The 5-Step roadmap to getting on the AI train in finance

Let’s be honest: This AI train is fast, loud; and even though everyone keeps saying it's the future, no one really knows how to get on it.

The team behind FIN have spent over 35+ years in finance, and in the last 3, we've been riding this AI train - studying it, building tools with it, and helping CFOs figure out when (and how) to climb aboard.

Here’s the 5-step roadmap we give finance leaders to move from FOMO to focused action.

Step 1: Know where you are on the tracks

Before you even consider jumping on the train, check your platform.

• What systems are you running?

• How manual are your processes?

• How ready is your team?

Step 2: Spot the right carriage

AI isn’t one thing, it’s a whole train of tools, functions, and false promises.
You don’t need all of it.
You just need the carriage that fits your needs.

Start with:

• Repetitive tasks

• Data-heavy reporting

• Forecasting or reconciliation bottlenecks

Step 3: Fix the baggage (your data)

AI doesn’t do well with messy cargo.

Before you implement anything:

• Clean your data

• Integrate your systems

• Reduce manual overrides

Good data is your ticket.

Step 4: Board with one foot first

Don’t leap. Step.
Choose one clear, low-risk pilot.

Examples:

• Automate a small part of AP

• Use ChatGPT to prep board commentary

• Run a forecast model through AI

Track it. Learn. Adjust. That’s how you build momentum.

Step 5: Train your conductor — not the whole station

Your whole team doesn’t need AI mastery.
But one or two people do need fluency:

• How to ask the right questions

• How to sense when AI’s off

• How to turn outputs into action

You don’t need to chase the AI train.
You just need to board the right way, at the right time.

Start with clarity, start small, and start now because the train isn’t slowing down (and you'll regret not being on it!)