About a year and a half ago, I made a significant career shift from the realm of Payments and Finance Operations to the Treasury department. This transition was not without its challenges. My expertise in general finance wasn’t as extensive as my colleagues', compelling me to embark on an intensive learning journey. Despite the steep learning curve and my operational mindset, I managed to gradually build my knowledge base, all thanks to the support and guidance of my colleagues and managers. 

Back then, AI was still on the fringes of our daily work life, but its influence has grown immensely since, profoundly impacting how I approach my role in Treasury.

Table of contents

Three AI tools to help your day-to-day 

Here are my top AI revelations that have been pivotal in my professional growth.

Formula Bot 

Initially, data analysis, particularly in Excel, was a daunting task for me. Handling complex formulas and pivot tables was not my strong suit. Then I discovered the Formula Bot. It was transformative. It not only provided the formulas I needed but also explained their purpose and how to adapt them to my needs. Today, my dependency on it has decreased, not because it's less effective, but because it has equipped me with the skills to handle these tasks on my own.

ChatGPT 

ChatGPT has been like a digital mentor to me. I don’t rely on it for ready-made solutions or specific financial advice. Instead, I use it as a guide to source information and understand complex financial concepts. It's akin to having a Jarvis in the world of finance – always ready to assist and steer me in the right direction. ChatGPT has made information more accessible, ensuring I don’t spend endless hours buried in books. 

Bing Chat 

My use of Bing Chat parallels my experiences with ChatGPT. It reminds me of the days when research meant scouring through library books. While those days had their charm, the efficiency and speed that Bing Chat offers in finding information are indispensable in our fast-paced world.

However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The integration of AI into my workflow initially presented challenges. Understanding and trusting the algorithms required a shift in my thinking. There was also a learning curve in mastering these tools, which sometimes felt overwhelming. But overcoming these hurdles has been part of the journey, teaching me resilience and adaptability in the face of technological change. 

Looking ahead, the future trends in AI are exhilarating. I am particularly excited about the potential of AI in predictive analytics and its applications in risk assessment and financial forecasting. The integration of AI with blockchain technology also presents intriguing possibilities for enhancing security and transparency in financial transactions. 

On a personal level, embracing AI has dramatically reshaped my skill set. It has honed my analytical abilities, not just in interpreting data but in understanding the mechanics behind AI-driven analysis. This journey has been about more than acquiring technical skills; it's been about developing a mindset that is open to continuous learning and innovation.

Essential AI tools for the Treasury team 

Looking at the broader picture, especially in Treasury and Finance Operations, several other AI tools and technologies excite me.

VBA Scripts in Excel 

A lifesaver for those of us immersed in financial reconciliation tasks. The ability to automate these processes is not just a matter of convenience; it's about accuracy and reliability in a domain where even the smallest error can have significant repercussions. 

Power BI with AI capabilities 

For someone with an operational bent like myself, the integration of AI into Power BI for data analytics is nothing short of exciting. The prospect of transforming complex data into actionable insights with the help of AI is a game-changer in decision-making processes. 

Microsoft Azure AI 

Its predictive analytics and machine learning features are intriguing, even if one must cautiously interpret its forecasts. 

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Bots 

The potential to automate routine tasks and free up time for more complex analyses is incredibly promising. The true value of RPA bots lies not just in their efficiency, but in their ability to minimize human errors, a crucial factor in our meticulous world of finance. 

AI in Fraud Detection and Compliance 

There are some AI systems that excel in identifying irregular patterns that may signal fraudulent activities. Their real-time monitoring of transactions and adeptness at spotting anomalies not only could bolster our fraud detection capabilities but also reinforce adherence to regulatory standards. 

Integrating AI into Treasury and Finance Operations at Mews is more than just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic revolution. By automating and refining our routine tasks, AI frees our team to focus on the bigger picture: envisioning and shaping the future of finance at Mews. This shift from manual to strategic focus isn't just about efficiency; it's about opening doors to innovation, enabling us to proactively drive growth and adapt to the evolving financial landscape with agility and insight. 

To sum up, I am deeply engaged with the ongoing AI revolution, not because it offers a shortcut to work but because it presents a gateway to uncharted possibilities. Reflecting on "The Innovators" by Walter Isaacson, I can’t help but wonder what pioneers like Nolan Bushnell and Alan Kay would think of our current AI landscape. For me, AI isn't just a tool; it's a partner that empowers us to achieve more than we ever thought possible. 
Alexey Molyakov profile picture

Author

Alexey Molyakov

Enthusiastically diving into the world of payments with an insatiable curiosity, Alexey is the person who won’t budge an inch – some call it stubbornness, he calls it dedication! Don’t let his initial brusqueness fool you – beneath that lies a heart as soft and welcoming as a freshly baked cookie.