The AI Imperative for EPM Consulting Firms
The AI Imperative for EPM Consulting Firms
Why smaller consultancies must combine domain depth with technological leverage to remain competitive
Enterprise finance teams are under growing pressure to deliver sharper insights, faster decisions, and future-ready strategies. For Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) consulting firms, keeping pace requires more than expertise in planning systems. It now demands the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, forecasting, and financial transformation. AI is no longer optional. It is becoming the foundation of value delivery for the clients EPM firms serve.
The Urgency Behind AI Adoption
Several shifts in the market are accelerating the need for EPM firms to integrate AI into their service models:
- Escalating Client Expectations: Finance leaders are actively seeking AI-driven solutions. Surveys show that 85 percent of CFOs are optimistic about AI and 80 percent plan to increase investments in AI over the next two years. Generative AI will soon become a standard tool in planning and forecasting, and clients will expect these capabilities as part of the consultant’s core offering.
- Pressure to Deliver More Value with Fewer Resources: AI is proving to be a powerful tool for improving productivity and managing project costs. Early adopters report saving up to 12 hours a week through AI as well as reducing project costs. Tasks like data aggregation, report writing, and variance analysis can be automated, freeing up consultants to focus on strategic advisory work.
- Access to Powerful Tools Has Widened: Cloud-based AI platforms and open-source tools have made advanced analytics widely available. Boutique firms now have the ability to deliver insights once reserved for much larger consultancies. With AI-driven modeling, firms can handle complex projects and deliver sophisticated outputs without needing large analyst teams.
- Competitive Pressure from Larger Firms: Major consulting firms are heavily investing in AI and repositioning their services to highlight these capabilities. Boutique firms that hesitate may find themselves losing ground to competitors who can promise faster delivery, smarter insights, and more responsive planning models.
- Amplifying Finance Expertise with AI Tools: AI enhances rather than replaces the work of EPM consultants. Firms that combine deep financial knowledge with AI tools can deliver faster, more accurate, and more predictive outcomes. Modern EPM platforms like Anaplan, Pigment, and Oracle Cloud EPM now include built-in AI features that support predictive modeling and real-time scenario planning. Consultants who adopt these tools are able to deliver intelligent, adaptive models that create lasting value for clients.
Internal Improvements to Consulting Workflow
AI also transforms internal operations. Performance reports and board presentations that once required hours of manual preparation can now be drafted with AI assistance. For example, a generative AI tool can write initial commentary on financial results while anomaly detection tools highlight unusual transactions. Consultants then refine the outputs and focus on strategic messaging. This improves speed, quality, and ultimately the value delivered to clients.
Why Boutique Firms Are Well Positioned
Smaller firms have an advantage when it comes to adapting and experimenting with AI. They are agile enough to adopt new technologies quickly and integrate them into tailored client solutions. Unlike large consultancies that may be slowed by rigid methodologies, boutique firms can collaborate directly with clients and iterate quickly. This flexibility allows them to deliver personalized service backed by cutting-edge AI, combining the best of both expertise and technology.
Closing Thought
The future of EPM consulting belongs to firms that combine financial knowledge with AI-powered tools. This is not a matter of adding flashy tech features. It is about reshaping how value is delivered to clients. Boutique firms that embrace AI will set the new standard for insight, efficiency, and agility. Those that delay risk being left behind.
At Arete EPM, we believe that real transformation happens when domain knowledge meets intelligent technology. We are committed to helping clients plan smarter, act faster, and lead with confidence.
