Florence Bastos explains the importance of optimising financial processes through technology.
The world is undergoing a rapid technological evolution, and the public finance sector is no exception. The sheer magnitude of recent innovation in automation technology has arrived at the right time for struggling local authorities, which are facing more complex challenges than ever before as resources strain.
To address these challenges, CIPFA and Access Paysuite recently hosted a roundtable between a range of public sector finance professionals.
The potential benefits, challenges and solutions of automation adoption were highlighted in the discussion.
The case for automation
A consensus emerged: automation offers significant opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, transparency and service quality for a wide array of financial operations, from payment processing and expense management to data analysis.
One of the most compelling cases for automation is its ability to streamline workflows, reducing the time employees spend on repetitive tasks. By automating routine processes, staff can devote more energy to high-value projects that require insightful decision-making. This shift is critical as local authorities grapple with rising demand. However, something as complex as automation cannot be adopted overnight; there are obstacles that must be overcome.
Overcoming challenges
A common struggle highlighted during the discussion was the challenge posed by legacy systems, particularly outdated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Many professionals agreed that some of these systems lack the flexibility required to support further automation.
On the other hand, the challenges of automation adoption go beyond technology. A key theme that emerged was cultural resistance – people may be unwilling to change their traditional workflows.
Bridging the gap
Considering these technological and cultural hurdles, how can automation be successfully implemented on a large scale?
The roundtable emphasized the pivotal role of strong leadership in driving successful adoption. Leaders must articulate a transparent, clear and dynamic vision that unites teams and stakeholders around a shared goal. To achieve this open dialogue is essential, as it helps address concerns, alleviate anxieties and build trust across the organisation. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, leaders can create a supportive environment where all stakeholders feel valued and heard.
Framework for success
Automation is not a ‘one-and-done’ initiative; it’s a continuous process that demands adaptability.
Leaders must establish robust frameworks that enable ongoing feedback and engagement from all relevant stakeholders. This approach ensures resources are allocated effectively and allows for proactive decision-making to address challenges as they arise.
To further support transformation, providing personalised and meaningful training opportunities is essential. This not only equips employees with the skills they need to succeed but also helps them feel like active participants in the change. Engaged, empowered teams are more likely to embrace automation as a tool that enhances their roles rather than replaces them.
Careful transformation
Ultimately, automation offers powerful opportunities for local authorities to navigate an increasingly complex future. However, this transformation must be approached with careful planning, inclusive leadership, and effective governance to ensure long-term success.
When done right, automation has the power to revolutionise public finance operations and pave the way for a more efficient and resilient future.
- Florence Bastos is a Public Finance Technical Advisor at CIPFA
