The CFO's Guide to Mastering AI in Finance

In this final episode of the Finance Focus series, Ross Sardi (CEO, First Focus) and Jarrod Morris (Founder & CEO, Bolden) explore what finance looks like in the age of artificial intelligence.From automation and analytics to hiring the next generation of finance leaders, this discussion explores how AI and robotic process automation (RPA) are changing everything and what that means for finance teams, executives, and businesses of every size.Discover how AI is removing manual processes, enhancing data analysis, reshaping the CFO role, and even democratising app development through low-code and “vibe coding.”Whether you’re a finance professional, business leader, or curious about how AI is impacting corporate strategy, this episode will give you a grounded yet forward-thinking view of what’s next for finance in 2025 and beyond.KEY CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to Episode 5: Finance in the Age of AIThe hosts introduce the series finale and outline the focus on AI’s impact on financial processes and leadership.01:00 – AI + RPA: Automating the Manual Finance WorkloadHow AI and robotic process automation are revolutionising repetitive tasks and freeing finance to focus on strategic value.04:00 – From Automation to Intelligence: Data and Analytics in FinanceWhy AI-driven analytics are transforming decision-making and the risks of relying on bad data.06:45 – Garbage In, Garbage Out: Ensuring Data QualityHow businesses can build reliable datasets and use AI to improve reconciliation, reporting, and accuracy.10:00 – Does the Data Make Sense? Context Is EverythingFinance’s evolving role in providing insight, validation, and strategic context to AI-generated outputs.14:00 – The Future of Finance Leadership: Enabler, Not GatekeeperHow AI is democratising financial knowledge and transforming the CFO from controller to collaborator.20:00 – Hiring in the Age of AI: Curiosity Over CredentialsThe new must-have traits for finance professionals (curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving) and the rise of fractional CFO models.29:00 – Redefining Success: How to Measure CFO Impact in 2025Why performance metrics for finance leaders should focus on execution, innovation, and technology enablement.30:30 – Building Bespoke Finance Tools: The Power of “Vibe Coding”How AI is empowering non-technical leaders to create custom financial tools and the risks of shadow IT.39:00 – Final Thoughts: Finance as the Central Nervous System of BusinessRoss and Jared reflect on finance’s dual role in shaping and being shaped by technology and the importance of continuous learning in AI.