Key findings from the research
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Executive Summary and Key Findings
In short: what is Autonomous Finance?
The term Autonomous Finance has been around for the last few years and is defined by Gartner as a finance function that goes beyond automated and is capable of delivering augmented real-time and predictive insights, effortless compliance and greater flexibility in financial strategy.
The promise of Autonomous Finance is significant. Finally, finance teams can leave behind time-consuming, manual data, accounting and reporting processes to embrace a role that is more strategic, rewarding and capable of adding more value to their organizations.
How to realize Autonomous Finance?
However, the reality of where most teams are is very different than this world of self-learning and interoperable systems, optimized and intelligent tasks and trusted, real-time data. In fact, a 2022 survey by Gartner* found that, while 64% of CFOs believe autonomous finance will become a reality by 2028, few are making progress toward it.
To successfully navigate this journey, senior finance and technology leaders will need to progress down a path that involves implementing seamless data flows, process improvements, technology advancements, culture shifts and innovative leadership from Finance and IT leaders.
The key themes, benchmark results, sector and regional results and CFO perspectives that follow in this report provide concrete data and insightful observations about the state of Autonomous Finance in 2025.
Highlights
- 1
Finance is evolving into a strategic engine, powered by AI
Finance leaders are shifting from traditional reporting roles to strategic business partners. In 2025, 62% of organizations report using AI in financial operations, 17% extensively and 45% in specific areas. However, speed gains remain elusive; instead, AI is now valued for enabling predictive insights, scenario modeling, and strategic foresight.
- 2
Data quality is still the biggest barrier to autonomous finance
52% of respondents cite data quality and reliability as the top obstacle to using financial analytics for strategic decisions. Siloed systems and legacy architecture continue to hinder progress, making real-time, unified data flows a critical priority for successful AI adoption.
- 3
Self-service AI tools are transforming finance teams
Finance leaders increasingly demand intuitive AI tools that reduce reliance on IT. In 2025, 54% of organizations report that the majority of financial reports are available via self-service, up from 40% in 2024. This shift reflects a broader cultural transformation toward agility and autonomy in decision-making.
- 4
ROI from AI remains difficult to measure—but strategic value is clear
Only 25% of organizations report clear ROI from AI projects, while 70% are still measuring or haven’t seen results yet. Despite this, finance leaders remain committed, viewing AI as essential for long-term transformation, especially in forecasting, scenario planning, and strategic analytics.
- 5
Speed is no longer the primary measure of success—intelligence is
60% stated it took three or more years to see value from a finance transformation. 24% stated that a combination of Finance and IT made the optimal team, while 20% opted for Finance to lead the charge and 19% stated IT / IS should lead the way.
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