The Real Difference Between CFOs Using AI and Those Just Watching

Finance pros keep saying the same thing about AI: “We’re looking into it.”

I’ve heard that sentence in almost every finance conversation this year.

But there’s a growing gap between those talking about AI, and those already using it to transform their workflows.

Here’s the truth:

If you’re still stuck on theoretical debates, someone else is already:

• Automating their board pack prep
  
• Running GPT-powered variance analysis
  
• Building scenario models in minutes, not weeks
  
• And making faster, sharper decisions daily
  

That’s the difference.

And it’s exactly what we teach in GrowCFO’s Future CFO program.

Curious what it actually looks like in action?
Reserve your free spot at the next Future CFO Preview Event.

You’ll get a front-row seat to the tools, workflows, and strategic mindset shifts that separate future-ready CFOs from everyone else.

What are the top signs you’re still in “AI theory” mode?

✓ You’re watching webinars but not applying anything
✓ Your team still builds forecasts manually
✓ You’re waiting for IT to “approve” your AI tools
✓ You assume it’s not secure, without testing it
✓ You’re still treating AI like it’s 5 years away

Here’s how I show finance leaders how to use AI right now:

1. Start with a specific pain point
E.g., “My team spends too long explaining variances”

2. Pick one tool (like ChatGPT, Power BI Copilot, or SheetAI)
Don’t get distracted by shiny platforms. Start simple.

3. Build one workflow
Set up prompts or dashboards that give you instant insight, not just data.

4. Embed it into a decision
Use your AI output in your next board meeting, budget call, or planning session.

5. Repeat.
You don’t need to overhaul everything. But you do need to start.

Want to move beyond AI theory and actually start using it?
GrowCFO’s Premium AI courses show you exactly how to make AI part of your daily workflow—from process automation to team adoption and real-time decision support.

Start with:
▶ Making AI a Daily Habit (Live Workshop)
▶ Getting Your Team to Adopt AI (Live Workshop)

▶Process optimization with AI (Live Workshop) 

Or dive into on-demand training:
▶ Create Your AI Digital Twin

▶ Maximize Finance Impact & Efficiency with AI

▶ Strengthen Risk Management with AI

▶ AI-Powered Process Optimization

▶ AI-Led Innovation & Finance Transformation

▶ Craft High-Impact Communications with AI

▶ Automate Financial Analysis & Benchmarking

▶ Generate AI-Driven Data Insights

▶ Elevate Performance Reporting with AI

▶ AI-Enhanced Strategic Decision Support

▶ Streamline Finance, Maximize Impact

▶ Prompt Engineering for Finance Teams

P.S.

Next week, I’ll share the habits that drive AI success in finance, the small shifts that separate leaders who get real results from those who just experiment.

If you’ve got questions or want a sneak peek, just hit reply.

Coming soon:
✓ Habits that drive AI success
✓ Why strategic finance careers stall (and how to unstick yours)
✓ The CFO skillset no one taught you – but everyone expects