This piece examines the journey from traditional finance automation to AI-powered autonomous operations, outlining how technologies such as machine learning, generative AI, and intelligent agents can take on more of the end-to-end workload. It explores what “autonomous finance” means in practice, the steps needed to modernise processes and data, and how the CFO’s role evolves as finance shifts from manual control to AI-driven decision support.
Finance is evolving from a transactional function into an intelligent ecosystem where people and AI work together, surfacing insights, making recommendations, and even taking action within core systems. This shift is redefining finance leadership and how technology can amplify strategic impact.
Beyond efficiency: building intelligent finance operations
Today’s CFOs, COOs, and CIOs are no longer just focused on efficiency. They are building intelligent operations, using technology and data to enhance decision-making and make their organisations more adaptable.
At Driving Finance Innovation with AI, Dr Oliver Höllriegl, Director of AI at Hitachi Solutions, explored what it takes to create a finance function that delivers more than just automation goes beyond automation. By bringing together automation, data, and agility, organisations can gain deeper insights and deliver long-term value.
It’s a move from simply reporting on performance to actively shaping it.
Why finance transformation stalls – and how to accelerate it
Many organisations still struggle to deliver finance transformation. David Singh, Head of ERP at Hitachi Solutions, discussed why these initiatives often stall, citing issues such as legacy systems, fragmented data, and underinvestment in adoption. Once organisations build the foundation for transformation, the next question becomes how AI can reshape their operating model.
He shared how preconfigured ERP accelerators and platforms, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, can simplify complexity, reduce risk, and accelerate outcomes. It’s a way to modernise finance quickly and effectively, gaining visibility and resilience in months, not years.
AI in finance: the next operating model
The finance operating model of the future is human-led and AI-enabled. Microsoft’s Adam Steel and Maja Kovac spoke about how AI is reshaping finance at a strategic level, enabling more confident decisions, sharper forecasting, and greater agility.
They shared examples of how Microsoft’s AI tools are already supporting finance teams in real-world scenarios, helping them scale innovation while keeping people and governance at the centre of decision-making.
The goal isn’t finance without people, it’s finance where people focus on direction, and technology helps keep things moving.
Building the intelligent core: foundations that make AI valuable
None of this can happen without a strong foundation. The organisations progressing fastest are those that invest in trusted data and consistent, repeatable processes.
With Hitachi Solutions’ Essentials for Finance, teams can accelerate ERP implementation by utilising preconfigured templates for finance, tax, and supply chain management. Supported by tools such as the Test Builder Framework, Flow Builder, and Data Migration Accelerator, this approach enables businesses to move faster, reduce risk, and establish a platform for continuous improvement.
As David Singh explained, finance teams succeed when they can test, learn, and adapt with confidence.
Finance transformation in action: learning, adapting, advancing
Across industries, leading organisations are already showing what intelligent finance looks like in practice. At Driving Finance Innovation with AI, a highlight came from The Royal Mint, whose team shared their transformation journey in a fireside chat.
Working closely with Hitachi Solutions, The Royal Mint took a people-and business-led approach, first understanding their needs and goals, then defining the technology to help deliver them. Together, we implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, delivering a Minimum Viable Product in just 15 weeks and moving quickly into the next phase of transformation.
The solution integrates Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, and Data & AI, enabling agility, scalability, and long-term growth. The move to the cloud has created flexibility, improved cybersecurity, and strengthened data management, with a data function that surfaces the right insights at the right time.
The Royal Mint’s journey is a powerful example of how finance transformation succeeds when people and technology evolve together. As one of the panellists noted: “The real innovation lies in connecting people, processes, and data to make smarter decisions faster.”
Building the intelligent enterprise
The destination is clear: a finance function that listens, learns, and acts. With AI woven into every layer of the business, finance becomes both an operational nerve centre and a strategic guide – helping organisations invest wisely, manage risk, and grow with confidence.
Hitachi Solutions, part of Microsoft’s 2025–2026 Inner Circle for AI Business Solutions, partners with organisations to make this possible. From data unification to scaling AI, we help finance leaders move from automation to autonomy, quickly, safely, and with lasting impact.
The future belongs to those who can see faster, make smarter decisions, and act sooner. That’s what it means to drive finance innovation, and it’s where intelligent transformation begins.
David Singh
David has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing. He designs innovative solutions to help drive business transformation using technology to optimise supply chain and operations. David specialises in helping organisations understand how sustainability and diversity can drive a better outcome for manufacturers.
