Finance teams adopt AI despite 93% integrity fears
A global survey shows finance departments are rapidly integrating AI and real-time data to drive strategy, but overwhelming concerns over AI reliability present a significant risk management challenge for CFOs.
More than 60% of corporate finance teams have expanded their use of real-time operational data and artificial intelligence over the past two years, according to a global survey of 1,600 professionals by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
The findings mark a definitive shift for corporate finance from retrospective reporting to forward-looking analysis. By feeding AI tools live operational metrics and unstructured text, CFOs are positioning their departments to drive strategic planning rather than merely record historical performance.
Strategic priorities and regulatory requirements are the primary catalysts for this shift, cited by 45% and 43% of respondents respectively. This indicates that boards and regulators are actively pushing finance functions to deliver predictive insights.
However, this technological leap is colliding with a profound crisis of confidence. Exactly 93% of finance professionals expressed worry over the integrity and verifiability of AI-generated insights, citing specific dangers like hallucinations, bias, incomplete data sets and a lack of transparency.
The trust deficit is compounded by a stark skills shortage. In Australia and New Zealand, 70% of respondents reported having only basic or zero generative AI capabilities. Over a third lacked formal training in data storytelling, raising questions about whether teams can accurately translate complex AI outputs into actionable boardroom strategies.
To bridge these gaps, traditional departmental silos are breaking down. Nearly 60% of finance teams now collaborate closely with their IT and data counterparts, a structural change necessary to govern AI deployment effectively.
ACCA CEO Helen Brand warned that the technology requires rigorous oversight. "This is a great opportunity, but upskilling is critical. CFOs [chief financial officers] and finance teams need to lead in the responsible adoption of AI across organisations, ensuring robust training and governance is in place. Critical thinking, sceptical validation and an ethical approach is vital."
CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen echoed the urgency, stressing that AI must augment human judgement rather than simply automate legacy tasks. "AI is now a core part of the finance toolkit, but it is not a shortcut. CFOs and finance teams need to use it to sharpen judgement and generate real value, not just speed up old processes. That means investing in structured learning and working more closely with IT and data teams. Upskilling isn't optional. It is how you manage the risk."
