(© Blue Planet Studio – Canva.com)

For years, CFOs have sought efficiency through automation. Now, with AI embedded in finance applications and the rise of AI agents, fully-automated, touchless finance operations are becoming a reality.

AI-driven finance transforms traditional processes by introducing autonomous agentic systems that function without the need to pause for manual intervention. These AI agents form the backbone of a new financial framework, replacing traditional methods and enabling continuously evolving innovation.

Here are a few ways Finance leaders can lay the groundwork and embrace touchless operations.

Adopt a new mindset and rethink traditional Finance roles

Touchless operations start with a mindset shift. CFOs should see AI not just as a tool for task automation but as a strategic asset for driving tangible business value. For example, AI that is aligned with financial and operational goals, because of its ability to rapidly analyze data from multiple sources, enables Finance teams to gain sharper insights and make faster, more informed decisions.

Additionally, delegating repetitive tasks to AI will enable CFOs and their teams to move beyond just making incremental process improvements to focusing on driving business strategy and creating value, resulting in a more results-oriented and agile Finance function.

AI-driven finance and touchless operations will also require CFOs to re-think Finance roles.

Individuals will continue to play an important role, but they must adapt their approach and responsibilities. The Finance roles of the future demand new and enhanced skills, along with updated organizational and leadership strategies.

Skilled and experienced employees who can interpret and leverage AI-generated insights will be vital to maximizing value. Over the course of the next few years, new positions, such as Data Steward and AI Specialist, will arise.

While AI can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and uncover hidden patterns, it cannot fully replace human judgement. CFOs must therefore cultivate teams that strike the right balance for AI coupled with human oversight.

Transform processes and embrace shared service models

CFOs need to evaluate and move beyond outdated processes that no longer align with current business priorities. The path forward lies in embracing simplification, standardization, and automation.

AI-driven finance offers a powerful opportunity to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize workflows while seamlessly integrating new, value-adding capabilities as they emerge. As the technology matures, AI agents will be able to self-adapt — learning from data and evolving without the need for constant re-programming.

AI-driven finance will also allow for restructuring shared services and outsourcing models. While traditional Finance functions have depended largely on manual processes, AI enables greater centralization and automation.

AI agents can operate around the clock, eliminating limitations related to volume, time zones, and language differences. CFOs that embrace this shift are likely to achieve substantial efficiency gains and cost savings.

Double down on governance

Effective AI governance and regulatory compliance will be crucial as AI becomes increasingly integrated into financial operations, decision-making processes, and risk management. CFOs need to take an active role here.

This includes establishing clear protocols for responsible AI use, defining accountability structures, and aligning AI initiatives with both ethical standards and business objectives.

The dynamic nature of AI will require continuous model refinement. CFOs must foster a culture of adaptability, encouraging cross-functional collaboration to regularly refine AI systems in response to new data, changing regulations, and emerging risks.

Adopt a SaaS-native platform

To fully realize the value of AI-driven finance and touchless operations, organizations must adopt a true SaaS-native platform with regular feature updates, robust security, and scalability.

Agentic flows embedded in a SaaS platform result in cleaner data, higher-quality outcomes, and increased productivity. The alternative landscape of bolt-on applications can be more costly and complex and make it nearly impossible to deliver regular updates that allow finance teams to adopt new AI agents as they become available.

By turning traditionally complex and time-consuming processes into seamless, touchless operations, these agents enable finance teams to concentrate on high-value tasks — such as forecasting financial outcomes, optimizing working capital, and uncovering new opportunities for growth and cost savings.

AI innovation is speeding up rapidly, and delaying the adoption of AI-driven finance and touchless operations means missing out on significant opportunities. CFOs that integrate AI today will shape the future of finance. Establishing a robust AI-focused foundation — including people, processes, governance, and controls — will be critical to success.