AI Disruption Deepens in Finance: BILL Report Warns of Fraud Risks, Forecasts Faster, Paperless Future
Artificial intelligence is no longer a side note in financial operations—it’s the main storyline. According to BILL’s newly released 2025 Report: Building the Future of Finance, AI is simultaneously accelerating efficiency and introducing fresh vulnerabilities, leaving finance leaders grappling with a high-stakes balancing act.
From fraud detection to forecasting, automation to talent shortages, BILL’s survey of over 1,000 U.S. financial decision-makers paints a clear picture: finance leaders must adapt quickly or risk falling behind. And in this era of rapid transformation, the job of a CFO may soon look more like that of a data scientist than a traditional accountant.
AI: Savior and Saboteur?
A standout tension in the report is AI’s paradoxical impact on fraud. While 54% of businesses say AI enhances fraud detection, 46% warn it’s also giving fraudsters more tools, making AI both a solution and a threat.
Fraud fears are clearly intensifying—92% of respondents express concern, with more than half reporting a rise in fraud attempts over the past year. As BILL’s CEO René Lacerte puts it, “AI is influencing every operational decision,” and the fraud battlefield may be where its consequences are most keenly felt.
The Confidence Gap: Old vs. New
Curiously, it’s not the shiny new startups but the seasoned veterans who are embracing AI most enthusiastically. Among businesses over 20 years old, 70% believe AI will improve financial forecasting, compared to just 47% of businesses under five years old.
The hesitation among younger firms may seem counterintuitive, but it aligns with broader industry observations: legacy firms often have more structured data and mature infrastructure, giving them an edge in deploying AI effectively.
Startups Still See AI as a Launchpad
Despite some skepticism, startups aren’t ignoring AI entirely. Far from it—68% believe AI will make it easier to launch, and a strong majority say it will improve survival rates in the volatile first few years. For bootstrapped founders, AI may represent a shortcut to scalability, automation, and decision-making insights that were once locked behind hefty consulting fees or larger teams.
The Push Toward Paperless
Another major theme: paperless finance. A third of businesses aim to ditch paper entirely by 2026, and 90% say it’s realistic to do so within five years. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s tied to deeper goals like speed, visibility, and environmental sustainability.
That said, real-time cash flow visibility remains a pain point. Nearly two-thirds of businesses lack on-demand access to cash positions, with some taking days or even weeks to gather this vital data. In an age where agility is key, these blind spots can be strategic liabilities.
Automation, Inflation, and the Talent Crunch
Complicating matters further is an ongoing shortage of accounting talent, which is driving 77% of businesses to expect rising accounting costs. More than 60% are bracing to bring more financial tasks in-house, often turning to automation to fill the gap.
Yet, despite this shift, 56% still value strong relationships with external accounting partners—a sign that human expertise remains indispensable, even in a tech-heavy future.
The Strategic Recalibration
To navigate economic uncertainty, businesses are tweaking their operating strategies:
- 40% plan to diversify suppliers
- 39% expect to raise prices
- 38% are doubling down on automation
Each of these moves signals a clear intent to future-proof operations. And in BILL’s view, the transformation is just beginning.
Bottom Line
Finance leaders are no longer just bookkeepers—they’re becoming AI strategists, fraud analysts, and digital transformation champions. The tools are evolving fast, and so are the threats. BILL’s report doesn’t just spotlight what’s changing—it makes a compelling case that standing still is no longer an option.
For the full report, visit bill.com/blog/the-2025-bill-report-building-the-future-of-finance
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