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Artificial intelligence proficiency is rapidly becoming a key requirement in the finance profession, according to OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar, who says employers may soon view AI literacy the same way they view spreadsheet expertise today.
Speaking at the Liquidity Summit 2026, Friar highlighted how the rise of AI-powered tools is reshaping hiring expectations across the finance sector. She suggested that professionals who lack familiarity with modern AI systems could find themselves at a disadvantage as workplaces increasingly integrate automation and intelligent software into everyday operations.
Drawing a comparison with traditional business tools, Friar said she would be unlikely to hire a finance professional who was unfamiliar with AI applications such as Codex, OpenAI’s coding and workflow automation tool. She argued that just as spreadsheet software became a foundational skill for finance teams, AI tools are emerging as a new baseline competency.
Her comments reflect a broader shift underway across industries as organisations seek employees who can use AI to streamline processes, improve analysis and boost productivity. Recent industry surveys indicate that finance leaders are placing growing emphasis on AI and automation capabilities when recruiting talent, often ranking those skills ahead of more conventional areas of expertise.
Also read: Satya Nadella calls for ‘Management Frameworks’ as AI Agents take on bigger workplace roles
The growing adoption of AI is also expanding beyond technical roles. According to Friar, knowledge workers represent an increasingly large share of users engaging with advanced AI tools, signalling that the technology is becoming relevant across a wider range of business functions.
Beyond workforce trends, Friar also addressed one of the AI industry's biggest challenges: access to computing infrastructure. She noted that demand for processing power continues to outstrip available supply as companies race to build and deploy increasingly sophisticated AI systems.
OpenAI, she said, has invested heavily in securing computing resources in anticipation of future demand. Despite those investments, she indicated that capacity constraints remain a significant concern as adoption accelerates globally.
Friar also stressed the importance of ensuring broad access to AI technologies, warning that communities and organisations should not be left behind as the technology becomes more deeply embedded in economic and professional life.
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