Microsoft Finance Finds Efficiency Gains in AI Adoption

Microsoft Finance's AI transformation efforts offer valuable lessons for organizations looking to implement artificial intelligence in their operations. The organization's Treasury division, which manages the company's cash across a global financial environment, was one of the first areas to adopt AI.

The team focused on identifying repetitive and measurable tasks that could be automated using AI. According to Kathy Brustad, director of Global Treasury and Financial Services, 'Always start with what your process looks like first, not what technology you want to use.' The goal was to streamline processes such as collections and risk management.

One example of this approach is the Customer Zero initiative, which aimed to streamline finance cash collection with AI. The team consolidated tools and systems into an SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 environment, created a single source of truth, and then layered intelligence into areas where time was being wasted.

As the organization gained experience and governance practices matured, Finance teams began targeting more advanced human-led agent experiences. Today, some teams are evaluating more autonomous workflows in which agents can gather information, conduct research, and generate recommendations while humans retain final decision authorities.