Accounting or finance automation is a term you will see in many places today. Automation does indeed save time and improve efficiency. However, good automation workflows begin with a sound process. Here, we map out the steps to take before you automate your finance processes. If you take the time now to refine your processes before you set up automations, you’ll gain more benefits from automation.
Good Finance Automation Begins with Simple, Effective Processes
Even before discovering which automations are possible in your current finance or accounting software, ask yourself why you want to automate a process. Consider automation when a process:
- Takes considerable time and effort
- Reoccurs at regular intervals
- Follows a logical sequence
Knowing why you want to automate a process starts with such questions. And it’s not just about what you want in your role with the organization—ask what other team members need too. Consider gathering your team and brainstorming ideas around which processes can be automated. Is there one task that takes up a great deal of time for someone? Is it something they must do regularly?
When you have your list of tasks, move on to the next step.
Map the Process on Paper Before Automating Through Software
It is important to map out the process and workflow from start to finish on paper before programming it in your finance system. This ensures that you’ve considered every step and haven’t missed anything. It also gives you time to review the process and make sure it is still accurate and needed. Sometimes, organizations continue to enact processes because “that’s the way it’s always been done.” Forcing yourself to sit down alone or with the team and map it out on paper gives you another opportunity to review the process, make refinements, and reduce the steps, if possible.
List the Processes to Automate in Order of Priority
Next, take the list of processes you’ve created and order them according to priority. Which process, if automated, saves the most time? These should be your priority automations.
Work with the Technology You Have
Now it is time to set up automations. Start with the system that you have. Most finance and accounting systems have at least some form of automation built in. You may need to ask a consultant or find information on the vendor’s website to set up the automations you require.
Do You Need Custom Programming or Replatforming?
What if the current platform you’re using doesn’t offer the automations you need? You have several choices. Exploring custom programming may be a good step if you aren’t ready to replatform or choose new software. While custom programming isn’t cheap, it may be the right solution for your needs if you can quantify the return on investment or ROI.
Some finance platforms offer additional components, upgrades, or add-ons that may provide the tools you need. Work with your technology consultant or software vendor to explore other alternatives. Many companies have invested in automation within their finance or accounting platforms over the past several years, especially as AI has become prevalent. It may be easier for your organization or more cost-effective to upgrade your current platform than to hire someone to build custom code or to switch to a new platform. The last alternative is to move to an entirely different system, also called replatforming. Such a move should not be undertaken lightly. However, if you find that your current accounting and finance software isn’t supporting your organization’s growth or needs, speak with us, and let’s discuss the options.
Automate Processes the Right Way
Automation in your finance and accounting workflow can indeed save a great deal of time and effort. Ensuring that the basic process is sound, identifying the ones that give you the most bang for your buck, and utilizing the software you already have is the right way to proceed with automating financial processes.
Welter Consulting
Welter Consulting bridges people and technology together for effective solutions for nonprofit organizations. We offer software and services that can help you with your accounting needs. Please contact us for more information.
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