AI delivers measurable returns for nearly all Aussie finance teams

New research indicates that almost all Australian finance teams utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies have seen measurable returns on their investments.

An independent survey conducted for recruitment firm Robert Half has found that 97% of finance teams have experienced at least one substantial return on investment since deploying AI and automation tools in their operations.

Returns and improvements

The survey highlights several key areas where finance teams are benefiting. Improved employee experience, noted by 44% of respondents, is the most cited area of return. Other significant gains include increased productivity (43%) and revenue growth (43%).

Cost reductions, such as lower labour expenses and fewer manual errors, were mentioned by 39% of respondents as evidence of the positive impact of technology investment.

"AI in finance has evolved from simply cutting costs to creating value by empowering people. It's creating a more strategic, engaged work environment that pays dividends in both staff performance, retention, and business revenue," says Lauren Haxby, Practise Director at Robert Half.

The findings reflect a broader trend in which businesses are leveraging advancements in AI and automation to move staff away from routine, repetitive duties towards more strategic, value-adding tasks.

Rising demand for new skills

The research also points to a significant shift in hiring expectations. Nearly all (98%) finance leaders surveyed now require new hires to be proficient in AI and automation. However, 92% report challenges in finding job candidates who possess these skills.

"Most finance teams are actively pursuing candidates with AI and automation proficiencies, yet the struggle to define necessary skills is crippling their ability to maximise its full potential. To overcome this gap, companies must clearly articulate their exact talent needs and expectations to successfully engage the right candidates," says Haxby.

This skills gap is causing many organisations to reconsider how they define the requirements for finance roles and to focus on finding individuals with a mix of traditional financial expertise and emerging technical proficiencies.

Changing responsibilities

The adoption of AI and automation appears to be expanding the remit of finance departments. According to the survey, 98% of finance leaders said their teams have assumed additional responsibilities as a result of time and resources freed up by technology.

The most common new responsibilities for finance and accounting teams include producing financial reports and dashboards for decision-making (40%), delving into deeper financial analysis and strategic insights (34%), and optimising cash flow and working capital management (34%).

Other areas finance professionals are now more involved with include providing enhanced business partnering and advising internal stakeholders (32%), driving digital transformation initiatives within the department (30%), and conducting fraud detection reviews (28%).

"The finance role is evolving, moving further away from repetitive, data-entry tasks and opening up to higher-value activities that require critical thinking and strategic planning."

"The top emerging responsibilities show that finance teams are increasingly focused on delivering actionable insights to support growth and decision-making. While automation has long helped streamline processes, AI is now taking this further by freeing up more time and enabling finance professionals to complement their technical skills with strategic advisory capabilities."

"As finance roles evolve, so does the essential skill set, with the most sought-after professionals in today's market being those who blend traditional financial acumen with a new set of capabilities, including data analytics, technical proficiency, and strategic problem-solving", says Haxby.

The survey was conducted online in July 2025. It included 500 hiring managers across finance and accounting, IT, and human resources functions in a mix of small, medium, and large organisations throughout Australia.