GenAI ROI in 90 Days: A CFO’s Field Guide

How to Build a Generative AI Business Case, Calculate Break-Even, and Capture Quick Wins

Executives say GenAI will transform their business model—but only 23% see measurable ROI within the first 90 days. What separates the leaders? A disciplined, CFO-driven approach to GenAI investment, focused on clear business cases, rapid break-even, and targeted quick wins.

How Can CFOs Build a High-Confidence GenAI Business Case?

Key Steps:

·        Identify High-Impact Use Cases:
Focus on processes with measurable cost, speed, or quality improvements—e.g., automating document processing, accelerating financial analysis, or enhancing customer self-service.

·        Quantify Baseline Metrics:
Document current costs (labor hours, error rates, cycle times) for each target process. Use these as your ROI baseline.

·        Map AI to Business Outcomes:
For each use case, estimate:

o   % reduction in manual effort

o   Expected error rate reduction

o   Time-to-value (how quickly the AI can be deployed and deliver results)

·        Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
Include pilot costs, integration, training, and ongoing support—not just license fees.

·        Set 90-Day Milestones:
Define what “success” looks like in three months: cost savings, cycle time reduction, or new revenue streams.

Break-Even Calculator: How Fast Can GenAI Pay for Itself?

Sample Calculation Framework:

Formula:

What Are Three Quick-Win GenAI Scenarios for CFOs?

1. Automated Invoice Processing

·        Impact: 50–70% reduction in manual AP/AR hours

·        ROI Driver: Fewer errors, faster close, reduced headcount needs

·        Stat: Companies see up to 60% cost reduction in invoice handling within 90 days

2. Financial Report Drafting and Analysis

·        Impact: 30–50% faster monthly/quarterly close cycles

·        ROI Driver: Automated data aggregation and narrative generation

·        Stat: Teams report 40% fewer overtime hours during close periods after GenAI adoption

3. Customer Self-Service for Billing & Payments

·        Impact: 25–40% reduction in support tickets

·        ROI Driver: AI chatbots resolve routine queries instantly

·        Stat: One SaaS firm cut billing inquiry response times by 80% in the first quarter

How Should CFOs Track and Report GenAI ROI?

·        Set Clear, Quantitative KPIs:
E.g., cost per transaction, cycle time, error rate, customer satisfaction.

·        Monitor AI-Driven Metrics Weekly:
Use dashboards to compare pre- and post-AI performance.

·        Attribute Savings Directly:
Tie savings to specific GenAI interventions, not just overall trends.

·        Share Results on LinkedIn and Internal Channels:
Use data-driven case studies to build momentum and secure further buy-in.

CFO’s Action Checklist for 90-Day GenAI ROI

·        Identify 1–2 high-impact, automatable processes

·        Baseline current costs and performance

·        Launch a targeted GenAI pilot with clear KPIs

·        Use the break-even calculator to set expectations

·        Track and communicate quick wins for ongoing support