In just five years, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) have gone from cautious observers of artificial intelligence to aggressive investors shaping its future in the enterprise.
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Back in 2020, 70% of CFOs maintained a conservative stance on AI, citing concerns about ethics, regulation, and uncertain ROI. Fast forward to today, and Salesforce’s latest research shows that number has plummeted to just 4%. In fact, one-third of CFOs now describe their AI strategy as aggressive, with a growing focus on agentic AI, or digital labor workforces.
The numbers tell a clear story:
- 61% say AI agents are critical to compete in today’s economy.
- 74% believe AI agents will not only cut costs but also drive revenue.
- 55% expect these tools to handle more strategic work than routine tasks.
- 72% believe AI agents will transform their business model.
This shift marks more than a technology decision—it’s a strategic posture toward risk, change, and competitiveness. CFOs are not just experimenting with AI; they’re building it into the financial and operational DNA of their companies.
But optimism comes with caution. 66% of CFOs worry about security and privacy, while 56% cite long ROI timelines. Even Salesforce’s own agents, which CEO Marc Benioff says perform at 93% accuracy, leave room for concern. In financial contexts, even small error rates can lead to outsized reputational and operational risks.
The bottom line? CFOs see AI as pivotal to long-term growth and resilience. But success will depend on balancing bold adoption with rigorous safeguards. AI may be ready to take on strategic work, but businesses must be ready to manage the risks that come with it.
