The AI-Ready CFO

PRAISE FOR THE AI-READY CFO “CFOs today must evolve from scorekeeper to strategic architect, and AI is fundamentally reshaping what’s possible for forward-thinking finance organizations. Glenn Hopper gives finance leaders a practical, grounded playbook for reorchestrating teams and processes around governed, purpose-built AI to unlock faster decisions, a stronger competitive advantage, and real business impact. It is essential reading for any modern finance leader ready to drive transformation in the finance AI era.” —SCOTT LESHINSKI, President, OneStream Software “Glenn has done the research—and the conversations—that most finance leaders don’t have time for. The AI-Ready CFO translates that work into something practical and honest about what it actually takes to evolve the finance function in a fast-moving landscape to what businesses increasingly need. The CFO’s evolution from scorekeeper to strategic operator is one of the defining questions of this era, and this book takes it seriously.” —MATT HUDSON, CFO, Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) “Having interviewed and worked with hundreds of CFOs, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly AI is reshaping expectations for finance leaders and the challenges they and their teams face. Glenn Hopper captures this moment exceptionally well. Rather than chasing buzzwords, he focuses on the real issues CFOs care about: governance, accountability, talent, productivity, and strategic leadership. This book will help finance chiefs understand not only what AI can do, but how to lead responsibly in the age of AI.” —JACK MCCULLOUGH, President, The CFO Leadership Council and author of The Rodman Paradox “The finance profession is at an inflection point, and the leaders who thrive will be the ones who learn to govern AI with the same rigor they bring to financial reporting. Glenn Hopper provides the frameworks and the roadmap to do exactly that, making this essential reading for any finance professional serious about what comes next.” —TOM HOOD, CPA, CGMA, CITP, Executive Vice President, Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA “Glenn’s latest book provides great insights and guidance of how to move fast without breaking auditability. If you are trying to understand how to set proper governance rules or identify quick wins that deliver a measurable ROI by leveraging AI tools, this book will help you do that and prepare you to become an AI-ready CFO.” —BEN CHAVEZ, Chief Financial Officer at Pair of Thieves The AI-Ready CFO directly addresses the challenges of AI-driven transformation, offering finance leaders a clear framework for making informed technology decisions, smoothly integrating AI into existing processes, and successfully leading transformation. Drawing upon the author’s extensive experience as a CFO and advisor in finance innovation, the book prioritizes real-world implementation and provides specific, actionable guidance. Readers will gain a practical understanding of AI technology, including its strengths and limitations, enabling them to confidently evaluate AI platforms, effectively negotiate with vendors, and ensure successful deployments. Additionally, the book tackles crucial leadership issues, including reorganizing finance teams, establishing effective data governance, managing risk and compliance, and navigating the complexities of organizational change. With relatable case studies from real-world implementations, The AI-Ready CFO answers the practical questions CFOs face every day: How do I choose the right AI vendors and technologies? What is the best way to integrate generative AI into our financial workflows? How should I structure, train, and prepare my finance team for these changes? What governance frameworks, internal controls, and compliance considerations do I need to manage? The AI-Ready CFO equips finance leaders to confidently navigate AI adoption, bridging the crucial gap between technological promise and practical, real-world execution in finance.