As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape industries, its ROI remains a point of contention for many CFOs. A global survey reveals that while AI investments are on the rise, uncertainty around ROI has made CFOs hesitant. Basware and Financial Times Longitude found that 78% of organizations plan to increase AI spending over the next 12 to 18 months. However, nearly one-third of CFOs admit their companies lack a clear strategy for AI implementation, which could affect their decision-making.

While AI adoption is seen as a potential game-changer in financial operations, a lack of strategic clarity is slowing down its integration. 41% of finance leaders struggle to prioritize AI investments due to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. Major companies, like Meta, have already faced scrutiny for their AI investments, highlighting the challenges of demonstrating clear returns.

Despite this uncertainty, AI is already proving valuable in automating financial processes, reducing manual tasks, improving compliance, and detecting errors or fraud. According to the survey, 75% of CFOs agree that AI allows teams to focus on more strategic tasks, such as regulatory compliance and e-invoicing. One success story includes organizations prioritizing accounts payable automation, which has led to 136% ROI over three years.

However, the survey also reveals that 40% of CFOs cite inadequate change management as a barrier, and 31% struggle with the lack of a strategic vision for AI adoption. Perttu Nihti, Chief Product Officer at Basware, explains that AI’s success relies on knowing where to start and demonstrating its impact. He believes focusing on quick wins—such as compliance, error reduction, and fraud detection—can help prove the value of AI investments to organizations.

Despite these hurdles, the future of AI remains promising. CFOs need to find ways to integrate AI strategically, balancing the pressure to deliver ROI with the transformative potential AI holds for financial operations. The 2025 deadline may prove to be a critical year for proving AI’s worth.

TECHRADAR