FridayOL

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) CFO, Stacy Myers, is a veteran of both finance and technology, with a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. Having previously held the CFO role at UiPath, a leading robotic process automation (RPA) company, Myers brings firsthand experience of digital transformation. Now, she’s championing a new wave of AI innovation: agentic AI – and believes it's the most significant advancement for finance since the advent of RPA and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

What is Agentic AI? Unlike traditional AI, which typically performs specific, pre-defined tasks, agentic AI operates with a degree of autonomy. It can analyze data, identify opportunities, make decisions, and take actions – all while aligning with broader strategic goals. Think of it as a virtual assistant with deep financial expertise, capable of proactively solving problems and driving efficiency.

The Impact on Finance: Beyond Automation Myers highlights that agentic AI goes far beyond simple automation. While RPA excels at repetitive tasks, agentic AI can handle more complex and nuanced challenges. It can, for example, analyze market trends to identify potential investment opportunities, optimize pricing strategies based on real-time data, or even negotiate contracts with suppliers. “It's not just about taking tasks off people’s plates,” Myers explains, “it’s about augmenting their capabilities and allowing them to focus on higher-value activities like strategic planning and relationship building.”

HPE's Implementation: A Practical Approach HPE is actively exploring and implementing agentic AI across its finance operations. Early applications include automating financial reporting, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing risk management. The company is taking a phased approach, starting with well-defined use cases and gradually expanding as the technology matures and teams gain experience. A key element of HPE’s strategy is ensuring that agentic AI is aligned with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Agentic AI in Myers' Daily Life: A Personal Transformation The impact of agentic AI isn't limited to the corporate world for Myers. She’s also leveraging its power in her personal life. From managing her schedule and travel arrangements to researching potential investments, agentic AI is streamlining her daily routines and freeing up valuable time. “It’s truly transformative,” she shares. “It’s not just about making work more efficient; it’s about creating more space for what matters most.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Finance with Agentic AI Myers believes that agentic AI is poised to fundamentally reshape the finance function, creating opportunities for greater efficiency, innovation, and strategic impact. Companies that embrace this technology and invest in developing the necessary skills and infrastructure will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead. The future of finance isn’t just about automation; it’s about empowering finance professionals with the tools they need to make smarter decisions and drive business growth. Agentic AI is the key to unlocking that potential.

Key Takeaways:

• Agentic AI represents a significant leap forward from RPA and ERP systems.
• It’s not just about automation; it’s about augmenting human capabilities.
• HPE is actively implementing agentic AI to improve financial operations.
• The technology has the potential to transform both professional and personal lives.