The Future of Finance

AI and human ingenuity are powering a bold new operating model that is fundamentally reimagining the finance function.

The ‘old’ finance model is past its prime

Finance is at a breaking point. Business moves faster than ever—markets shift daily, complexity keeps rising, and leaders expect finance to do more than record the numbers. Yet many finance functions still rely on models built for control and consistency, not for constant change.

The strain shows in every corner of the enterprise. CFOs face persistent challenges that make it difficult to modernize while also keeping operations running:

  • Expanding complexity and “need-it-now” demands amid tight budgets and skill shortages.
  • Data overload as teams spend more time fixing fragmented data than analyzing it.
  • Technology sprawl with tools multiplying but rarely integrating.
  • AI adoption gaps as finance struggles with legacy data and process barriers.
  • Operational fatigue from outdated cycles and systems that create gridlock and dampen morale.

The future of finance will look very different—and it’s already taking shape.

Making AI-enabled finance a reality

Discover how leading CFOs are modernizing finance for the AI era—redesigning roles, automating and connecting data, and rearchitecting operations to create lasting value.

Learn more

Meet the AI-powered finance model

The next-generation finance model blends automation, AI, and human insight to drive speed, accuracy, and value across the enterprise. As digital capabilities take on more of the transactional load, finance is transforming into a leaner, faster, and more connected network of human and machine intelligence.

This new model rests on three defining shifts that are reshaping how finance delivers value:

icon

AI as the operating system

AI as the operating system

AI connects data, workflows, and systems in real time—it’s the orchestration layer for finance. It breaks down silos across ERPs, analytics, and planning tools, creating a unified ecosystem that continuously learns and improves.
icon

A redefined finance organization

A redefined finance organization

As automation handles execution, people move into higher-value roles—data stewardship, scenario design, AI governance, and more. Finance becomes a dynamic network of expertise rather than a fixed hierarchy of titles.
icon

An expanding remit

An expanding remit

Finance’s reach now extends across the enterprise—embedded in operations, supply chain, and commercial teams to help shape decisions as they happen. The function is growing smaller in structure but broader in influence.
AI as the operating system A redefined finance organization An expanding remit
Whitepaper

What a modern finance function should deliver

With humans and AI working in concert, finance evolves from a control center to a catalyst for enterprise performance. The shift is creating a more nimble, forward-focused function that guides decisions in real time and drives measurable business outcomes:

Learn how leading companies are moving past stubborn bottlenecks and using a step-by-step approach to shift to an AI-enabled operating model.
Learn more
  • Continuous performance visibility through automated reconciliations and real-time data.
  • Faster, smarter decisions powered by predictive forecasting and scenario modeling.
  • Connected data flows that unify finance, operations, and commercial insights.
  • Reduced costs and manual work as automation streamlines execution and compliance.
  • A more agile workforce focused on interpretation, innovation, and strategic guidance.
  • Stronger governance and trust with transparent oversight of AI-driven processes.

How to start building the new finance model

Every transformation begins with practical steps. CFOs moving toward AI-enabled finance can accelerate results by focusing on five priorities:

  1. Define the vision
  2. Modernize the data foundation
  3. Redesign roles and governance
  4. Pilot high-value use cases
  5. Scale with purpose

How KPMG helps finance leaders move forward

KPMG works with CFOs to design, build, and scale the next generation of finance. Our teams combine deep functional experience with leading capabilities in AI, automation, and data modernization to help clients reimagine what finance can achieve—step by step. We bring clients:

  • Extensive experience in finance transformation and Finance-as-a-Service delivery
  •  Industry-specific expertise that elevates finance beyond transactional support
  • Leading-edge AI, automation, and data-integration capabilities
  • Integrated teams across strategy, technology, and managed services
  •  Proven frameworks to accelerate design, adoption, and scale

We connect vision to execution—helping finance leaders turn finance transformation into measurable results.

Explore Our Insights
Learn more about how AI is empowering finance teams to prepare for the very different future ahead:
No results found.
iconimg Insight
Webcast Replay Webcast Upcoming Listen Now From The Web from the web

AI Is the New Operating System for Finance

Future ready finance leaders use AI, technology, and data to reimagine their finance operating system and move to enterprise scale.

AI Is the New Operating System for Finance
iconimg Insight
Webcast Replay Webcast Upcoming Listen Now From The Web from the web

The CFO’s Playbook for the Human + AI Workforce

CFO’s and finance teams need to build AI strategies and deploy AI-enabled operations at scale across finance. Here’s four considerations for building the future of finance.

The CFO’s Playbook for the Human + AI Workforce
iconimg Insight
Webcast Replay Webcast Upcoming Listen Now From The Web from the web

Four Bold Moves to Reimagine Finance in the Age of AI

AI is reshaping finance from the inside out. Here’s how CFOs can modernize their operating models and lead their organizations forward.

    Meet the team

    KPMG helps finance leaders prepare for the future of finance—where AI is embedded at the core of how work gets done. Our AI-powered approach unites deep experience in finance operations, enterprise transformation, and next-generation technologies. From automating core processes to modernizing data foundations and deploying AI at scale, we help clients build a finance model that is faster, more agile, and ready for the changes ahead. What sets KPMG apart is our ability to connect strategy to execution. We understand the full scope of finance—processing, close, and planning—and how to align talent, technology, and operating models across the enterprise, with AI and automation embedded throughout. If you’re ready to shape the next generation of finance, we’re here to help. Let’s take the first step together.

    Image of Michael Kokotajlo
    Michael Kokotajlo
    Partner, Advisory, Strategy & Transformation, KPMG US
    Read bio
    Image of Brian Mace
    Brian Mace
    Advisory Managing Director, Finance Transformation, KPMG LLP
    Read bio
    Image of Colleen Mohnkern
    Colleen Mohnkern
    Director, Advisory, Finance Transformation, KPMG US
    Read bio
    Image of Madeline L Schmidt
    Madeline L Schmidt
    Director, Advisory, Finance & EPM, KPMG US
    Read bio
    Image of Michael Kokotajlo
    Michael Kokotajlo
    Partner, Advisory, Strategy & Transformation, KPMG US
    Read bio
    Image of Brian Mace
    Brian Mace
    Advisory Managing Director, Finance Transformation, KPMG LLP
    Read bio
    Image of Colleen Mohnkern
    Colleen Mohnkern
    Director, Advisory, Finance Transformation, KPMG US
    Read bio
    Image of Madeline L Schmidt
    Madeline L Schmidt
    Director, Advisory, Finance & EPM, KPMG US
    Read bio

    Explore other services tailored to your business​

    Service
    Finance and Accounting
    Read more
    Service
    Integrated Intelligent Forecasting
    Read more

    KPMG. Make the Difference.


    Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

    The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. KPMG LLP does not provide legal services.

    The information contained herein is not intended to be “written advice concerning one or more Federal tax matters” subject to the requirements of section 10.37(a)(2) of Treasury Department Circular 230.

    © 2025 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

    For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organization please visit https://home.kpmg/governance.

    Thank you!

    Thank you for contacting KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.

    Contact KPMG

    Use this form to submit general inquiries to KPMG. We will respond to you as soon as possible.
    All fields with an asterisk (*) are required.

    By submitting, you agree that KPMG LLP may process any personal information you provide pursuant to KPMG LLP's . Privacy Statement

    An error occurred. Please contact customer support.

    Job seekers

    Visit our careers section or search our jobs database.

    Search now!

    Submit RFP

    Use the RFP submission form to detail the services KPMG can help assist you with.

    Submit

    Office locations

    View locations

    International hotline

    You can confidentially report concerns to the KPMG International hotline

    Learn more

    Press contacts

    Do you need to speak with our Press Office? Here's how to get in touch.

    Contact

    Headline