The accounting profession is no stranger to change, but recent years have accelerated a shift that’s shaking the foundations of traditional finance functions. A talent shortage has led to a growing reliance on automation, especially Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to bridge the gap.
We’re seeing firms of all sizes grappling with the same challenge: how to maintain high standards and deliver value in an environment where experienced professionals are harder to come by.
Where have the accountants gone?
It’s no secret that the accounting profession is struggling to attract and retain talent, through a combination of factors:
- Changing career aspirations: Younger professionals are drawn to more dynamic and flexible roles.
- Retirement wave: A significant portion of experienced accountants are exiting the profession.
- Perception problems: Accounting is sometimes (unfairly) viewed as outdated or monotonous.
The result? Leaner teams, longer recruitment cycles, and added strain on those still in the roles.
Enter: Automation and RPA
As the talent pipeline narrows, technology has stepped up. Tasks that were once time-consuming and manual are now handled by software, freeing up capacity and allowing teams to focus on more strategic work.
Automation in accounting isn’t new, but the introduction and growth of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is reshaping what’s possible.
So, what is RPA?
Think of RPA as digital “robots” that can mimic repetitive human actions across systems – clicking, copying, pasting, logging in, pulling reports. The key is that it works with your existing software, reducing the need for complex system overhauls.
In the finance function, RPA can take over:
- Processing invoices and payment runs
- Reconciling transactions
- Generating and distributing reports
- Financial reporting and dashboards
- Cash flow forecasting
- VAT and compliance workflows
This isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about reducing friction, error, and dependence on overstretched teams.
And with cloud-based platforms and AI tools becoming more sophisticated, automation is no longer just for the large firms, it’s accessible to SMEs too.
RPA & Automation: Tools for the Modern FD
As a Partner in charge of RG’s Outsourced FD service line, I’ve seen firsthand how automation and RPA can transform the way finance functions operate – especially in businesses with small teams or growing complexity.
Here’s where automation (including RPA) adds real value:
- Reduces repetitive workload: Freeing teams to focus on insight and decision-making.
- Boosts accuracy: Especially in data-heavy tasks like reconciliations and reporting.
- Increases scalability: Systems can manage higher volumes with minimal extra resource.
- Delivers consistency: Processes become standardised and less prone to manual error.
It’s a powerful way to build resilience into your finance function, especially when people are hard to find and harder to retain.
Getting Started with Automation and RPA
You don’t need to be a tech giant to benefit from automation. Many cloud platforms and off-the-shelf tools are already incorporating RPA-like features or can be integrated with standalone RPA tools.
Practical starting points:
- Identify the bottlenecks: Look for high-volume, repetitive tasks that drain time.
- Choose automation-ready tools: Platforms like Xero, Dext, Apron, and Fathom are leading the way. RPA platforms like Jenesys AI can sit alongside these.
- Start small: Pilot one process and see the benefits and build from there.
- Engage the team: Tech adoption is as much about mindset as it is about software.
- Stay adaptable: Regularly review processes as your business or clients evolve.
The Shift: From More People to Smarter Processes
The talent shortage isn’t just a short-term pain, it’s nudging firms to rethink the structure of their finance functions. Rather than solving it by hiring more, many are solving it by working smarter.
With automation and RPA, firms can:
- Operate leaner while maintaining (or improving) service levels
- Upskill their teams to focus on strategic advisory-led services, not admin
- Attract younger talent by offering more strategic, tech-led roles
- Deliver more value for clients, faster and with deeper insights
- Improve staff retention by reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction
We’re certainly at a turning point. The traditional finance function is evolving and, in many ways, for the better. The scarcity of talent might be the catalyst, but automation and RPA are the enablers of a more strategic, efficient, and modern approach to accounting and advisory.
The key is balance. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about enhancing them. When you combine the right tools with the right people, you create a finance function that’s not just future-ready, but future-leading.