Finance and operations leaders are under increasing pressure to do more than keep the business running. They are expected to help the organization adapt faster, improve productivity, reduce risk and make smarter decisions in real time. But many teams are being asked to meet those expectations while working with fragmented processes, limited time and legacy systems that were not built for today’s pace of change.
That gap is becoming harder to ignore. Recent research (Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index) points to core challenges facing finance and operations teams today:
- 48% face fragmented processes that create chaotic work
- 80% of finance and operations teams experience low productivity because they do not have enough time to get work done
These pressures are not isolated operational issues. Together, they highlight a larger reality: traditional ways of working are no longer enough for organizations that need to respond quickly to disruption, customer expectations and market shifts. The answer for these finance and operations issues lies in AI agents.
AI agents are changing the equation
AI is changing that equation. According to Gartner’s “The Current State of AI Agents for Enterprises,” published in May 2025, AI agents are becoming a prominent enterprise priority as leaders look for ways to create business value through systems that can reason, plan and act. Gartner also notes that 15% of work decisions are expected to be autonomous by 2028, signaling a shift from AI as a productivity aid to AI as an active participant in routine business decision-making.
For finance and operations teams, this shift is especially meaningful. These functions depend on accurate data, repeatable processes and fast decisions. Yet they are often slowed by manual reconciliation, siloed reporting, supplier delays, planning changes and constant requests for analysis. Agentic AI can help teams move from reactive work to proactive execution by monitoring signals, identifying exceptions, recommending next actions and, where appropriate, taking action within defined guardrails.
The productivity opportunity
The productivity opportunity is already visible. Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index found that 75% of office professionals use AI at work, and users report that AI helps them save time, focus on important work, be more creative and enjoy work more. More than 82% of workers using AI say it helps them focus on important work. That matters because the value of AI is not simply task automation. It is the ability to free skilled employees from repetitive work so they can spend more time on judgment, strategy, customer impact and continuous improvement.
A new workforce model
Leaders are also preparing for a new workforce model. Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index describes the rise of the “Frontier Firm,” an organization powered by hybrid teams of humans and agents. The report found that 82% of leaders say this is a pivotal year to rethink strategy and operations, and 81% expect agents to be moderately or extensively integrated into their company’s AI strategy in the next 12 to 18 months. More than 80% of CFOs and COOs plan to deploy digital labor to expand workforce capacity in the same time frame.
What this means for finance and operations
For finance and operations, the message is clear: AI is no longer a future concept. It is becoming part of the operating model. Organizations that modernize their ERP environments, connect their data and adopt AI-enabled workflows will be better positioned to close books faster, improve planning accuracy, reduce manual effort and respond to change with greater confidence.
The next era of finance and operations will not be defined by replacing people with technology. It will be defined by empowering teams with intelligent systems that extend capacity, improve decision velocity and make work more meaningful. AI is reshaping the future of finance and operations, and the organizations that start now will be ready for what comes next.
Ready to take the next step?
Sikich experts can help your organization navigate the transition to D365 AI-enabled ERP with a practical, business-first approach. From assessing current processes and data readiness to identifying high-value automation opportunities and building a phased modernization roadmap, Sikich can help finance and operations leaders move forward with confidence. Whether you are exploring ERP modernization, AI-enabled workflows or a broader digital transformation strategy, connect with our team to help you align technology investments with measurable business outcomes.
This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.
