Digital transformation continues to have a huge impact on several aspects of a business. Ever-evolving technology that can improve efficiencies while reducing risks and optimizing costs should be explored and exploited for their potential benefits to the organization. Digital transformation in finance and accounting too offers a number of benefits and CFOs would be wise to prioritize this strategic initiative to reap the rewards. Here is a quick look at a few of the aspects of the finance and accounting processes that benefit from digital transformation.

1. Automation and streamlining: Digital transformation automates manual and repetitive tasks thus reducing the time and effort required for financial processes. This allows CFOs and their teams to focus on value-added and analytical activities such as financial analysis, planning and decision-making.  Increased efficiency leads to faster closure of financial processes, streamlined reporting and improved productivity. There are RPA tools available in the market such as UiPath or Automation Anywhere, which can help automate repetitive and rule-based tasks in finance and accounting.
2. Real-time insights: The tools available today, allow CFOs to stay on top of their company's financial performance by providing real-time access to all data and analytics related to the finance and accounting function. This allows them to monitor key metrics and trends in real time, enabling them to make proactive decisions and adjust the implemented financial strategies accordingly. CFOs can identify potential risks and opportunities by rapidly analyzing financial data, thus ensuring the financial success of their company. We have platforms available such as Tableau and Power BI which enable finance professionals to create interactive dashboards and visualizations from financial data.
3. Strategic planning and forecasting: Digital transformation tools enable CFOs to conduct advanced scenario modeling, forecasting and predictive analytics. We have platforms available such as, SAS Analytics, or Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, which can provide comprehensive capabilities for scenario modeling and predictive analytics. These tools leverage statistical algorithms, machine learning techniques and data mining to analyze historical data, identify patterns and make predictions about future outcomes.
4. Enhanced compliance and risk management: Digital tools help CFOs ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and manage financial risks more efficiently. Automated workflows, audit trials and secure document management systems enhance the compliance process. Additionally, advanced analytics and predictive models can identify potential risks and anomalies, enabling proactive risk mitigation strategies.
5. Collaboration and communication: CFOs can collaborate with stakeholders, share financial insights and provide real-time financial updates to support informed decision-making using digital tools such as cloud-based platforms, project management tools and virtual meeting solutions.
6. Strategic partnership with IT: It is easy to miss the importance of partnering with the IT team and CFOs must ensure they work with IT to determine the appropriate technologies and put them into practice. They can provide strategic guidance, assess the Return on Investment of digital investments and ensure alignment between financial goals and technology initiatives. Collaborating with IT helps CFOs leverage the full potential of digital tools to drive financial transformation.

It is therefore clear that digital transformation in finance and accounting empowers CFOs to become more strategic, data-driven and value-oriented. By leveraging digital tools and technologies, CFOs can enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making and drive financial performance within their organizations.

Lalitha Narni

Global Head – Finance Center of Excellence, Infosys BPM

Lalitha Narni is a Chartered Accountant with a Diploma in Information Systems Audit (DISA), along with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Commerce and Management and three postgraduate degrees – a Masters in Commerce, an MBA with specialization in Finance and International Business, and a Masters in Financial Management (Management Accounting). She has 20+ years of experience playing different roles involving end-to-end transitions, transformations (re-engineering, sharing best practices, Monitoring Quality projects – LSS, YB, GB , BB etc.,), COE (RFPs to the stabilization of the tax process), heading operations, staff manager (identifying training needs, right resources in the right place, maintaining a floating team of experts) and Client Relationship Management in the BPO industry.

In her current role with Infosys BPM, Lalitha is Global Head for the Finance Center of Excellence responsible for capability development, that is, scaling up Finance and Accounting resources with domain training. In addition, she supports operations to identify and deliver transformations, contract renewals etc.; presales with solution development and orals with prospective clients, consultation assignments as the domain lead for technology projects.

Venu Gopal Yenduri

Senior Practice Lead – Finance Center of Excellence, Infosys BPM

Venu has 18 years of experience in Finance and Accounting Service Delivery, Transitions and Transformations with Outsourcing and Global Business Services Industries. In his current role as a Record to Report Domain Expert, he is responsible for supporting RFPs, RFIs, Contract Renewals and client visits. He also supports Benchmarking and Maturity Assessment for Finance and Accounting clients. He is a Commerce Graduate and a Chartered Accountant with sound knowledge in the Record to Report process.