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How to upskill financial professionals in AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the finance function. From automation and analytics to smarter decision-making, AI is influencing how finance teams operate and the skills they need to succeed. For CFOs and hiring managers, building AI capability is no longer optional; it’s essential.

In this article, we explore how finance professionals can upskill in AI, and how leaders can guide their teams to remain adaptable, strategic, and future-ready.

Why AI skills matter in finance today

AI is already embedded in many finance operations, from streamlining reporting to driving predictive analytics. Here’s why building AI capability should be a key priority:

  • AI-powered tools are driving transformation: AI enhances financial planning, compliance, and reporting by turning complex data into actionable insights. These tools help forecast trends, identify risks, and improve decision-making. Read more in Forbes.
  • Growing demand from employers: While organisations may not always ask directly for “AI skills,” the demand for advanced financial modelling, revenue forecasting, and data-driven insights is rising—areas where AI can have a powerful impact.
  • Staying competitive requires AI literacy: A 2024 Bain & Co survey found that 38% of finance businesses are already developing or deploying generative AI. Teams that lack foundational AI skills risk falling behind.

Our clients haven’t been specifically asking for AI skills. However, they do look for strong skillsets in data analysis, financial modelling and forecasting revenues, areas where AI can make a big difference. Many are looking to automate routine processes like bookkeeping and are keen to understand how AI can assist them.

Top 5 AI skills for finance professionals in 2025

To thrive in this evolving landscape, finance professionals need to focus on five key areas:

  1. AI literacy and tool familiarity: Understanding tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and other generative AI platforms is now a core skill. These tools can automate reporting, analyse financial statements, and reduce the manual work involved in compliance reporting.
  2. Data interpretation and storytelling: AI can surface insights, but it is finance professionals who must translate them into clear business narratives. Candidates today must be able to analyse data to provide meaningful insights. Those who can use AI to enhance this analysis will benefit.
  3. Automation and process optimisation: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is reducing manual work in areas like data entry, reconciliation, and reporting. Understanding these tools helps boost efficiency and free up time for higher-value tasks.
  4. Ethical AI use and data privacy: AI must be used responsibly. Awareness of bias, governance, and data protection is essential to build trust and ensure compliance.
  5. Cross-functional collaboration: AI initiatives are most successful when tech and finance teams work together. Deloitte highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration in delivering effective AI solutions.

How CFOs and hiring managers can build AI capability

For finance leaders, the focus should be on integrating AI learning into broader professional development strategies.

  • Embed AI training into existing learning pathways: Assign AI champions, tailor training to different roles, and link learning to business objectives to create buy-in. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Encourage experimentation and curiosity: Cultivate a culture where teams can test and explore new tools in a safe, supported environment.
  • Hire for adaptability, not just technical skills: The ability to use AI to transform processes and automate bookkeeping and reporting will set those apart from candidates who continue to use the same manual methods. That kind of forward-thinking mindset is what hiring managers are looking for.

How finance professionals can build AI confidence

If you are a finance professional looking to stay ahead, here are a few ways to build confidence in using AI:

  • Upskill online: Explore platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or edX for accessible courses on AI in finance.
  • Learn by doing: Get involved in cross-functional digital projects to apply learning in real-world contexts.
  • Ask questions: For example, how is AI being used in my organisation? Where are the skill gaps?
  • Stay curious: Continuous learning is the key to staying relevant.

Looking ahead: AI as a strategic enabler

AI is not replacing finance professionals—it’s changing the nature of their work. Roles are evolving with a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, insight generation, and value creation.

AI can generate real-time financial reports, automate compliance reporting, and help finance teams deliver more accurate and timely outputs. It’s about improving — not replacing — the work we do.

As Jeff Pedowitz writes in Forbes: “Those who embrace AI will have a competitive edge in tomorrow’s workforce.”

Investing in AI capability today is an investment in resilience, performance, and future leadership.

 

Moir Group is a specialist finance, accounting and ESG recruitment company. We cover temporary and permanent roles from Assistant Accountant to CFO level. We also recruit Sustainability and ESG Accountant positions across all industry sectors.

If you have any recruitment needs in your team on a permanent or a temporary basis, we would be delighted to assist. Contact us here.

 

Sunny Chen

Senior Consultant, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Permanent)

Sunny is a CPA-qualified accountant with over 10 years’ experience across finance and accounting roles in a wide range of industries. She brings a practical, real-world understanding of how finance teams operate.

With a strong technical and commercial background, Sunny can quickly get to the heart of a business’s needs and turn them into smart, well-matched hiring solutions for finance and accounting professionals.

Sunny has a strong track record of recruiting high-calibre mid to senior-level candidates and takes a consultative, partnership-led approach to every search. By working closely with both clients and candidates, Sunny focuses on understanding long-term goals and building genuine, lasting relationships.

Aligned with Moir Group’s commitment to quality outcomes and long-term partnerships, Sunny is focused on creating value for both organisations and the people within them.

Sunny Chen

Senior Consultant
Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Permanent)

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    Tabibah Paean

    Senior Financial Accountant

    With over 9 years of experience in financial accounting, Tabibah brings a wealth of expertise to our team as a Senior Financial Accountant. Specialising in external reporting, financial reporting and analysis, and payroll, she excels in ensuring accurate financial records and providing strategic insights that drive organisational growth.

    Tabibah is a Certified Chartered Accountant, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. She is adept at navigating complex financial landscapes and optimising processes to enhance efficiency and transparency.

    Passionate about leveraging technological advancements to streamline business processes, Tabibah is dedicated to delivering meticulous financial management and fostering a culture of integrity and excellence within our organisation.

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    Senior Financial Accountant

    Rachael Gleeson

    Operations Coordinator, Commercial Recruitment & Reception

    Rachael started with Moir Group in February 2022 and is currently in the role of Operations Assistant. She is first point of contact with phone enquiries and supporting the Operations Team in all functions

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    Rachael Gleeson

    Operations Coordinator
    Commercial Recruitment & Reception

    Chloe Thomas

    Executive Assistant to Stephen Moir & Office Manager

    Chloe is Moir Group’s Operations Coordinator. In this role, she provides key administrative support to the Executive, Permanent and ESG Recruitment Team, manages our in-person and online events, and oversees Moir Group’s LinkedIn and social media presence to share insights and promote engagement.

    Since joining Moir Group in 2017, Chloe has played a central role in keeping the business running smoothly, building strong relationships, and ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and candidates.

    Prior to joining Moir Group, Chloe lived and worked in London for two years in a corporate front-of-house role at a large insurance company. She brings over 12 years’ experience in professional services, with a strong focus on operations, administration, and event coordination across the Banking, Insurance, and Finance sectors.

    Chloe is committed to delivering excellent service and making a real difference to people’s day.

    Chloe Thomas, Operations Coordinator Executive Recruitment & Events at Moir Group

    Chloe Thomas

    Operations Coordinator
    Executive Recruitment & Events

    Coralee Stanton

    Executive Assistant to Stephen Moir & Office Manager

    Coralee joined Moir Group in July 2019 as Executive Assistant to our Director Stephen Moir and Office Manager, ensuring the smooth running of our office, overseeing events and managing our Operations Team.

    She brings over 15 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant supporting CEO, C-Suite Executives and Board Members for major Logistics and Information Technology companies.

    Prior to that, Coralee spent 10 years in Office & Administration Management for HR and Recruitment companies.

    Coralee Stanton, Executive Assistant to Stephen Moir & Office Manager at Moir Group

    Coralee Stanton

    Executive Assistant to Stephen Moir & Office Manager

    Vanessa Fortune

    Recruitment Resourcer, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Vanessa is a Recruitment Resourcer in Moir Group’s Temporary and Contracting team. Supporting the contract team, she plays a key role in the end-to-end recruitment process, including sourcing, candidate management, and maintaining strong pipelines of skilled professionals to ensure a quick turnaround for urgent hiring needs.

    With a background in Business Administration, Vanessa brings strong organisational skills and a focus on streamlining recruitment processes. She is passionate about enhancing the candidate experience and providing efficient, high-quality support across all stages of the hiring process.

    Vanessa Fortune, Recruitment Resourcer Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim) at Moir Group

    Vanessa Fortune

    Recruitment Resourcer
    Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Natalie Truong

    Senior Consultant, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    With over 15 years of experience across a broad range of industries both in Australia and internationally, Natalie brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of fast-paced, dynamic business environments.

    A seasoned Senior Leader, Natalie has a proven track record of delivering strong outcomes by identifying and placing high-calibre professionals into roles where they can thrive. Her expertise spans mid to senior-level and C-suite appointments, and she has successfully supported organisations in building high-performing teams to drive business growth in competitive markets.

    Natalie’s approach is aligned with Moir Group’s core values of integrity, care, and delivering quality outcomes. She works closely with business leaders and decision-makers, forming strategic partnerships to ensure a strong alignment between client needs and candidate aspirations. Her recruitment style is highly relationship-driven, focused on building long-term connections that support sustainable career and business success.

    Natalie is especially passionate about connecting senior finance and accounting professionals with purpose-led organisations, creating opportunities where individuals can grow, contribute meaningfully, and align with company culture and values.

    Natalie Truong, Senior Consultant Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Permanent) at Moir Group

    Natalie Truong

    Senior Consultant
    Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Deborah Swaine

    Senior Consultant, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Deborah began her recruitment career in London and has 14 years of experience, including in-house roles across various industries. She cultivates an innovative and inclusive culture that inspires, engages, and connects skilled professionals with opportunities, building capability for both now and the future.

    Deborah excels in providing bespoke solutions to clients and candidates, building genuine business partnerships, and offering a consultative service. She has a successful track record of recruiting a wide range of roles across all levels and industries. Deborah is committed to providing a first-class service and enjoys partnering closely with both clients and candidates to find the best solutions and create long-term relationships.

    Deborah Swaine, Senior Consultant Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim) at Moir Group

    Deborah Swaine

    Senior Consultant
    Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Lisa Tracy

    Manager, Moir Group ESG

    Lisa is an expert in recruiting ESG and Sustainability Professionals. Over the last 15 years, she has sourced Heads of Sustainability, Chief Sustainability Officers, ESG experts and a variety of management and analyst roles across a broad spectrum of industry sectors. She has focused on working in partnership with leaders to attract and retain the highest calibre team members, whilst prioritising positive social and environmental impacts. Joining Moir Group in 2023, Lisa brings her skills and expertise to develop the new ESG Division.

    Lisa continues to teach as a casual academic in Sustainability and Climate Change Impact at the University of Sydney Business School. She is also retained as an external coach to the MBA Program. She designed the successful MBA Career Academy before transitioning her Sustainability Recruitment Firm, founded in 2008, into a coaching practice. Before Moir Group, Lisa acted as Program Manager for the Climate Solutions Partnership – a global program with WWF, HSBC and WRI. She co-designed climate innovation challenges to mobilise impact investment into climate technology ventures. Her experience brings perspective to client and candidate needs in the ESG space.

    Lisa Tracy

    Manager
    Moir Group ESG

    Andrew Pownall

    Senior Associate, Executive Search

    Andrew has over twenty years’ experience gained from recruiting in a variety of disciplines, including finance, procurement, supply chain as well as engineering and manufacturing.

    At Moir Group Andrew focuses on executive-level finance search across the greater Sydney region (including Western Sydney) and in Melbourne. Andrew has successfully executed a number of roles for a mix of ASX listed, large multinationals and SME’s.

    Candidate-focused in his approach, Andrew is passionate about supporting people with their overall job-search strategy. He is skilled at helping senior finance professionals perfect their personal brand and fine-tune their approach to securing a fulfilling executive position.

     

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    Senior Associate
    Executive Search

    Emma Walsh

    Chief Executive Officer, Senior Contract & Interim Executive Recruitment (Accountancy & Finance)

    Emma has over 25 years’ experience in the accountancy and finance recruitment sector and is recognised for her strategic leadership, commercial acumen and ability to build high-performing teams.

    Since joining Moir Group in 2010, Emma has played a key role in shaping the organisation’s growth and direction. She provides clear leadership and vision, ensuring the business remains responsive to market conditions while delivering strong outcomes for clients and candidates.

    Emma brings deep market insight across CFO, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, commercial and change leadership, analyst, and transformation appointments. She works with ASX-listed organisations, global corporates, high-growth businesses and start-ups.

    An authentic and values-led leader, Emma is known for building collaborative, accountable and high-performing teams. She is committed to developing people and supporting organisations through growth and change.

    Emma began her recruitment career in the UK before returning to Australia in 2003. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Technology, Sydney.

    Emma Walsh Chief Executive Officer at Moir Group

    Emma Walsh

    Chief Executive Officer
    Senior Contract & Interim Executive Recruitment (Accountancy & Finance)

    Stephen Moir

    Executive Chair, Moir Group

    Prior to establishing Moir Group, Stephen spent 17 years with a leading international recruitment firm. He progressed through the business and was Managing Director for the operations in Australia. He left to establish Moir Group in early 2007.

    Stephen firmly believes that work is a big part of people’s lives and that having a satisfying job is a big part of having a fulfilling life. Stephen has had great success in delivering on this belief.  He stands by Moir Group’s values of Care, Partnership, Rigour, and Persistence, and they underpin everything he does.

    He always focuses on cultural fit, service and sourcing the right people for his clients, realising that, when Moir Group do their job really well, they have a significant impact on organisations and people’s lives. The result is that Moir’s candidates build successful careers with great retention for the organisations they are placed with.

    Stephen Moir

    Executive Chair
    Moir Group

    Rio-Jane Porter

    Senior Consultant, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)

    Rio joined Moir Group in June 2019, as a Senior Recruitment Consultant for the Temporary/Contracting team, after relocating from Queensland. She has over 20 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, including several years spent working in the UK. Having recruited for both Commercial & NFP organisations.

    Rio possesses strong communication and relationship-building skills, and has a proven track record in contingency recruitment, account/compliance management, complaints handling and internal auditing. She is excited to bring her passion for customer service and compliance to Moir Group and help support our candidates on their career journey.

    Rio-Jane Porter Senior Consultant Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim) at Moir Group

    Rio-Jane Porter

    Senior Consultant
    Accountancy and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim)