Exploring the Evolving Role of Finance Professionals in AI Implementation

Introduction

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the financial sector is profound and growing, prompting finance leaders to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and reliability. At the upcoming 2026 AFP FP&A Forum, taking place from March 23-25 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, the spotlight will be on how finance teams harness AI to elevate their strategic advisory capabilities. The forum is meticulously curated by a dedicated task force of finance professionals, with an agenda that underscores three fundamental pillars reshaping the finance profession through AI-enabled technologies.

AI-Augmented Workflows

The forum introduces participants to no-code and low-code tools that have significantly lowered the technical barrier for implementing AI in finance. These platforms empower finance teams to spearhead AI adoption without relying heavily on IT resources. By facilitating the integration of clear business logic, ensuring data readiness, and streamlining process design, AI emerges as a viable decision-support tool. One session, "From Now to Next: Roadmap to Your AI Future," will provide insights into how accessible automation can modernize frameworks, making finance functions more AI-ready.

In the workshops titled "Designing Finance Bots that Don’t Derail the Reporting Cycle" and "Orchestrating an FP&A Agent Architecture, Prompts, and Packaging for Month-End Commentary," attendees can gain hands-on experience in developing advanced automated systems without requiring coding skills. These sessions aim to revolutionize the way finance operates, producing workflows that are faster and more efficient.

Efficiency Gains with AI

Leading finance teams are increasingly leveraging AI to streamline operations. A particularly illuminating session titled "How AI Saved 50 Hours in My Monthly Finance Operations" features a CFO sharing how AI and automation tools transformed his monthly financial procedures. By creating a sophisticated end-to-end business model, the team successfully identified anomalies in month-end accruals and conducted rapid scenario modeling to validate cash-flow assumptions.

Moreover, the "Frictionless Finance" session will discuss real-world applications of AI and automation in a Fortune 50 agribusiness, showcasing how these technologies remove obstacles and drive continuous improvement towards an integrated FP&A ecosystem. The focus is not only on efficiency but also on building resilient operations that can adapt swiftly to market changes.

Emphasizing Human Connection

As the landscape shifts, the human element remains an irreplaceable asset in finance. With AI increasingly handling routine tasks, the ability of finance professionals to lead, influence, and collaborate will be crucial. The session called "Level Up Your Finance Team: Coaching, Accountability, and Culture in the Next Era" will highlight the importance of fostering a culture of trust and continuous learning in order to retain top talent in this evolving environment.

Conclusion

In a key takeaway from the forum, Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, Director of FP&A Practice at AFP, notes, "AI in finance has transitioned from mere experimentation to a fundamental component of financial operations. The educational sessions at the 2026 AFP FP&A Forum illustrate how finance teams are integrating AI into their core functionalities to enhance analytical capabilities, refine budgeting processes, and ultimately provide deeper insights that drive informed business decisions."

This year’s AFP FP&A Forum not only serves as a beacon of knowledge for finance professionals but also as a catalyst for growing acceptance and implementation of AI in finance-related functions. Participation offers an excellent opportunity for networking, learning, and equipping finance professionals with the tools they need to lead in this new era of financial management.