While almost 70% have embraced the technology, most are still exploring its full potential.

The study, a collaboration between Ceres Financial Talent and See The Next Move, surveyed 99 CFOs, accountancy partners, and finance directors to provide a unique snapshot of the current state and future potential of AI in Scottish finance operations.

Key Findings:

• Early adoption: While AI is a priority for most finance leaders, adoption is still in its early stages. Less than 10% of respondents are actively training their teams in AI-specific skills, indicating a significant opportunity for upskilling.

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  Shifting skill sets: The demand for finance professionals with a blend of traditional expertise and proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools is on the rise.
• Top priorities: Finance leaders identified inflation pressures and talent acquisition as their top challenges, with AI emerging as a potential solution.
• Key use cases: AI is already making an impact across various finance operations, including financial reporting, tax compliance, investment analysis, and audit risk management.

“We’re early in the AI cycle, but the engagement and exploration from Scottish finance leaders is clear,” notes Andrew Murphy, director at Ceres Financial Talent. “This report highlights the need for proactive upskilling and a clear AI strategy to fully harness its potential.”

Gilles Bonelli, founder of See The Next Move, added: “Embracing AI is no longer optional in finance; yet most finance leaders are unprepared. Learning leading practices is critical to harness the true potential of AI-driven solutions.”