Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the defining technology of the 21st century, is set to revolutionise industries and transform how we work. From headlines about eye-watering valuations to debates about AI ethical implications, it’s clear that the world is standing at the edge of a seismic shift. Amidst the buzz and speculation, one area of AI is quietly but steadily emerging as a game-changer: AI agents.

AI agents — autonomous systems designed to perform tasks, make decisions and interact with humans or other systems — are gaining traction across industries. Whether streamlining workflows, reducing costs or enhancing personalised experiences, these agents are evolving from experimental tools into practical, value-driven solutions.

Amidst the buzz, FP&A professionals may wonder: how will these changes affect their domain?

The Broader Impact of AI Agents

We are familiar with automation in finance, whether on-platform or, for example, in robotics process automation (RPA) solutions. AI agents have the potential to transform traditional automation by addressing a critical limitation: the inability of rules-based systems to handle ambiguity and make nuanced decisions. Unlike conventional automation, which relies on predefined logic to perform an action, AI agents are equipped with the capability to interpret complex scenarios, apply instructions in human language to new situations and act independently within a set of guidelines.

Back-office processes such as invoice processing and account reconciliation have long benefited from rules-based automation. These systems excel at handling straightforward, repetitive tasks. However, automation often falls short when a scenario requires judgment — such as dealing with missing data, interpreting unstructured inputs like scanned documents or resolving discrepancies. It is impractical to cover all invoice formats or scenarios with rules-based solutions, even if the list of all possible scenarios is finite — which, anyway, is not. This is where AI agents shine. They can step into these gray areas, using deep learning models to evaluate options, weigh probabilities and make decisions that mimic human reasoning.

For example, in invoice processing, an AI agent can interpret invoices in varying formats, flag anomalies for review or even resolve discrepancies by cross-referencing internal data. Similarly, in account reconciliation, AI agents can detect and reconcile mismatched entries by applying contextual understanding and seeking clarifications when necessary. These capabilities extend automation beyond rigid rules and enable organisations to achieve a new efficiency level. All we need to do is describe the way how we make decisions, complementing policies, work instructions and past data with commentary. Imagine a new employee who is very smart but needs proper onboarding. It learns differently, not requiring time but written knowledge — the longer and more extensive, the better.

By bridging the gap between rules-based automation and decision-making, AI agents are not just tools for efficiency — they represent a paradigm shift in how organisations manage complexity. As this innovation matures, its relevance will only grow, especially in internal domains like FP&A, where the ability to handle ambiguity is paramount.

Relevance to FP&A

The rise of AI agents prompts a pivotal question for FP&A professionals: which tasks should remain human-driven, and which can we confidently delegate to machines? This honest assessment is critical not only to embrace the efficiencies AI can offer but also to redefine the value of human contributions in FP&A.

Reevaluating the Human Role

Many tasks in FP&A are repetitive, time-consuming, or reliant on structured data, making them ideal candidates for automation. We have come a long way with Business Intelligence (BI) software, predictive modelling, you name it. However, AI agents extend the scope of delegation to areas traditionally reserved for human judgment. With their ability to handle ambiguity and make independent decisions, these agents enable FP&A teams to offload seemingly complex tasks, freeing up time for higher-value activities like strategic Business Partnering or external business interactions.

The key lies in determining where humans add the most value. AI agents offer the opportunity to focus on tasks that require creativity, emotional intelligence and strategic insight — areas where human expertise remains as relevant as ever.

Going Beyond Human Limits

The potential of AI agents is not limited to replicating human tasks. The key to success will be finding new ways to add value, which previously were not practical to pursue. Take, for example, a regional or global FP&A role. An AI agent can analyse detailed market data across multiple geographies, drilling down into trends, anomalies and correlations that no human could feasibly process. This capability allows FP&A teams to gain a level of depth in their previously unattainable analysis.

Additionally, AI agents can leverage internal knowledge bases, such as SharePoint or other document repositories, to review presentations, supporting documents in various languages and historical data. By synthesising insights from these sources, they can provide recommendations, identify inconsistencies or draft preliminary analyses. This is particularly valuable in dynamic environments, where the ability to contextualise data from across the organisation quickly can significantly enhance decision-making.

In essence, the relevance of AI agents to FP&A lies in their dual ability to elevate human contributions and unlock new possibilities. By integrating these agents into their workflows, FP&A teams can redefine their roles.

Conclusion

As we stand on the brink of a new era defined by machines that not only understand the nature of our work but can also make decisions independently, the role of FP&A professionals is poised to transform. The introduction of AI agents challenges us to reflect on our past experiences, reevaluate how we spend our time and define the tasks that truly require human ingenuity.

This transformation is not just about adopting new tools — it’s about taking accountability for shaping your role in the future of work. AI agents offer an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine your contribution to the organisation, focusing on areas where creativity, strategy and human insight are irreplaceable.

Now is the time to assess, adapt and take ownership of your future. The new era of work will not wait for anyone. The question is: how will you define your role in it?

References:

1.    Toolhunt: AI Will Define the 21st Century: The Future of Technology and Innovation

• https://toolhunt.io/ai-will-define-the-21st-century-the-future-of-technology-and-innovation/

2.    Wikipedia: Fourth Industrial Revolution

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Industrial_Revolution

3.    The Australian Business Review: The new renaissance: can businesses build human-centric tech?

• https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/growth-agenda/the-new-renaissance-can-businesses-build-humancentric-tech/news-story/6515c543d3ac9f622f497dd4f71e2f0b

4.    Lifewire: The Power and Potential of AI: How It’s Changing Our World

• https://www.lifewire.com/the-power-of-ai-8659334