CFO Slice

Finance leaders from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Prologis, Moody's, and J.M. Smucker said companies must invest far more in employee training if they want to realize the full benefits of artificial intelligence. Speaking during a Fortune webinar, executives argued that while organizations are spending heavily on AI infrastructure and data, they are underinvesting in the people who must use the technology. Deloitte said its research found that 93% of AI spending is directed toward technology and infrastructure, with only 7% allocated to employee enablement, creating a growing gap between technological capability and workforce readiness. The CFOs said the finance function is evolving beyond traditional reporting toward a more strategic role, with AI automating routine tasks and freeing teams to focus on business insights and decision-making. They highlighted curiosity, adaptability, critical thinking, communication, and AI literacy as increasingly important skills, while emphasizing that successful AI adoption depends on helping employees embrace new ways of working.