Most of us have already used AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to draft a firm yet courteous email chasing overdue payments or to translate dense board reports into plain English. You’ve likely run dozens of Excel formulas—VLOOKUPs, NPV, IRR—and even uploaded CSV files for automated insights. Millennials and Gen Z accountants make this a daily habit, so for a CFO, it’s high time to get even better.
For financial leadership, the real leverage isn’t in generating emails or endless reports. It’s about reclaiming time to lead strategically. The aim is to use AI in 2025 to forecast trends, predict when customers might fall behind, identify upsell opportunities, plan demand more effectively, and trigger workflows when budgets stray off course.
In short, AI transforms raw data into instant strategic indicators that empower CFOs to design and drive growth initiatives.
Where Do I Start? The Case for Centralising Data
Let’s face it—if you’re still wrestling with spreadsheets and manually importing CSVs from a dozen systems, you’re already playing catch-up. The first—and probably the most strategic—step is to get everything onto one unified platform: an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) with AI built right in. We’re not talking about entry-level software experimenting with AI; we’re talking about proven platforms actively using financial AI today.
When your entire team—from marketing and sales to warehouse, production, procurement, customer success, and support—is feeding data into a single hub, everyone is accountable and the system has the base of mass data it needs to run powerful algorithms.
It’s not just about tidying up numbers for reporting; it’s about setting the stage for genuine strategic insights.
Without this consolidation, the potential of AI remains out of reach.
“Narrative reporting tools use GenAI to draft reports and visualizations breaking down your company’s performance.”
Craig Sullivan
Vice president of product management at NetSuite
So if you’re still chasing fragmented data, your next move should be to build a strong data foundation—one that lets you run your business finances like a true leader in the second quarter of the 21st century.
The Advantage of AI-Language Models: Enter the Socratic Method
Think of AI language models as your ever-ready soundboard partner. Instead of clicking through hidden menus you can never quite remember, you simply have a conversation. You ask questions, refine your queries, and the model responds—much like a Socratic dialogue. This dynamic exchange helps you delve deeper into your data, uncovering insights that are uniquely tailored to your language and thought process.
This approach is transforming how we interact with financial information. No longer are we confined by rigid system commands and preset reporting structures; we can express abstract needs naturally and receive responses that deliver clear, actionable insights. That’s the real power of a genuine conversation—each question bringing you closer to a strategic understanding of your business.
Just a couple of weeks ago, as we sat down with NetSuite, they showcased their AI tools in action by asking NetSuite’s SuiteAnalytics Assistant to identify potential leads based on company size and current modules, then refining the search to highlight those most likely to have available budget, they moved from a cumbersome report to a focused, actionable sales strategy.
“We’re predicting things like item stockout and customer churn.”
Bill Feck
Packer Fastener CTO
This method—prompting and refining through natural, conversational queries—is revolutionising how businesses are run.
Here are the four areas where we think AI models will revolutionise finances:
1.
Ask the AI, “What happens to our cashflow next quarter if that key commission disappears?” The model sifts through your data to provide a forecast of how cashflow across all potential sales might be impacted, so you can act before issues hit your business.
2.
Query the AI with, “Which clients show signs of being ready for an upgrade?” It will generate a list of customers primed for an extra service. Follow up with, “How many haven’t had a price adjustment in the last three years?” The model breaks down the data further, turning the conversation into clear, actionable suggestions to boost revenue.
3.
Based on past sales and current trends, the AI delivers a clear forecast for your inventory needs. Simply ask, “How will our inventory needs change based on recent sales trends?” and receive straightforward insights that make resource planning easier—no endless spreadsheets required.
4.
When you ask, “How are we doing compared to our budget this quarter?” the AI provides real-time numbers and alerts you if spending is straying off track. It even forecasts the likelihood of overruns in the coming weeks, enabling you to adjust before small issues escalate.
The Strategic Advantage
The real power of AI is in how it frees you up from the daily grind of crunching numbers, letting you focus on the big picture. With all your financial data coming together in one place and analysed on the fly, you can stop playing catch-up and start planning for growth and innovation. You’re not just reacting to the numbers—you’re using clear, actionable insights to steer your business into the future.
In today’s fast-paced world, sticking with old-school reporting just won’t cut it. AI isn’t some fancy new trend; it’s the tool that will give you clarity and instant foresight to drive sustainable growth.
When your data works for you, every decision becomes a step towards a brighter, more confident future.
So, if you’re ready to stop missing out and start using AI as your secret weapon, the path is clear: embrace technology that’s reshaping financial leadership and turn your data into your most powerful asset.
Tired of chasing reports? Put your sheets together.
