5 minute read 25 Oct 2024

    

How finance functions can navigate the future with human-AI collaboration

How finance functions can navigate the future with human-AI collaboration

By Katie Burns

EY Ireland Consulting Partner

Specialises in large scale finance transformation programmes. Passionate about addressing challenges faced by finance functions.

Contributors
5 minute read 25 Oct 2024

GenAI is revolutionising finance, shifting roles towards strategy and innovation, with AI-human synergy at the core.

In brief
  • GenAI is poised to transform the finance function by streamlining operations and enhancing strategic decision-making.
  • The future of finance is being defined by a symbiotic relationship between AI and humans, where continuous upskilling and collaboration will be key.
  • The role of finance professionals is shifting from routine data tasks to becoming strategic architects, empowered by GenAI to drive business innovation.

The finance function stands at a pivotal juncture, marked by global economic uncertainty and the emergence of transformative technologies. As we navigate through this period of flux, the advent of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) promises to catalyse growth and efficiency in unprecedented ways.

The potential of GenAI to reshape the finance sector is immense as it offers a pathway to streamline operations, accelerate service delivery, and provide strategic insights that were once beyond our grasp.

From number crunchers to strategic architects

The integration of GenAI into finance teams presents a unique opportunity to redefine the role of finance professionals. No longer confined to the traditional tasks of number crunching and data entry, they are now poised to become the architects of the financial future. GenAI empowers them to shift their focus from routine tasks to exploring 'what-ifs' and driving business innovation. This transformation is not merely a change in daily activities but a leap towards a more impactful and strategic role within organisations.

Impact of GenAI on data analysis

At the heart of Gen AI's potential lies its ability to revolutionise data analysis and problem solving. By harnessing deep learning, GenAI can navigate complex data structures and interpret information with a level of naturalness comparable to that of the human mind. This capability transforms raw data into comprehensible narratives, enabling finance teams to make sense of vast amounts of information and derive actionable insights.

Moreover, GenAI is reshaping how organisations understand internal and external policies, market data, and how they generate insightful content in response. This marks a significant advance in the way financial insights are gleaned and utilised for strategic decision-making.

AI’s role in amplifying human potential

The transformative age beckons a future where AI not only complements but amplifies human capital and potential. The evolving role of the finance function is evident in the emergence of new data science and analysis roles within the sector. To effectively leverage innovative technologies and maximise their value as strategic partners, finance teams must develop six core capabilities:

The symbiosis of tech and humans

The future of AI in finance is not about replacing human expertise but augmenting it. Keeping humans in the loop ensures that critical thinking and nuanced judgment continue to guide the finance function. This integrated collaboration between humans and technology could lead to a seismic shift in work culture, maximising productivity and granting the invaluable gift of time.

To fully harness the potential of GenAI, organisations must invest in upskilling their workforce, equipping them not only with the tools but also with the talent to drive growth. As we stand on the cusp of this transformative era, it is the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI that will define the future of work in finance. The key to unlocking this potential lies in our ability to embrace change, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

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Summary

The integration of GenAI into the finance sector is not just an opportunity but a necessity for those who wish to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. By embracing the power of AI and fostering a collaborative environment where technology and human expertise thrive together, we can redefine the future of finance and unlock a new era of strategic and efficient financial management.

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About this article

By Katie Burns

EY Ireland Consulting Partner

Specialises in large scale finance transformation programmes. Passionate about addressing challenges faced by finance functions.

Contributors