- AI, ESG, NetSuite Financial Management
Gone are the days when the finance team’s primary focus was simply closing the books each month. As business expectations evolve, finance leaders are now stepping into broader strategic roles—playing a crucial part in shaping long-term success across their organisations.
Two major drivers are accelerating this shift: the growing adoption of AI and the increasing focus on ESG. While once seen as emerging trends, both are quickly becoming business priorities as organisations seek to boost efficiency, manage risk, and meet the expectations of customers, investors, and regulators.
In response, many finance teams are reviewing their existing systems, processes, and skills—looking for smarter ways to manage data, embrace automation, and contribute meaningfully to ESG goals. These themes were at the heart of a recent NetSuite webinar, Top Trends Supporting Businesses to Maximise Success, which explored how aligning people, processes, and technology can prepare organisations for the future. Here are some of the key takeaways.
Aligning Technology, Processes, and People
One of the main messages from the session was clear: to see real value from AI, businesses need a strong foundation. As highlighted by NetSuite ERP partners during the webinar, AI’s impact depends entirely on the quality of the data and workflows it is built upon. When applied effectively, AI can:
• Automate repetitive tasks and reduce human error
• Improve forecasting with predictive analytics
• Strengthen scenario planning and supply chain risk assessments
• Speed up access to critical business insights
However, the goal isn’t to replace finance professionals—it’s to elevate them. With AI, teams can shift from time-consuming data entry to more impactful interpretation and strategic decision-making.
This is where modern financial accounting software like NetSuite delivers real value. Its built-in automation, real-time reporting, and intelligent workflows enable finance departments to move from reactive operations to proactive planning—unlocking long-term NetSuite ERP benefits.
ESG Reporting Is Rising Up the Agenda
With new regulatory requirements on the horizon—particularly EU-driven ESG disclosures starting from financial year-ends in 2025—finance leaders are finding themselves at the centre of ESG reporting efforts.
The webinar’s advice? Don’t delay. Start integrating ESG into your systems now.
Implementing an ESG solution today helps avoid last-minute pressures later. NetSuite’s unified data model supports ESG services by bringing together financial and operational data—creating a reliable single source of truth for sustainability reporting. AI also supports ESG initiatives by:
• Capturing and analysing environmental and social performance data
• Automating key elements of ESG reporting
• Tracking progress against sustainability targets in real time
Embedding ESG into your core systems today allows finance teams to move beyond basic compliance and deliver real strategic value—building trust and demonstrating long-term resilience.
At OSSM, we’re already supporting businesses across the UK and Ireland on this journey—helping them integrate ESG services directly into their NetSuite ERP systems for a more efficient and effective approach to sustainability.
Why Many Finance Teams Are Still Struggling
Despite the opportunities AI and ESG present, many organisations are still facing challenges that limit their agility and insight. Common blockers highlighted in the webinar include:
• Outdated systems that lack true cloud capabilities
• Disconnected data and siloed departments
• Manual processes that increase errors and waste valuable time
• Poor collaboration between finance and other business functions
These limitations not only slow down reporting—they make it harder to adapt, stay compliant, or respond quickly to market changes.
The takeaway? Now is the time to modernise. Finance teams need flexible, scalable ERP systems that support automation, enable real-time insights, and empower continuous improvement.
Laying the Groundwork for Smarter Finance
Every business is at a different stage of digital transformation, but a great starting point is understanding where your finance team stands today. Here are a few practical steps inspired by the discussion:
• Map your current processes: Identify where delays, duplication, or inefficiencies exist
• Review your systems: Are your tools helping or hindering progress?
• Upskill your team: Equip staff with the knowledge to work confidently with modern tools and interpret data
• Engage business leaders: Show how finance can support wider strategic goals
Whether your organisation is focused on ESG compliance or looking to harness the potential of AI, it all begins with a solid foundation—underpinned by the right people, processes, and technology.
Looking Ahead
Whether your organisation is preparing for ESG compliance, improving reporting accuracy, or exploring how AI can streamline operations and uncover insights, finance teams are uniquely positioned to drive change.
From engaging with businesses across the UK and Ireland, we see that forward-thinking finance teams are already taking action. Rather than waiting, they’re embracing innovation and turning finance into a more strategic asset for the wider business.
Let our team here at OSSM guide you on the right ERP journey to meet your current and future challenges. Are you ready to future-proof your finance and ERP systems? Book a NetSuite demo and discover how a unified platform can simplify your processes and deliver lasting transformation.
About the Author
Ray Ryan
Ray Ryan is the CEO of the Noledge Group.
With over 30 years of experience in the software industry, Ray's expertise spans from Unix systems to modern cloud ERP solutions. As CEO, he leads the Noledge Group in delivering cutting-edge technology that simplifies business operations for our clients.
