Finance has entered a new phase. Excel built the foundation, but AI now drives the future. CFOs no longer work only with static data. They use AI to interpret context, predict outcomes, and automate routine tasks. FP&A tools with built-in AI transform how companies plan, forecast, and make decisions. Instead of manual modeling, finance teams can now ask questions and get instant insights. This shift makes the CFO a strategic co-pilot, not just a controller of numbers.
Discussion points include:
• From Excel to AI-native FP&A: Excel remains useful, but it cannot scale for enterprise complexity. AI tools process large datasets, find patterns, and deliver insights in seconds.
• AI gives context, not just data: Traditional reporting tells you what happened. AI explains why it happened and what will happen next.
• Automation of repetitive tasks: Forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning are faster and more accurate when automated by AI.
• Conversational interfaces: CFOs can interact with their data directly, using natural language instead of formulas or code.
• Smarter decision-making: AI identifies risks and opportunities early, enabling proactive planning instead of reactive reporting.
• The human + AI model: AI augments judgment, not replaces it. Finance leaders gain time for strategy, collaboration, and innovation.
• The future of FP&A: AI-driven platforms will become the standard. They combine in-memory performance, machine learning, and real-time collaboration to redefine how finance operates.