UK CFOs put AI at heart of strategy & productivity push

Finance leaders in the UK and globally are signalling a decisive shift towards artificial intelligence and digital tools, while warning that returns depend on careful integration into existing finance operations.

Recent survey data from Deloitte and OneStream indicates that CFOs expect higher spending on AI and wider digital technology, and that finance chiefs are increasingly taking direct ownership of AI strategy. Senior finance executives say the focus is moving away from experimental projects towards deployments that link clearly to productivity, forecasting and business performance.

Investment focus

Deloitte's latest UK CFO Survey reports that 59% of CFOs are now more optimistic about AI as a driver of performance, compared with 39% a year earlier. The survey also finds that 96% of respondents expect investment in digital technology to increase over the next five years, and 77% expect productivity and business performance to improve over the same period.

Separate research from financial software firm OneStream shows a similar direction of travel for the year ahead. It finds that 83% of CFOs expect AI investment to rise across their organisations next year. It also reports that 80% anticipate increased spending specifically within finance.

Matthew Rodgers, Executive Vice President, EMEA at OneStream, said the discussion around AI budgets had shifted away from whether to spend towards the practical impact of that spend.

"AI budgets are soaring in 2026, with 83% of CFOs expecting AI investment to rise across their organisation next year. But the conversation has fundamentally changed. CFOs are not asking whether to invest in AI, they're examining where it will improve performance. Finance leaders are scrutinising every pound and insisting on clearer evidence of what it delivers - faster processes, better insights and stronger results. In this next phase, growth in AI budgets only matters if it translates to tangible business impact," said Matthew Rodgers, Executive Vice President, EMEA at OneStream.

CFOs take lead

The OneStream data indicates a marked shift in who sets AI strategy inside large organisations. Three out of four CFOs, or 75%, say they now lead their organisation's AI strategy. The survey records lower figures for other senior roles, at 42% for CTOs and CIOs, 40% for Chief Data or AI Officers, and 27% for CEOs.

That expanding remit comes despite gaps in finance leaders' own confidence and experience with AI. While 67% of CFOs believe their AI strategy is ahead of the curve, only 35% report an excellent understanding of AI. Just one in three, or 33%, say they have successfully deployed AI at scale.

Survey respondents also point to shifts in executive relationships as AI moves deeper into finance processes. Half of CFOs, or 50%, say their relationship with the CTO or CIO is becoming more strategic. A third, or 33%, describe it as more collaborative. Looking ahead, 57% anticipate greater cross-functional collaboration, including tighter integration with IT, operations and data science teams as AI adoption within finance accelerates.

Matthew Rodgers said boards now expect clearer evidence of returns from AI projects that sit within core finance workflows.

"As AI budgets increase in 2026, CFOs are playing a much more central role in shaping AI strategy. With boards demanding regular read-outs on progress, finance leaders must demonstrate how AI is delivering tangible ROI and efficient gains - not just the level of activity or investment. This shift is accelerating the move from experimentation to finance-led AI that is embedded in core processes and tied directly to business performance," said Matthew Rodgers.

Productivity question

Aidana Zhakupbekova, CFO of expense management firm Rydoo, said she is seeing AI reshape how finance teams operate inside large businesses.

"As more and more finance chiefs realise potential of AI to boost their performance, companies are willing to increase their capex on these digital tools. AI is already revolutionising finance functions of big companies, by automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks and freeing up finance leaders to focus on high-value strategic decisions that drive growth, stability and long-term ROI. This is contributing to a rise in business confidence, underscoring the transformational power of AI when used correctly. But just investing in AI tools is not a remedy for better productivity. Finance departments are complex and fast-moving beasts and the worst thing a CFO can do is disrupt the workflow. Choose technology that integrates with existing company processes or do a phased roll out to ensure a seamless transition. AI isn't going anywhere, and companies that hesitate risk falling behind. Those leading the way aren't just adopting technology, they're ensuring it fits smoothly into existing systems, empowering their teams, and using AI as a catalyst to maintain their competitive advantage."

OneStream's figures suggest early productivity benefits are emerging, although the picture remains mixed. More than half of CFOs, or 56%, report real productivity gains from AI deployments. At the same time, 32% of CFOs express concerns about uncertainty around return on investment. The survey finds that 53% cite cost optimisation as a future focus.

The research reports that 93% of CFOs believe their organisation understands the return on current AI investment. It also notes that finance leaders remain divided on their own view of the value of those investments.

Use cases grow

AI tools are moving beyond basic automation and into core planning and forecasting processes. More than half of CFOs, or 61%, plan to use AI in advanced decision-making tools for scenario modelling and financial forecasting, according to the OneStream data.

Zhakupbekova said the risk for finance leaders sits less in the level of spending and more in how AI systems mesh with existing structures and staff.

"AI isn't going anywhere, and companies that hesitate risk falling behind. Those leading the way aren't just adopting technology, they're ensuring it fits smoothly into existing systems, empowering their teams, and using AI as a catalyst to maintain their competitive advantage," said Zhakupbekova.