A recent Salesforce study reveals a significant shift in Chief Financial Officers' (CFOs) attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI), moving from caution to proactive adoption and strategic integration. In 2020, 70% of CFOs were hesitant to incorporate AI into financial and business strategies; today, only 4% remain skeptical, reflecting growing confidence in AI's benefits. This change is largely attributed to advancements in generative and agentic AI technologies, which are now seen as essential for boosting revenue and operational efficiency. These AI systems autonomously handle complex tasks, analyze large datasets, and generate innovative solutions, making them invaluable for optimizing performance and productivity. The study shows that one-third of CFOs are aggressively adopting AI, driven by clear evidence of improved returns on investment and workforce productivity. AI has transitioned from an experimental tool to a fundamental element of business strategy.

Additionally, CFOs are adopting a new approach to evaluating ROI, shifting focus from short-term financial metrics to long-term business outcomes, recognizing AI’s role in sustained growth, innovation, and competitive advantage. Financially, CFOs dedicate around 25% of their AI budgets to agentic AI technologies, with approximately 74% expecting up to a 20% increase in cost savings and revenue via these solutions. Despite optimism, concerns persist: 66% of CFOs highlight ethical and privacy issues requiring careful oversight, such as bias risks and data security. Furthermore, 56% worry about delayed ROI amid economic uncertainties, although 61% still view AI agents as crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Overall, the study underscores CFOs’ evolving role, positioning AI centrally in enterprise value creation and signaling a fundamental transformation in financial leadership. As AI advances, CFOs are expected to lead in ethical AI deployment, optimize investments, and fully leverage AI’s transformative potential. This reflects a broader realignment within financial leadership, establishing AI as key to modern business innovation and competitiveness.