In the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise technology, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are increasingly taking the helm of artificial intelligence (AI) strategies. A recent survey by financial software firm OneStream reveals that 75% of CFOs are leading their organizations’ AI initiatives, marking a significant shift from traditional IT-driven approaches. This pivot underscores the growing recognition of AI’s potential to drive financial performance and operational efficiency.

However, the path to successful AI deployment is fraught with challenges. The same OneStream study, which polled over 350 CFOs and finance leaders across North America and Europe, found that only one in three organizations has successfully scaled AI implementations. This gap highlights the complexities involved in moving from pilot projects to enterprise-wide adoption, with many firms struggling to demonstrate clear return on investment (ROI).

The Rising Role of CFOs in AI Leadership

According to the OneStream survey published on StockTitan, 67% of CFOs believe their AI strategies are ahead of the curve, yet only 35% claim an excellent understanding of the technology. This confidence is tempered by boardroom pressures, with 97% of boards demanding regular AI ROI readouts. “CFOs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between technological innovation and financial accountability,” said Tom Shea, CEO of OneStream, in the press release.

The survey also notes that 56% of respondents report productivity gains from AI, but concerns about ROI persist, with 32% expressing fears that investments may not yield expected returns. This sentiment echoes broader industry trends, where CFOs are pivoting toward revenue-generating pilots to justify expenditures.

Navigating ROI Challenges in AI Deployment

A report from the World Economic Forum emphasizes the importance of asking key questions about costs, ownership, and organizational goals to secure solid ROI from AI investments. It advises CFOs to focus on measurable outcomes, such as cost optimization and strategic value, rather than hype-driven adoptions.

Similarly, a PYMNTS article highlights how CFOs are tripling down on generative AI for ROI, fueling growth in cloud and chip sectors. Companies serving the AI boom are seeing robust revenue as enterprise deployments accelerate, but the article warns of the risks in scaling without proven pilots.

From Pilots to Scaled Success: Lessons from the Field

Insights from a PremAI blog post reveal that 95% of generative AI pilots fail, underscoring the need for sovereign AI approaches that can cut costs by 90% and deliver 88% positive ROI through agentic systems. This data points to a critical pivot: moving from experimental pilots to production-ready deployments that emphasize compliance and speed.

On social platform X, finance expert Nicolas Boucher shared that 2,731 CFOs and finance leaders are exploring battle-tested AI plays, including automation of workflows and real-time decision-making. Posts from users like Bojan Radojicic emphasize AI’s role in transforming corporate finance by improving forecasting and risk management, with practical tools for CFOs.

Board Demands and the Push for Revenue-Generating AI

The OneStream survey indicates that 97% of boards are insisting on AI ROI readouts, pushing CFOs to prioritize initiatives with direct revenue impact. This demand is driving a shift toward pilots focused on revenue generation, such as AI-driven sales empowerment and predictive analytics, as noted in an X post by Shay Boloor referencing Salesforce and Nvidia’s market insights.

A Salesforce research piece shows CFOs redefining ROI as AI agents take strategic roles, with investments geared toward growth. The study reveals that CFOs are allocating budgets to AI for long-term value, despite short-term scaling hurdles.

Overcoming Barriers: Cost Optimization and Strategic Value

An article in the Triangle Business Journal discusses how enterprise CFOs can leverage AI to optimize costs and drive strategic value. It argues that the challenge lies not in adoption but in delivering measurable outcomes, aligning with OneStream’s findings on productivity gains.

Collaboration between CFOs and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) is crucial, as per a Forbes Finance Council post. With AI redefining risks like cyberattacks, joint efforts are essential to mitigate threats while pursuing ROI.

AI’s Impact on Finance Workflows and Growth Leadership

A Sthambh blog outlines top strategies for CFOs to automate workflows in 2025, enhancing efficiency in financial processes. This includes AI for fraud prevention and real-time data decision-making, as featured in an Economist Intelligence Unit event program.

According to Business Chief North America, Avalara’s 2025 CFO Pulse Survey of 500 CFOs shows two-thirds believe AI is shifting their roles to growth leadership. This evolution is supported by AI automating tasks like forecasting, allowing CFOs to focus on strategic initiatives.

Emerging Threats and Bold Strategies for 2025

A PR Newswire release reports CFOs doubling down on AI and cybersecurity amid tariff concerns, with 70% feeling confident despite supply chain issues. HighRadius’s Finsider article notes 94% fear tariffs, yet AI and M&A are key to staying ahead.

X posts from users like VraserX highlight Bain’s prediction that 10% of tech budgets will go to foundational AI, with half shifting to AI agents for cost-cutting and new revenue streams. This aligns with Vinod Khosla’s interview analysis on X, pointing to enterprise AI adoption issues and the need for scalable solutions.

The Future of Autonomous Finance and AI Agents

An Emagia blog provides a 2026 checklist for CFOs, focusing on AI-powered leadership and autonomous finance for value creation. WebProNews echoes this, stating CFOs are evolving into strategic leaders via AI automation, despite risks like data fabrication.

MindBridge’s X post emphasizes AI’s role in detecting profit leakage, giving CFOs an edge through data-driven insights. Meanwhile, rameshnuti.eth on X notes a 265% jump in agentic AI funding in Q1 2025, signaling a shift toward autonomous agents replacing traditional workflows.

Strategic Pivots and Industry Sentiment

Drawing from Sergey’s X post, AI adoption has crossed critical thresholds, with projections of trillions in economic value by 2030 from PwC and McKinsey. This optimism is tempered by real-world deployment challenges, as enterprises balance innovation with ROI demands.

Ultimately, as CFOs lead the charge, the focus on revenue-generating pilots and scalable strategies will define AI’s enterprise success in 2025 and beyond, according to aggregated insights from surveys and expert analyses.