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Where do you see the future of finance headed in the Middle East in the next 5 years?
I see the future of finance in the Middle East being dominated by AI and digitalization. As businesses grow, the focus will increasingly be on how we can leverage systems to handle more of the workload, rather than simply hiring more people. This will involve a significant shift towards automating as much of the finance function as possible, which I think will not only streamline operations but also make many traditional finance roles, particularly those centered around data entry, redundant. The goal is to redeploy human capital to more strategic, value-added activities.
Ever since AI has been introduced to the finance function, how do you think it has impacted finance professionals?
The introduction of AI into the finance function has definitely been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's exciting because it allows us to automate mundane tasks and focus on more complex and value-adding activities. On the other hand, it has caused quite a bit of anxiety among finance professionals around the fear of job loss. In larger organizations, there's also some resistance from management who are hesitant to reduce or reallocate their teams. However, embracing AI and automation is crucial. It doesn't necessarily mean job losses but rather, enhancing our roles to make them more meaningful and impactful.
With AI and digital transformation being in the picture, what sort of challenges do you see the finance function facing in the Middle East?
One of the biggest challenges we face with the ongoing digitalization and integration of AI within finance is building trust in these new systems. Many finance professionals, including myself, are used to performing numerous checks and balances because we are skeptical of the data accuracy from automated processes. The key challenge will be ensuring that the outputs from AI and digital tools are reliable and trustworthy. Once we can establish that trust, I believe we'll see much broader acceptance and a smoother transition to these advanced systems.
Bio
James is a CIMA qualified senior finance professional with over 18 years of experience, specializing as a fractional CFO in the Middle East. His background includes significant roles in global MNC and entrepreneurial ventures, where he has excelled in driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making. His expertise in both established and developing markets makes him a pivotal asset to companies looking to innovate and adapt in rapidly changing economic landscapes.
