Finance functions have been transforming themselves in recent years, with the aim to evolve from a "data producer" role towards a "strategic business partner" position for internal clients. This transformation requires switching from reactive to proactive data delivery, analyses and decision-making support for internal clients.

Robotics Process Automation (RPA) has proved to be a major optimization lever for financial activities. In recent years, Roland Berger has conducted numerous assignments in the field of RPA in finance functions across various industries.

RPA is an interesting and effective level to replace repetitive, manual tasks by "robotized" process generating substantial productivity gains around production, control, consolidation and reconciliation tasks. To be fully effective, it needs to come after a process simplification and harmonization effort and should be coupled with an analysis of the long-term end-to-end automation potential of accounting and financial production flows. In addition, an analysis of the expected evolution of HR need is required.