What does the future of the CFO look like? At the Accounting Summit 2025, Payhawk demonstrates how AI is transforming finance

The Accounting Summit 2025 in Düsseldorf has come to a close – and Payhawk used the opportunity to help shape the future of finance. Through a keynote, a hands-on masterclass with Unzer Group GmbH, and numerous conversations and product demos at our booth, we demonstrated how CFOs and finance teams can actively drive transformation with artificial intelligence.

Keynote: The Neural CFO – Rethinking Financial Systems in the Age of AI

In our keynote, Georgi Ivanov, Storyteller-in-Chief, AI & Finance, and Felix Brückner, Country Director – DACH, focused on how the role of the CFO is evolving through the use of AI. The key message: the autopilot doesn’t replace pilots – it changes the cockpit. Applied to finance, this means AI takes over repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on strategy and strategic management.

We outlined the evolution of the CFO from Historian to Analyst to Orchestrator: while the Historian documents the past and the Analyst identifies patterns in data, the Orchestrator acts as the "conductor of the finance system," coordinating AI agents and automated processes in real time. This illustrates the shift from simple record-keeping to data-driven analysis and finally to proactive management of intelligent financial ecosystems.

Three common myths were debunked:

• “AI replaces jobs” – False. AI replaces tasks, not people.
• “AI is too risky” – Risks arise not from the technology itself, but from missing governance.
• “AI is only for large companies” – In reality, AI is democratized. Its benefits appear early, even for smaller businesses.

With the Payhawk Finance AI Evolution Framework, we introduced a model showing how finance teams can progress from digitalization through automation to a fully autonomous financial ecosystem. At the core are the Agent Archetypes – from simple lookup agents to complex multi-agent systems that gradually take on more responsibility, while remaining transparent and controlled.

Our vision for 2030: a finance function where humans make decisions, while specialized agents orchestrate everything else – safely, transparently, and in real time.

Masterclass: Scalable Expense Management with Unzer Group GmbH

The Masterclass got hands-on with Unzer Group GmbH, represented by Amir Mavaddat (VP Group Accounting & Financial Operations) and Sami Abu-Bakr (Project Lead for Payhawk Implementation), alongside Manuel Holzer (Senior Enterprise Account Executive, Payhawk). In 2024, the company faced the challenge of standardizing expense and travel processes across ten entities – with multiple tools, disconnected systems, and manual workflows.

Together with Payhawk, Unzer Group GmbH found a solution in just a few months to manage card operations, receipt handling, and multi-entity structures within a single platform. Virtual company cards can now be issued in seconds, receipts are captured via app, and live budgets provide everyday transparency.

Implementation followed a phased approach – from the pilot in Luxembourg, through design adjustments, to the go-live across all entities. The result: centralized control, reduced effort, and clear benefits for end users.

Key learnings from the Masterclass:

• A single platform significantly simplifies reporting and management.
• Smart software can eliminate the risks of traditional credit cards.
• Employee engagement and alignment with internal policies are crucial for success.
• Choosing a partner that evolves quickly pays off in the long term.

Event Highlights

The Summit once again highlighted the diverse challenges and trends in finance. Topics ranged from AI-driven planning to e-invoicing, upcoming regulatory requirements, ESG reporting, controlling innovations, and leadership. Key discussions focused on:

• Artificial Intelligence & Automation – from predictive analytics to AI agents.
• E-Invoicing & Digitalization – preparing for the mandatory e-invoice requirement starting in 2027.
• ESG & Sustainability – focusing on CSRD compliance and non-financial reporting.
• Controlling & Reporting – agile, integrated, and data-driven.
• Leadership & People – from talent shortages to mental health.

The dense lineup of sessions and practical examples from companies like Payhawk, Hugo Boss, Swisscom, and Hilti provided a real snapshot of the industry.

5 Key Takeaways from the Accounting Summit 2025

1. AI is here to stay – from planning and invoice processing to expense management, the question has shifted from “if” to “how.”
2. E-Invoicing is becoming a reality. The 2027 mandate is already driving companies to invest in end-to-end digital processes.
3. ESG is more than reporting. Sustainability is increasingly integrated into financial planning, directly impacting KPIs and management.
4. Controlling must become more agile. Real-time reporting and business partnering are no longer optional—they are expected.
5. Leadership drives success. Digital transformation requires not just technology, but change management, talent, and a culture that engages people.

Partner Program in Focus

At the Summit, we had the chance to meet many of our partners in person, exchange experiences, and explore new opportunities in finance. Our Payhawk Partner Program enables companies to offer their clients modern solutions for expense management and process automation – including technical support, co-marketing, qualified leads, and revenue sharing. With seamless integrations with ERP and accounting systems like NetSuite, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Dynamics, partners can provide efficient workflows for their clients while strengthening their own business relationships. The Summit underscored the value of face-to-face interactions in driving innovation, growth, and added value in finance.

Payhawk: Making Financial Processes Smarter, Faster, and More Transparent

Payhawk helps companies streamline and make their financial processes more transparent. The platform combines corporate cards, employee and supplier expenses, and procure-to-pay processes into a single solution. With intelligent workflows, real-time transparency, and seamless integration with existing systems, finance teams gain maximum control and efficiency. With offices across Europe, the US, and the UK, and clients in over 32 countries, companies like Babbel, State of Play, and Wagestream rely on Payhawk to optimize finance processes and support strategic decisions. Those interested in experiencing the solution firsthand can book a free demo anytime.