Almost all large and medium-sized Brazilian companies (98%) still do not use automation in the financial sector, according to a survey released by LeverPro at the end of 2024. This means that they perform their operations manually, often using spreadsheets. This dynamic stands out from the current competitive context, where companies need to manage their resources strategically, make assertive decisions, and reduce the margin for errors.
“The number is alarming, because automating financial operations stopped being a competitive advantage many years ago. Today, it is a necessity for any company that wants to guarantee reliability in its data, analyses and decisions”, analyzes Wilder Gouveia, Financial Director ofYou are welcome., distributor of technological solutions for the B2B market.
A recent study conducted by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies implementing financial automation reduce operational costs by up to 25% and increase report accuracy by over 30%. This can be done through specialized systems, ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) a RPAs (Robotic Process Automation), who execute, monitor, and manage the 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, real-time monitoring of receipts, and the preparation of revenue reports.
In invoice management, automation allows for validating XMLs, issuing electronic invoices, and handling returns and adjustments. Regarding supplier management, the tools continuously update registration data, ensure fiscal and regulatory compliance, and perform integrated contract management. Finally, in the context of reports, they provide 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 report, carried out 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 spent on 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, you need to think about technology from a strategic point of view, evaluating your company’s needs and choosing the solution that is most compatible with your business profile,” concludes Gouveia.
