**The big picture:** A new survey reveals finance leaders are hesitant to grant AI greater decision-making authority, despite increased spending on AI initiatives. They demand more proof of value and stronger human oversight. **Why it matters:** This cautious approach impacts how quickly AI will transform workforce planning, budget allocation, and overall operational efficiency within organizations, directly affecting staffing and HR strategies. **Between the lines:** - 72% of organizations spent more than planned on AI, yet only 48% cited stronger cashflow as a benefit. - 74% of CFOs are reluctant to let AI allocate headcount and hiring budgets. - Data quality and integration issues are significant barriers to expanding AI's role. **Staffing & HR impact:** The reluctance to trust AI with headcount decisions means human leaders will retain critical control over talent acquisition and workforce management, potentially slowing AI-driven efficiency gains in these areas. HR departments must focus on demonstrating clear ROI for AI tools to gain leadership buy-in. **The bottom line:** The next phase of AI adoption hinges on building trust through proven financial value and robust human-centric guardrails.