AI/ML FP&A Committee Meeting #25

At the 25th AI/ML FP&A Committee Meeting on December 3rd, 2024, Alex Erasso, Former Senior Director, Finance at VMware, shared an insightful presentation titled "Human & AI Interaction – How FP&A Practice Might Change".

Alex began by cutting through the hype surrounding AI, explaining its scope beyond buzzwords like ChatGPT. Across finance, AI is delivering significant results by automating tasks, detecting anomalies, and enhancing decision-making through predictive models.

Generative AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are now transforming operations, from automating invoices to generating financial models. However, Alex highlighted AI's limitations, such as data biases and the need for human oversight, emphasising that AI is a tool, not a replacement for expertise.

He highlighted the evolving role of CFOs as strategic leaders, using AI for high-value tasks like scenario planning and risk management. His message was clear: embrace AI as a partner, sharpen data skills, and combine human insight with AI innovation.

If you would like to learn more, you can also read the article written by Alex Erasso.

The session ended with an engaging Q&A session, offering practical tips on starting an AI-driven finance transformation.

Alex Erasso

Alex Erasso

For more than 20 years Alex has held FP&A roles and led initiatives in strategy, analytics, and operations in technology companies including Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, and VMware.

While currently with Pacific Catapult, a financial advisory firm in Seattle, he previously led the VMware Finance team that accelerated its transition from the legacy software model to SaaS with sales growth of several Billion dollars. His team also delivered pricing guidance for deal negotiations on VMware’s CPQ (driving approximately 50% of all bookings with margin improvements of 2%).

Alex brings to the table a strong cross-functional background, with a long history working with senior management analyzing enterprise economics and defining operational strategy and policies.

He holds two Master of Science degrees from Stanford University in Management Science and in Engineering. He also completed the CFO Program at Columbia University, holds a specialization in Data Science from Johns Hopkins, and a certificate in Machine Learning from Stanford.

He has been a speaker at the FP&A Board, Financial Executives International, the Sales Management Association and the Professional Pricing Society. He is a current member of Financial Executives International and the Institute of Management Accountants.

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