5 Key Insights into the AI Talent Shortage in Finance: Skills, Generations, & Gender Gaps

Globally, chief financial officers (CFOs) have a talent problem.

OneStream’s flagship Finance 2035: Return to Investment report showed just how much of a problem. Per the report, almost eight in ten (78%) CFOs say skills gaps in the finance department are a “significant barrier” to performing their role effectively. And technology isn’t helping nearly enough — 72% of CFOs noted that legacy systems and technology limitations are a hindrance to their work.

With artificial intelligence (AI) on the horizon as a potential game-changer for finance departments, OneStream set out to explore the intersection of AI and the finance talent crunch.

To dig deeper into this skills gap, we polled a total of 2,504 respondents. Those polled include corporate finance professionals and college students studying finance across the US and the UK. Our goal? To get a clearer picture of where things stand today and what the future might hold.

Here are the five most important takeaways from what we found.

1. The AI Talent Shortage Is Emerging as a Strategic Concern

Almost the whole finance industry is bracing for AI’s impact. Per the survey, 86% of all respondents believe they will use AI tools at least somewhat often in their careers. One-third (33%) of those expect to rely on AI tools significantly. Given the productivity boost AI is already delivering, we anticipate those numbers will grow even more as technology advances.

This increasing demand exposes a critical talent gap: Organizations are struggling to find finance professionals competent in AI. Bridging this gap will be key to unlocking AI’s full potential and ensuring finance teams are equipped for the future.

2. A Generational Divide Exposes Readiness Gaps

A clear inverse relationship exists between years of experience and confidence in using AI. For instance, just 54% of finance professionals with more than a decade of experience say they feel equipped to use AI in their work. Among younger professionals, that number rises slightly to 63%. Finance students, in contrast, are entering the workforce with much higher confidence: 89% say they already have enough experience with AI to apply it in their future roles.

As AI continues to reshape the finance landscape, the need for professionals who can stitch together financial expertise and technological fluency is becoming more urgent. Today’s finance students appear confident in their AI readiness, but organizations have a clear opportunity to invest in upskilling their current teams — a necessity for the future.

3. Women Are Underrepresented in AI-Driven Finance Roles

Almost three-fourths (73%) of women reported feeling enthusiastic about developing AI-related skills. Yet women are less confident and less likely to adopt AI tools than men. For example, only 24% of women say they expect to significantly rely on AI tools, versus 40% of men.

Men already report using AI at a higher frequency than women in the workplace, with 71% of men saying they rely on AI at least somewhat often compared to 61% of women. Among young professional women, 30% say automation and AI will be “the most significant challenge to their careers over the next decade.” Finally, among young professionals, 56% of women feel prepared to use AI — well behind the 69% of young men.

These disparities highlight a critical opportunity for the finance industry. To close the talent gap, finance must attract more women to AI-driven roles and ensure equal access to AI-related upskilling, mentorship, and leadership pathways.

4. Students Underestimate the Realities of Finance Workloads

While students are drawn to finance careers, many underestimate the demands of the job. Nearly four in five (79%) students expect to work fewer than 40 hours per week, and only 16% associate a finance career with burnout. Just 15% believe long hours are a downside of the profession.

In contrast, current finance professionals report a more intense reality: 58% work 40 hours or more weekly, and 57% have experienced burnout firsthand. Work-life balance (44%) and burnout (35%) are among the top reasons cited for team turnover. Notably, this disconnect may explain why only half (51%) of finance professionals believe new graduates are prepared for the realities of finance roles.

5. Long-Term Competitiveness Depends on Addressing the Skills Gap Now

Our Finance 2035 report found that 70% of chief executive officers (CEOs) and 68% of CFOs recognize the urgency of the moment. Underscoring the point, these professionals believe that companies failing to invest in technology, infrastructure, and skills today may not survive for the next five years. The message is clear: Future-proofing the business starts with these bold, forward-looking investments.

But meeting the moment isn’t just about adopting new tools — companies must also empower people to use those tools effectively. Investing in AI must go hand in hand with building a workforce with the skills needed to implement and scale AI. Without that dual focus, even the most advanced technologies risk falling short of their potential.

More Talent Crunch Takeaways?

Finance leaders, professionals, and students sent a clear message: The future of finance hinges on how well organizations can adapt to the rise of AI. But adaptation isn’t just about adopting new technologies — adapting also means building a workforce that’s ready to use those technologies. From generational readiness gaps to gender disparities and inconsistent upskilling efforts, the AI talent crunch is a multifaceted challenge that demands immediate attention.

To stay competitive, finance teams must act now to close these gaps and future-proof talent strategies. Want to learn how your organization can take the next step and start exploring AI built for finance? Explore the CFO Guide: 5 Steps to Getting Started with AI for practical insights and actionable strategies.