Maximizing ROI with Agentic AI in Finance: The Future of Accounts Payable

Finance leaders are increasingly turning to agentic AI to automate accounts payable processes, achieving an impressive 80 percent ROI. Unlike traditional AI models that require human interpretation, agentic systems execute workflows autonomously, delivering tangible results. This shift is driven by boardroom pressure for real AI impact, as highlighted by a report from Basware and FT Longitude. With nearly half of CFOs under pressure to implement AI, the focus is now on agentic AI to deliver hard returns.

Accounts payable (AP) has emerged as the primary use case for agentic AI in finance. With 72 percent of finance leaders viewing AP as the ideal starting point, this high-volume, rules-based environment is perfect for agentic deployment. Teams are automating tasks like invoice capture, data entry, fraud detection, and overpayment reduction. Success in AP relies on high-quality data, with Basware training its systems on over two billion processed invoices to ensure accurate predictions.

When adopting agentic AI, finance leaders face a critical decision: build or buy. In AP, 32 percent prefer embedded solutions, while 20 percent opt for in-house development. For financial planning and analysis (FP&A), 35 percent choose self-built solutions versus 29 percent for embedded ones. The pragmatic rule for C-suites is to buy for standard processes and build for unique competitive advantages. This approach accelerates standard processes and differentiates the business.

Fear of autonomous errors often slows AI adoption. However, successful organisations use governance to scale deployment. These leaders are more likely to use agents for complex tasks like compliance checks. Anssi Ruokonen, Head of Data and AI at Basware, advises treating AI agents like junior colleagues, introducing autonomy slowly and ensuring human oversight. This approach builds trust and confidence, leading to higher ROI.

The era of unguided AI experimentation is over. Data shows that 71 percent of finance teams with weak returns acted under pressure without clear direction, compared to only 13 percent achieving strong ROI. Success requires embedding AI directly into workflows and governing agents with discipline. As Jason Kurtz, CEO of Basware, concludes, 'Agentic AI can deliver transformational results, but only when it is deployed with purpose and discipline.'