Finance Function Automation: Trends and Priorities in 2025

Finance and accounting departments are at the heart of a technological revolution. Digitization, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools are transforming not only the way financial tasks are carried out, but also the role of professionals in these critical functions.

This change is not just technical: it redefines the strategies, priorities and skills required to meet the challenges of an ever-changing business environment.

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Automation: a pillar of transformation

Transactional process automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is emerging as an essential lever for automating repetitive tasks such as invoice management, bank reconciliation and tax returns. According to the 2023 study by Financial Executives International (FEI), 72 % of CFOs say that automating transactional processes is one of their top three technological priorities.

These solutions allow you to :

  • Reduce human error: Less reliance on manual intervention significantly reduces the risk of errors.
  • Improve operational efficiency: Processing cycles, such as those for financial closing, can be shortened by 40 % thanks to automation.

Example: A major Canadian bank recently integrated RPA solutions into its accounting department, reducing month-end reconciliation processing times from 10 days to just 3.

Artificial intelligence and predictive analysis

AI is no longer limited to simple reporting tools. It now provides predictive analytics, insights into future performance and helps identify growth opportunities or areas of risk. A Gartner study reveals that integrating AI into financial processes could enable a 25 % increase in budget forecast accuracy.

These technologies enable :

  • A better detection of financial anomaliesparticularly in the area of fraud.
  • A optimizing strategic decisionssuch as resource allocation or cash flow management.

Priorities for Finance Departments in 2025

With the acceleration of digital transformation, finance departments are taking a proactive approach to adapting to market expectations and business needs.

Strengthening organizational resilience

Economic uncertainty, amplified by interest rate fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, is driving CFOs to focus on agility. This involves :

  • Faster closing cycles thanks to tools like BlackLine or Workiva.
  • The adoption of cloud solutions, which enable real-time management of financial data.

According to PwC, 75 % of the world's finance departments consider that their ability to react quickly to economic change will depend directly on their level of digitalization.

Ensuring greater compliance

Accounting standards such as IFRS and new ESG reporting requirements are evolving rapidly. Compliance is becoming a major challenge, requiring tools capable of guaranteeing perfect data traceability.

For example:

  • Platforms such as SAP and Oracle facilitate the integration of new accounting standards.
  • Specific ESG reporting tools help companies to meet the growing expectations of investors.

The Impact of Automation on Financial Talent

New skills required

Automation is not eliminating jobs, but it is redefining what is expected of professionals. Companies are now looking for talent with technical and analytical skills.

Among the most sought-after:

  • Mastery of digital tools : The ability to use software such as SAP, Power BI or Tableau is essential.
  • Data analysis : Understanding and exploiting data to generate strategic insights becomes a key differentiator.
  • Adaptability : As accounting standards evolve rapidly, professionals need to be ready to adapt on an ongoing basis.

Developing soft skills

Paradoxically, as technology takes over technical tasks, human skills become increasingly important. Cross-functional collaboration, communication and the ability to interpret complex results for non-technical stakeholders become critical.

An opportunity for career development

A study by the Ordre des CPA du Canada shows that 82 % of finance professionals believe that digitalization offers a unique opportunity to move into strategic positions.

Persistent challenges

Despite its advantages, digital transformation poses challenges:

  • High initial cost : Automation tools represent a substantial investment, often difficult to justify for SMEs.
  • Complex integration : Solutions need to integrate with existing systems, which may require major adjustments.
  • Resistance to change : Some professionals see automation as a threat, requiring change management.

Conclusion:

A Future Focused on Innovation

Automation and artificial intelligence are not just transforming finance departments. They are redefining the strategic role of the finance function. More than a cost center, it is becoming a key partner in guiding strategic decisions, improving organizational resilience and supporting innovation.