In companies around the world, Artificial Intelligence-empowered finance teams are emerging — a development that is generating a rich range of benefits to organizations. These include increased efficiency and accuracy, reduced human error, faster and better data-based decision-making, lower costs, and improved regulatory compliance.
AI is a game-changer for finance
KPMG conducted a global AI finance study in April 2024, surveying CFOs and finance executives from 2,900 companies across 23 countries and territories and six industries. The research shows that the use of AI is rapidly expanding across finance: 71 percent of companies are using AI in finance, 41 percent of them to a moderate or large degree. Organizations in North America, ASPAC, and Europe are furthest ahead, while those in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, comprising mostly emerging markets, are the furthest behind.
AI usage is spreading across all finance areas
Companies are turning to AI in every area of finance. According to the findings, the accounting and financial planning groups are furthest ahead in using AI because of the potential benefits it brings to many of their activities, from improved data processing and financial reporting to real-time insights and predictive analysis. Currently, nearly two-thirds of companies are piloting or using AI for accounting and financial planning.
Other areas of finance are following suit: nearly half of companies are now piloting or using AI for treasury and risk management. This can generate better debt management, cash-flow forecasting, fraud detection, credit risk assessment, and scenario analysis in the treasury and risk management functions.
In the Philippines, finance functions are embracing AI to improve operations and stay competitive. AI streamlines financial reporting, optimizes cash flow management, and enhances fraud prevention. By automating routine tasks, teams can focus on critical functions like forecasting and decision-making. AI also offers deeper insights into financial performance, enabling more informed decisions. This shift is transforming finance departments into more agile and efficient teams, ready for the future.
AI is a versatile tool for leaders
Leaders are moving fast to develop different uses for AI that will free up financial staff to focus on high-level tasks. These use cases show the art of the possible for other companies exploring AI options.
On average, leaders have six use cases for AI, almost double the number that others have developed. Leaders are well out front in the use of Gen AI for composing documents and summaries. Leaders are also ahead of others in more mundane uses of AI, such as for administrative tasks, performance evaluation and training, and data entry — use cases for about half or more of leaders.