finance functions must evolve. Finance leaders should familiarize themselves with key concepts in data science and AI modeling, even if they don’t become technical experts.

Building a finance team with technical talent is essential. CFOs must invest in hiring and developing these skills within their departments and commit to ongoing learning to keep pace with AI advancements.

This shift means finance can move from a passive observer of AI projects to an active driver of AI success—maximizing value while managing operational risks.

Looking Forward

The next phase of AI adoption will bring both opportunities and challenges. Gartner’s insights highlight the growing expectation for CFOs to lead AI initiatives early and consistently.

By taking ownership of AI integration, finance leaders can help their organizations gain a competitive edge and ensure long-term value from their AI investments.

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