Automation has evolved Transactional Finance for the past decade. How will AI impact the pace of change?

Across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, transactional finance roles have been changing - not suddenly, but steadily.

Automation has taken hold in many finance functions. Processes that once relied on teams of people - invoice matching, bank recs, data input - are now handled by software. And while these efficiencies are welcome, they bring new challenges for employers and employees alike.

The structure of finance teams is shifting. So are the expectations placed on people in these roles.

More businesses across our region are embracing automation. One South Yorkshire SME has recently overhauled their Accounts Payable function as part of its digital transformation. By introducing smart AP automation tools, they have:

• Improved invoice accuracy and payment times
• Strengthened supplier relationships with faster turnaround
• Maintained the same payroll costs, but with a team adding significantly more value to the business than previously

What used to be a high-volume, manual task is now a more agile and efficient operation - a blend of new technology and top talent developed & recruited to use it.

Karen Caswell has worked through each wave of change in this market. With over two decades of experience in transactional finance recruitment, her insight is helping employers and candidates adapt with clarity and confidence.

“We have seen how automation changed the shape of finance teams - AI is going to take that even further. The most successful employers will be those who plan now, build flexibly, and hire with the future in mind.

As well as recruiting for tech-based skills, employers should be looking to address the key competencies they look for in their finance recruitment – a positive attitude to learning, adaptability and service orientation have an important role to play” Karen Caswell