Emerging technologies are changing the way we do just about everything. Automation, fueled by artificial intelligence, has made it possible for companies to advance, grow, and exceed their customer’s expectations in just about every way.

In the accounting industry, robotic process automation (RPA) is helping firms gain a competitive edge, driving new efficiencies and streamlining processes from end-to-end. But how does this bode for you and your accounting job?

What is RPA?

Robotic process automation automates tedious, repetitive daily processes. It speeds up tasks, makes the results more reliable, and enables complex analytic functions that would typically take a lot of time to complete.

Some of the operations that RPA can address include:

• Data entry
• Expense management
• Records reconciliation
• Financial reporting
• Regulatory compliance

In the area of compliance, especially, companies have the potential to reduce their risk, eliminate human error, and avoid breaches. The cost efficiencies are so significant, in fact, that RPAs advantages are impossible to ignore.

How will RPA affect my job?

If we consider that RPA is a reality that we will all have to face at some point, we can either embrace it or move on. Embracing it is a much more viable option, as proficiency with RPA may well help you find your way to an even better position.

Consider the benefits of RPA:

• Increases employee productivity
• Decreases or eliminates errors in calculations
• Frees up employees to focus on higher-value tasks
• Allows companies to serve more customers and build the bottom line
• Improves efficiency and timeliness
• Makes customers happy
• Assures compliance for auditability

When you understand how RPA can help you do your job more efficiently, you’re in a better position to make it work to your advantage. Here’s how:

1. Embrace new technology. Be proactive. Learn as much as you can about emerging technology and gain the relevant skills around it. For example, you could become a blockchain expert or learn how RPA is being applied to audits. This will show your employer that you are forward-thinking and ready for whatever comes next.
2. Become certified. An RPA certification will give you a leg-up on current RPA applications and how they are shaping the future of the financial sector. Having these credentials will be proof positive that you are serious about RPA and can deliver valuable insights into how they can apply it to their needs.
3. Show your results. Simply knowing about RPA isn’t enough. You should be able to demonstrate how it helps you in your daily work. If it saves you time, reduces errors, or frees you up to build value for your accounts, share this with your employers. This will let them know that you are adaptable and willing to embrace whatever the future holds.
4. Help others improve their RPA skills. If you become the resident RPA expert, you’re in an excellent position to get others on board as well. You may even find yourself on the receiving end of a new role that better suits your technological aptitude.

In conclusion, RPA is already shaking up the financial sector. Embracing the changes and growing with them will assure your future.

Are you looking to hire top accounting talent? Professional Alternatives’ Houston accounting and finance recruiters are here to help! Reach out today to speak to our team about what we can do for you.