Core Insights - The discussion at the Fortune Emerging CFO virtual event highlighted how AI is transforming finance and the evolving role of CFOs [1] AI Implementation and Strategy - AI must align with a company's core strategy, with CFOs defining objectives such as efficiency or effectiveness before targeting finance areas [2] - Companies that deploy AI without a broader plan struggle to capture meaningful enterprise value [2] - Training employees to effectively use AI tools is crucial, as improper use can lead to ineffective outcomes [3] ROI and Adoption - CFOs commonly inquire about the ROI for AI, where to start, and whether to buy or build AI solutions [4] - Early adopters of AI are beginning to see positive returns on investment [4] Real-World Applications - CFOs shared experiences of AI enhancing accuracy, forecasting, and productivity, emphasizing the need for iterative learning and collaboration [5] - Webflow's finance team automated routine policy queries using large language models, allowing for more strategic work [6] - INRIX utilizes AI to analyze over 50 petabytes of mobility data, improving reporting and forecasting accuracy to 95% [8] - Greenlight leverages AI for risk management, contract reviews, and educational content, while also fostering a culture of understanding through hackathons [9] Challenges and Learning - Not all AI use cases succeed, and human oversight remains essential [10] - Early experiments with AI tools may not yield immediate success, but persistence can lead to improved outcomes [10][11]