OneStream has launched Forward Finance: The New Operating Model for Intelligent Organizations, a new framework designed to help Finance teams modernize operations and embed AI-driven decision-making into enterprise strategy.
The blueprint was unveiled during the OneStream Splash User Conference and outlines how organizations can combine AI, trusted data, and stronger Finance-IT collaboration to improve operational agility, governance, and business outcomes.
According to OneStream, Finance teams are increasingly moving beyond traditional financial reporting responsibilities and taking on larger roles in enterprise strategy and operational decision-making.
The company stated that Forward Finance was developed in collaboration with CFOs, Finance leaders, industry experts, and business stakeholders navigating AI transformation initiatives.
Tim Minahan, Chief Strategy Officer at OneStream, said:
"Finance teams are no longer being asked simply to close the books faster — they're increasingly being asked to help steer the business."
Minahan added:
"That shift is what led us to Forward Finance, an emerging operating model for what high-performing, AI-ready Finance organizations look like, shaped alongside hundreds of Finance teams, CFOs, industry experts, partners, and business leaders navigating these challenges in real time."
The framework aims to help organizations operationalize AI initiatives while maintaining governance, transparency, and measurable business value.
OneStream highlighted ongoing challenges related to fragmented systems, poor-quality data, and outdated operating models that limit enterprise AI adoption.
According to the company’s Data Governance research:
The company stated that these issues continue to create gaps between AI investment ambitions and practical execution across enterprise finance operations.
Glenn Hopper, Founder of RoboCFO.ai, said:
"The CFO role has shifted from historical record-keeping to driving real-time enterprise strategy."
Hopper added:
"The blueprint outlines the operating model needed to navigate changing market dynamics. By capitalizing on real-time data and operational signals, CFOs unlock the agility required to steer the business forward."
The Forward Finance blueprint introduces five operational dimensions designed to support AI-ready Finance organizations:
Focuses on establishing data transparency, traceability, and governance to ensure trusted enterprise insights.
Aims to move AI initiatives from experimentation to measurable business value through workflow optimization, governance, and KPI-driven execution.
Positions Finance as a central operational decision-making function by combining financial and operational data signals.
Promotes strategic Finance-IT collaboration around AI infrastructure, platform governance, and scalable digital systems.
Focuses on reshaping workforce strategies and talent models to support human and AI collaboration across Finance teams.
As organizations continue increasing AI investment, Finance leaders are expected to play a more significant role in enterprise-wide AI governance, operational intelligence, and strategic planning initiatives.
OneStream is the AI operating system for modern Finance, giving Finance what it needs to steer the business forward by unifying core financial close, planning and operational processes and data, in one intelligent platform, all embedded with the governance, context and control required to make AI work for Finance.
With over 1,800 customers, including 18% of the Fortune 500, a strong ecosystem of go-to-market, implementation, and development partners and 1,600 employees, we empower the Office of the CFO to become a critical driver of business strategy and execution. To learn more, visit onestream.com.
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