the role of AI in finance and accounting.

AI has already found its place in the day-to-day work of finance and accounting teams. From automating routine tasks to supporting more accurate decision-making, it’s helping people work with greater clarity and speed. According to Gartner, 90% of finance functions will use at least one AI-enabled tool by 2026. As adoption grows, many organizations are exploring how AI in finance and AI in accounting can support more resilient operations and a stronger foundation for the future.

The AI shift in finance and accounting is about using technology to save time, reduce errors and create space for more strategic work. That’s why many leaders today are rethinking their tech stack and reassessing workflows, looking for ways AI can simplify, accelerate and future-proof core finance functions.

where AI is being applied in finance and accounting

The use of AI in finance and AI in accounting is expanding quickly, often in overlapping ways. In finance, teams are using AI to support credit scoring, predictive planning, forecasting and ESG reporting. Accounting teams are automating processes like invoice matching, reconciliation audit prep. Together, these tools and software are improving speed, accuracy transparency.

For example, AI-powered systems can scan thousands of transactions in seconds, flagging unusual entries and reducing the risk of manual errors. In some firms, natural language processing tools help monitor regulatory changes and generate clearer, plain-language summaries of complex financial data. Others use intelligent automation to streamline closing cycles or improve forecasting with dynamic, real-time insights.

Some organizations are also integrating AI into interdepartmental workflows, like automatically syncing procurement data with budgeting platforms or using chatbots to respond to finance-related queries from HR or sales. These small but impactful AI applications help bridge silos and improve responsiveness across the business.

According to Thomson Reuters, accounting firms are also relying on AI to keep pace with global compliance standards, helping teams stay ahead of regulatory shifts that used to take weeks to track manually. 

benefits and challenges to consider

The benefits and challenges of adopting AI in finance and accounting depend on how the tools are implemented and supported. Many organizations are already seeing improvements in key areas, including:

• Faster decision-making, supported by real-time insights from large data sets.
• Greater accuracy in reconciliations, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Stronger compliance through early anomaly detection.
• Lower operational costs through automation.
• Improved support experiences for both employees and clients.

A 2025 report by Itemize found that accounting teams using AI reduced reconciliation time by up to 50%. Workday reports that AI-enabled finance teams are closing books up to 40% faster than before. These time savings are helping teams focus on strategy, innovation planning, not just reporting what has already happened.

Another emerging benefit is business continuity. AI-enabled systems can operate around the clock, allowing finance functions to keep running smoothly even when teams are stretched thin or distributed across locations. This makes AI a key asset in both day-to-day operations and times of disruption.

However, challenges do remain. Many AI tools require clean, structured data to function properly. Data security and privacy must also be safeguarded as sensitive financial information is processed. Legacy systems can be hard to integrate teams may need time to adapt to new workflows. There’s also a growing need for transparency; leaders must understand how AI models work, identify potential bias and stay accountable for outcomes.

how workforce expectations are shifting

AI is reshaping finance and accounting by taking over routine tasks, allowing professionals to focus on interpreting data, guiding decisions and delivering strategic insights.

In accounting, this means deeper involvement in planning and internal controls. In finance, it supports stronger forecasting and risk modeling. Many teams are hiring for hybrid roles, such as a finance data analyst or AI model auditor, combining technical fluency with financial expertise.

According to the Journal of Accountancy, firms are rethinking how they build teams and structure training. Upskilling is becoming a priority, especially in areas like AI literacy, data ethics cross-functional collaboration.

future trends to watch out for

The future and trends of AI in finance and accounting show continued momentum. The technologies are advancing, but so is the thinking behind how and why to use them. Several developments are worth watching:

• Predictive intelligence: Tools that analyze external data to forecast revenue, cost shifts, or financial risk in advance.
• Real-time compliance: AI that monitors transactions against regulatory frameworks, reducing the burden of audits.
• Natural language processing: Software that turns financial data into plain-language summaries, improving accessibility.
• Cloud-based ecosystems: Cloud-first platforms that integrate accounting, procurement reporting into one intelligent system.
• ESG scoring and sustainability tracking: AI tools that help firms assess environmental and social performance alongside financial outcomes.

These changes are helping teams move from reactive to proactive.

getting started with the right support

Adopting AI in finance or AI in accounting doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once. Most organizations start by identifying tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, or prone to error. From there, it’s about choosing tools and software that align with business goals and setting up teams for success.

This also means checking in on readiness. Do your people have the digital fluency to understand and work alongside AI tools? Are workflows designed to make the most of automation, or do they still rely on outdated systems?

When AI is introduced thoughtfully with input from end users and clear benefits, adoption tends to be faster and more successful. Involving your finance and accounting teams early in the process can help create a sense of ownership and reduce resistance.

Training and communication go hand in hand with any technology rollout. Leaders who invest in upskilling and support especially for mid-level professionals are better positioned to drive long-term value.

making AI work for your teams

AI in finance and accounting are delivering results, from faster reporting cycles to better fraud detection.  The real impact comes when organizations connect the right tools with the right people.

By taking a practical, people-first approach, you can make AI work for your team today and prepare for whatever comes tomorrow. Use our AI readiness & skills check toolkit to evaluate where AI might create value in your finance function and what support your team will need to succeed.