Follow the information
Documents, approvals and account codes often move across several tools before a report can be prepared. Map one routine process and note where people copy information, resolve mismatches or ask for missing context. This reveals a more useful starting point than a broad promise to automate finance.
Separate preparation from approval
An assistant may help extract fields, group documents or flag inconsistencies. People still need to verify the evidence and make the decisions within the organisation’s financial controls. Define the exceptions that require attention and keep a traceable record of changes.
Measure a dependable improvement
Track handling time and correction work together. A faster process that creates more errors is not necessarily better. Compare a small pilot with a realistic baseline, involve the process owner and agree what would cause the team to pause or change the approach.
Take one useful step.
- Choose one repeated reconciliation or preparation task.
- Define the evidence needed at the human review point.
- Measure corrections alongside time saved.
Original AIHI commentary. Source authorship remains with the credited publication.
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