Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming indispensable across financial operations, from automating routine tasks to enabling predictive insights that drive strategic decision-making. But as this technology becomes more embedded, a critical challenge is emerging: the very leaders tasked with overseeing this transformation are falling behind in AI readiness.
According to OneStream’s latest Finance Talent Crunch Survey, finance teams are facing an AI skills gap that threatens to slow innovation, erode competitiveness, and create a disconnect between leadership and the next generation of finance professionals.
The AI leadership lag
OneStream’s survey reveals a growing leadership lag, with those at the helm lacking the fluency and confidence needed to champion and scale AI initiatives effectively. While 89% of finance students believe they have enough experience with AI to use it in their work, only 54% of professionals with more than ten years of experience say the same.
Finance professionals are seeing the impact of this gap, with more than half (57%) believing the generational technology divide is a pressing issue within their organization. Among those who acknowledge the divide, 44% point to AI skills specifically as a major contributor. This disconnect can breed misalignment, erode trust in management structures, and complicate onboarding for the next generation of talent.
When it comes to building the next generation of finance leaders, there are also troubling signs of a widening gender gap in AI adoption. While 93% of male finance students report feeling they have enough experience with AI to use it at work, only 65% of female students say the same.
The strategic cost of the AI skills gap
The implications of this leadership gap go far beyond individual discomfort. They represent a strategic vulnerability for the entire organisation. Senior finance leaders possess a unique, enterprise-wide perspective, combining bring deep institutional knowledge and domain expertise. ut without a strong grasp of AI capabilities, they may fall short in driving effective transformation.
The cost of inaction is high. Organisations that fail to modernize risk operational inefficiencies, reduced agility, and missed opportunities for innovation. AI is already streamlining many core finance functions – streamlining consolidations, enhancing scenario planning, and accelerating decision-making. Leaders who remain detached from these tools risk not only underutilizing their teams but also forfeiting their organization’s agility and competitive edge in an ever-changing market.
For finance professionals early in their careers, expectations too often clash with the reality of the job. Students anticipate a flexible, tech-forward work environment, with nearly 80% expecting to work fewer than 40 hours per week. However, 58% of current professionals report exceeding that mark, and 57% have experienced burnout – with many pointing to outdated tools and inefficient processes as contributing factors. These are issues that AI could help resolve, but only with executive support.
Ultimately, it’s not just inertia holding organizations back – it’s a lack of confidence and training that often tapers off as finance professionals advance in their careers. While early-career talent is typically more exposed to emerging technologies, many senior leaders lack the same opportunities to build AI fluency. Without that foundation, finance leaders risk becoming a bottleneck to innovation, not a driver of it.
From risk to strategic opportunity
Despite the challenges presented by this AI skills gap, there is a compelling opportunity for forward-looking organizations. As AI becomes more embedded in enterprise platforms, its accessibility increases. New AI solutions for finance are designed to be used without extensive data science expertise, making it possible for all members of the finance teamto interact with the technology directly.
Closing the AI readiness gap at the top doesn’t require technical mastery, but it does demand fluency. Leaders must understand how to use AI outputs in strategic planning, how to ask the right questions of their data, and how to build trust in automated processes. With embedded tools that offer full transparency and auditability, these goals are now obtainable.
There is also a growing need to align leadership development with the skills that will define finance in the years ahead. Business strategy, technical acumen, and problem-solving are now top priorities for hiring managers. Organizations that provide training and create clear expectations around AI fluency will have a distinct advantage – both in talent retention and long-term strategic execution.
As AI takes on more analytical and predictive functions, the role of finance professionals is evolving. Routine tasks are automated, and the focus is shifting to higher-value work: interpreting data,strategically advising the business, and navigating complexity with confidence. In this new paradigm, the ability to lead with insight, not just experience, will define success.
Prepare, don’t react
The AI skills gap in finance is a defining leadership challenge. Organizations must act now to equip executives with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to lead confidently in an AI-enabled future.
This is not about replacing people with machines. It is about elevating the role of finance through technology, enabling faster decisions, deeper insights, and stronger performance. Those who invest in AI fluency today will not only bridge the gap, but set the pace for the industry.
