You'd be forgiven for thinking finance is doomed.
In the last 12 months, we've had headlines like...
"AI will impact 40% of jobs, says IMF." - CNBC
"IBM to pause hiring for roles AI could replace." - Bloomberg
"Goldman Sachs: AI will replace 2.4 million jobs by 2030." - The Independent
And just in case that wasn't unsettling enough, the Financial Services Union reported nearly two thirds of finance professionals are already worried AI will replace them.
Yes, AI is changing how the talent market, including finance, works. Yes, some roles will go. But no, AI isn't going to replace your CFO.
It will, however, expose mediocre ones.
Most finance teams are already using AI. They just don't call it that.
Scanning invoices? AI. Dashboards that auto-update? AI. Forecasts that update according to the latest inputs? AI again.
The tools are in use. They're just being used to speed up existing processes.
That's Level 1 thinking.
If you're wondering what that means, here's how I break it down.
Level 1: Automating the Obvious
You know your CFO is having level 1 converssation about AI if they're focused on the tools. Which tool to use, which tools are out there, which tools are your competitors using. They're missing the opportunity that AI really provides your organisation.
Level 2: Optimising Decisions
Now things are getting a little smarter. Dashboards update in real time. AI writes the first draft of the performance commentary. But your CFO is likely still taking an operational view, not a strategic focus. AI's job is still just documenting data - not providing hidden insight
Level 3: Challenging Thinking
Level 3 CFOs are using AI to turn insight into commercial advantage. They're using AI to ask better questions, solve hidden problems and pressure test assumptions. This is where true Playmaker power kicks in. AI has become their thinking partner.
Level 4: Elevating Credibility
AI reveals who really understands your business. Level 4 CFOs use AI to develop sharp, hidden insight that unlocks unique opportunities. One simple question 'Can your CFO articulate the impact of AI on value?' will tell you where your CFO is really at.
Level 5: Architecting Intelligence
At this level, it isn't about AI adoption, it's about building a Universally Investible CompanyTM. At this level, CFOs are using AI to help them co-create the intelligent operating model of the future: covering how people collaborate, make decisions and create (not just measure) value.
Most CFOs are stuck at Level 2. A few are inching into Level 3. Very few are performing at Level 4 or 5.
Why? Not for lack of ambition. More often, it's bad policies (like restricting the use of AI to the IT department or data analysts), outdated IT frameworks, and an internal culture that breeds the idea that AI is something that the business can tackle tomorrow.
Now, to be clear: your CFO doesn't need to write Python.
They don't need to spend their weekends training Large Language Models.
But they do need to understand what AI is capable of.
Can your CFO explain how AI is helping your business grow?
If not, you don't have an AI problem.
You've got a leadership one.
AI is already changing the rules. The only question is: how well is your CFO playing the game?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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