Artificial intelligence is redefining how finance and tax departments operate in a world where digital systems and global connections dominate. PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer shows that two thirds of roles exposed to AI are evolving rapidly, and workers with advanced skills now earn a wage premium of more than half compared with peers.
The rise of AI is not about replacing people but strengthening their abilities. Companies that lead in this environment are those investing in modern tools, training staff, and building alignment across all teams. The winners will be those that adopt technology while maintaining trust and ensuring that employees are fully engaged in the transition.
Finance as the Test Bed for AI
Financial management is becoming one of the most active spaces for AI integration. New systems are being used for anomaly detection, predictive compliance, and the conversion of complex records into accessible insights. In areas such as tax reporting and accounting, precision and speed are essential, making them fertile ground for AI innovation.
The global shift toward digital operations has also created greater complexity. Governments are demanding real-time data, e-invoicing, and cross-border compliance. Country-by-country rules are no longer sufficient. Teams must respond to destination-based tax structures while meeting strict reporting deadlines.
Despite the potential, many organizations are still lagging. Vertex reports that over half of European firms have not yet automated their financial systems, and less than half have put centralized tax controls in place. For many, changes in enterprise platforms and finance systems are now the key drivers shaping tax strategies.
The Rise of the Tax Technologist
A new role is emerging in the financial sector that blends tax expertise with technical knowledge. Known as the tax technologist, this professional bridges the gap between compliance requirements and technological capability. They understand both the language of regulation and the mechanics of digital systems.
Some tax technologists come from traditional finance and learn digital skills, while others enter from IT and gain knowledge of tax. Their mission is the same: to align operations with system potential and to enable smoother transformation. These specialists are often central to ERP migrations, cloud adoption, and scaling into new markets.
For tax experts, this evolution is not a threat but an opportunity. Instead of spending time buried in intricate laws and repetitive tasks, professionals can focus on higher-value work, strategic analysis, and long-term planning. The human element remains critical even as technology takes on more routine tasks.
Keeping Professionals at the Core
As automation and generative AI advance, leaders must ensure that people remain at the center of adoption. Tools should not dictate processes but rather assist professionals in delivering deeper insights and smoother workflows. Human-led AI is essential for trust and effective outcomes.
For this to happen, finance teams need to be engaged from the start. Regular reviews of existing processes can highlight where automation adds value. Investment in digital skills is also essential so that professionals can confidently manage new systems. Encouraging curiosity and experimentation with the latest tools helps teams stay agile and informed.
Industry advisors suggest that tax groups should not only experiment but also share knowledge across networks. Peer exchange and best practices accelerate adoption while lowering the risks of missteps. This collaborative approach keeps organizations aligned with emerging standards.
Culture as the Key to Adoption
Technology alone does not guarantee progress. The culture of the organization ultimately determines whether AI succeeds or fails. Without trust in outputs or clarity about accountability, teams will hesitate and may revert to outdated habits.
To overcome this, companies must build adoption strategies together with the people who will use the tools daily. Honest discussions are critical: What are employees uncertain about? Where do they expect AI to improve their work? Addressing these questions creates ownership and reduces resistance.
Successful organizations follow three clear practices. They involve employees early in design and decision-making. They provide safe environments to test tools without penalty. And they approach training gradually, tailoring programs to roles rather than forcing uniform courses.
This cultural support matters. Vertex found that nearly half of finance professionals are worried about the new skills they must learn, and more than four in ten specifically lack confidence in technical or data expertise. To resolve these concerns, companies must emphasize a human-first culture and recognize the importance of tax technologists in bridging gaps.
People and Technology Together
The future of finance and tax operations does not depend solely on advanced platforms. It depends on the people who use them and the confidence they bring to the process. Adoption is strongest when teams understand the technology, feel empowered to apply it, and trust that it supports their goals.
The most successful organizations will be those that pair cutting-edge AI tools with strong cultural foundations. They will build teams that not only comply with new rules but also shape smarter strategies, supported by digital systems that enhance accuracy and insight.
