The conversation around Artificial Intelligence in finance has evolved. It's no longer a question of if AI will be adopted, but how it will be integrated to deliver tangible value. The latest leap forward—Agentic AI—is already moving from concept to boardroom reality at a startling pace, creating a new paradigm for finance and accounting.
Recent data reveals a pivotal shift: in just 90 days, enterprise adoption of Agentic AI moved from zero to over 10% of CFOs now using or testing the technology1. This form of AI not only generates reports but also autonomously takes actions and makes decisions based on predefined goals.
For a mid-market leader, this presents both a tremendous opportunity and a complex challenge. The question is, how can your organization harness this power without introducing undue risk?
The Promise and The Pause: What the Data Tells Us About AI in Finance
The enthusiasm for Agentic AI is real, but it is strategically focused. According to a July 2025 survey1 of 60 U.S. CFOs:
- 70% are highly interested in using it for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).
- 68% see its potential for Financial Reporting.
- 63% are focused on Cost Management and Working Capital Optimization.
These areas represent the core of strategic finance, where data-driven insights lead to informed decisions. Companies are already using Agentic AI for finance tasks like dynamic forecasting, real-time account reconciliation, and detecting anomalies in financial records.
However, this enthusiasm is tempered with caution. When it comes to high-stakes functions like treasury management or initiating payments, CFOs are holding back. The same study found that no CFOs are currently willing to grant Agentic AI substantial or full access to sensitive internal data. The trust gap in AI is real, and for good reason. The consequences of a misstep in these areas are simply too severe.
This creates a critical dilemma for growth-focused companies: how do you capture the efficiency of autonomous AI and insight of Agentic AI while maintaining the necessary control and oversight?
The Strategic Approach: Human Oversight, Agentic Speed
The future of finance transformation isn't about replacing human judgment with autonomous agents; it's about creating a powerful synergy between them. The most effective model is a human-in-the-loop AI approach.
This means leveraging Agentic AI where it excels—crunching vast datasets for forecasting, automating repetitive reporting, and optimizing processes—while ensuring experienced finance professionals provide the crucial context, compliance checks, and strategic guidance.
Think of it as giving your finance team a powerful co-pilot. The Agentic AI handles complex calculations and data aggregation in real-time, freeing your team to focus on analysis, strategy, and stakeholder relationships.
A Framework for Intelligent AI Adoption in Your Finance Function
For a mid-market company evaluating this shift, the path forward should be guided by three principles:
- Start with Strategy, Not Software. The goal isn't to deploy the most advanced AI, but to solve specific business challenges. Begin with high-impact, lower-risk areas, like reporting automation and spend analysis, to build confidence and demonstrate ROI in AI.
- Prioritize Control and Security. The systems you implement must have governance and permissions built in from the start. Ensure that Agentic tools operate within a clearly defined framework, with human approval gates for critical actions like payments.
- Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider. The technology is only one piece of the puzzle. You need a partner who understands the mid-market landscape—one who brings both the enterprise-grade capabilities you need and the consultative approach to integrate them seamlessly.
Your Next Strategic Step
Agentic AI is here, and its potential to transform your finance function is undeniable. The journey, however, requires more than just technology; it requires wisdom. It demands a partner who can help you navigate the hype, implement with precision, and strike the optimal balance between autonomous efficiency and human empathy.
The future of finance is intelligent, augmented, and strategic.
Ready to explore how Agentic AI can enhance your finance function with the right balance of innovation and oversight?
Finance & Accounting services offered by Premier NX are designed for mid-market companies seeking to operate with enterprise-grade capabilities and a strategic, human-guided approach to AI adoption.
Contact us to begin a consultative conversation about your goals.
