Finance leaders keen to automate but lack strategy

Finance Leaders Eager to Automate, but Strategy Gaps Hold Back AI Momentum

A new in-depth report from Savant Labs reveals a striking paradox in the finance, tax, and accounting sectors: while the vast majority of organizations are eager to embrace agentic AI, most are still struggling to move beyond the planning stage. The study, which surveyed finance leaders across 22 industries in North America, paints a picture of high ambition colliding with operational inertia.

According to the findings, a resounding 75 percent of respondents see 2026 as the pivotal year for strategic investment in agentic automation. Yet, despite this bullish outlook, 63 percent report that their organizations have either no adoption or only basic implementation in one or two functions. This disconnect between aspiration and execution suggests that many finance teams are still grappling with how to translate AI enthusiasm into tangible, scalable results.

The report identifies a pronounced governance gap as the single most significant barrier to progress. Without clear policies, oversight, and accountability structures, even the most promising AI initiatives risk stalling or delivering underwhelming results. Finance leaders cited concerns over data privacy, regulatory compliance, and the integration of AI systems with legacy infrastructure as major hurdles. Many organizations are also wrestling with the challenge of upskilling their workforce to effectively manage and collaborate with AI-driven tools.

Another key insight from the study is the uneven pace of adoption across different functions. While some teams are experimenting with AI for tasks like invoice processing or expense reporting, broader transformation—such as AI-powered strategic planning or real-time financial forecasting—remains elusive for most. This patchwork approach limits the potential impact of automation and leaves many organizations vulnerable to competitive pressures.

The report also highlights the critical role of leadership in driving successful AI adoption. Finance executives who have championed clear, enterprise-wide automation strategies report significantly better results than those taking a piecemeal approach. However, the majority of organizations still lack a cohesive roadmap, with many teams operating in silos and missing out on synergies that could accelerate progress.

Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment among finance leaders remains optimistic. The vast majority believe that agentic AI will be a game-changer for their industry, enabling greater efficiency, accuracy, and strategic insight. The key, they say, is moving from pilot projects to full-scale implementation—something that will require not just technological investment, but also a cultural shift toward data-driven decision-making and continuous innovation.

As 2026 approaches, the pressure is mounting for finance teams to close the gap between ambition and execution. Those who can overcome governance hurdles, foster cross-functional collaboration, and build robust AI strategies will be best positioned to reap the rewards of automation. For now, the message from Savant Labs is clear: the future of finance is agentic, but the journey there is proving more complex than many anticipated.

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