Nearly all large and medium-sized Brazilian companies (98%) still do not use automation in the financial area, according to a survey released by LeverPro at the end of 2024. This means they perform their operations manually, often using spreadsheets. This dynamic contrasts with the current competitive context, where companies need to manage their resources strategically, make assertive decisions, and reduce room for errors.
“The number is alarming because automating financial operations ceased to be a competitive advantage many years ago. Today, it is a necessity for any company that wants to ensure reliability in its data, analyses, and decisions,” analyzes Wilder Gouveia, Financial Director of Unentel, a distributor of technological solutions for the B2B market.
A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies that implement financial automation reduce operational costs by up to 25% and increase the accuracy of reports by more than 30%. This can be achieved through specialized systems, from ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) to RPAs (Robotic Process Automation), which execute, monitor, and manage operations. The idea is to promote information security and enable professionals in the field to prioritize other activities.
In addition to analyzing large volumes of data and generating accurate reports, these tools can perform specific tasks in different areas of the finance department. In the accounts payable sector, they enable payment scheduling, automatic document verification, and control and analysis of recurring expenses; in accounts receivable, they facilitate sending invoices, monitoring receipts in real time, and preparing revenue reports.
In invoice management, automation allows for validating XMLs, issuing electronic invoices, and handling returns and adjustments. As for supplier management, the tools provide continuous updates of registration data, ensure tax and regulatory compliance, and perform integrated contract management. Finally, in the realm of reporting, they offer real-time analysis, consolidation and integration of financial data, as well as scenario forecasting.
Thus, the finance department can evolve to become a strategic center—so much so that, according to the Global Digital Operations Study conducted by PwC, 72% of companies that automate financial operations observe significant improvements in their ability to respond to market demands.
Sebrae shows that companies that automate financial processes reduce the time dedicated to these tasks by up to 70%, demonstrating that automation not only solves current challenges but can also be part of a long-term growth tactic when well implemented.
“Choosing the right system is a challenge, but it exists. To make an assertive decision, it’s necessary to think about technology from a strategic perspective, assessing your company’s needs and selecting the solution most compatible with the business profile,” concludes Gouveia.
