The rise of artificial intelligence, including autonomous AI agents, presents new challenges in talent management as organisations adapt to ongoing digitisation. However, with the right strategies, these technologies can be harnessed to enhance agility, drive innovation, and deliver greater organisational value.
Fabio Tiviti, group vice president, APJ Field Operations at Workday envisions a future where AI agents work alongside finance professionals to amplify their capabilities, streamline complex processes, and transform how work gets done.
AI-driven insights for role-based intelligence
Tiviti notes that organisations are rethinking the way work gets done by embedding AI into everyday processes. Rather than relying solely on task-level automation, the future lies in role-based AI that supports employees holistically across their responsibilities. This approach enables a more seamless and human-centric experience, where AI acts as a digital partner that reduces repetitive work and enhances decision-making.
This shift is especially significant for functions such as Finance, which is rapidly evolving from administrative support to being a core driver of business growth. Drawing from large, integrated datasets and applying insights in real time, finance professionals can create more value across the enterprise, from shaping workforce strategies to improving financial outcomes.
“The focus on efficiencies must go beyond automation alone to unlock deeper business intelligence. In integrating AI-driven insights with existing workflows, companies now have increased capabilities to drive smarter, data-backed decisions which boosts agility and innovation,” said Tiviti.
Embrace a culture of continuous upskilling and responsible AI
Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape requires more than just adapting to change. It calls for a continuous commitment to upskilling.
As technology reshapes the workplace, employees often need to let go of outdated processes and acquire new capabilities to meet the demands of an AI-driven environment. Rather than displacing workers, these shifts present opportunities to unlock growth through skills-based strategies that support internal mobility, career development and long-term progression.
“Take for example how word processing and data management software once redefined efficiencies in the workplace, transforming manual copyediting and data processing roles. AI now represents this next wave of disruption, one which augments rather than replaces core business functions such as finance.” Fabio Taviti
Keeping morale high during large-scale digital transformations—such as the integration of AI agents and other AI-assisted solutions—remains a critical challenge for organisations.
As operations evolve and familiar workflows shift, leaders must balance the pressure to deliver results with the need to support their teams through change. Tiviti notes that while such transitions can feel uncertain, they also present opportunities to build trust, encourage collaboration, and strengthen organisational resilience.
“In times of change, feeling confident in the learning process can make all the difference. Finance leaders that create a safe space where teams can openly discuss challenges, admit the difficulties that they face, and jointly co-create solutions will in the long run boost workplace morale and productivity,” Tiviti adds.
“It is also equally important that business leaders take this opportunity to recognise and even celebrate progress. This helps to keep the momentum going, and enable everyone to stay engaged through the transformation process.”
While AI enhances operational efficiency, human oversight remains essential, especially with the growing use of agentic AI systems that make autonomous decisions. Organisation leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring AI is adopted responsibly, from securing data integrity to identifying and mitigating potential biases in decision-making.
Central to this effort is understanding how AI models are governed, including how data inputs are validated, how outputs are generated, and how transparency is upheld throughout. By fostering adaptability, prioritising ethical AI use, and leveraging technology effectively, finance leaders can future-proof their teams and position their organisations for long-term success.
