Myths of A.I in corporate finance

In finance, we always thought A.I is a black box and its hard to build trust and consensus on the results produced.

By Tara Parker

April 2, 2024
Debunking Myths: Embracing AI in Corporate Finance

As companies begin to integrate AI into their corporate finance teams, numerous misconceptions have emerged. Here are a few common myths that frequently arise in discussions with finance teams:

Myth 1: AI Will Automate 100% of Finance Processes

NOT TRUE: AI will not automate 100% of finance processes. Human judgment remains a crucial component for AI to be effective in finance. AI serves as an enabler, helping finance teams reduce their workload and enhance accuracy, but it cannot replace the nuanced decision-making capabilities of experienced professionals.

Myth 2: AI is a Black Box, So It Cannot Be Applied to Finance

NOT TRUE: AI is no longer the opaque “black box” it once was. With the advent of advanced models, AI can now provide explanations for its outputs, showing which input parameters have the most significant impact. This transparency makes AI more trustworthy and applicable in finance, where understanding the reasoning behind decisions is vital.

 

Myth 3: One Unified AI Model for All Finance Functions

NOT TRUE: There is no single AI model that can cater to all finance functions. Different functions require tailored AI models. For example, people cost forecasting uses different input data sets compared to marketing predictions. Each function needs its own specialized AI model to meet its unique requirements and provide accurate insights.

 

Conclusion

As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for finance teams to stay informed about its capabilities and limitations. Dispelling these myths can help finance professionals better understand how AI can be integrated into their workflows to enhance efficiency and accuracy. By leveraging AI appropriately, companies can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in corporate finance.