Digitalization of the finance function: Automation, analytics, and finance function effectiveness

Abstract

Contemporary digital technologies provide new opportunities for organizing work within the finance function. In this study, we examine two digital technologies that are particularly relevant to the operation of finance functions – automation and analytics. We argue that variation in the use of these technologies is related to the interplay between firm-level digitalization strategy and the objectives of the finance function. Drawing on prior literature, we distinguish between two finance function objectives: an efficiency objective and a business partnering objective. Based on survey responses from 137 finance function professionals and complementary insights from 11 interviews, we show that the use of digital technologies within the finance function is associated with both firm-level digitalization strategy and the specific objectives of the finance function. Specifically, we find a positive interaction between an emphasis on firm digitalization strategy and an efficiency objective on the use of both automation and analytics. In contrast, digitalization strategy and a business partnering objective have positive but independent effects on the use of analytics. We also find that finance functions that simultaneously use automation and analytics have lower effectiveness, which might be a result of resource constraints. Overall, our paper adds to our understanding of the drivers and consequences of digitalization in the finance function.