Automation and Harmonization Opportunities for the Closing and Reporting Team
Mandrovschi, Iulia (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025091824846
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025091824846
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on identifying the automation and harmonization opportunities for the Closing and Reporting team in Finland with the parent company located in Switzerland.
The study was conducted using Applied action research and by gathering data in three different rounds via methods such as interviews and workshops with internal stakeholders, internal document analysis, and observations. The final proposals’ evaluation and validation was conducted with subject matter experts. The study started with the current state analysis of the current ways of working and identifying the weaknesses and strengths of the currently used processes and tools.
To explore available knowledge and best practices, the theoretical framework focused on the topics of harmonization, knowledge and change management in financial analysis and reporting area. Inspired by this knowledge, the proposal for future automation was co-developed with the C&R team. The Proposals included FA inputs, Reconciliations, and extraction of data regarding the transformation using UiPath tool. The co-creation workshop proposed the Open/close AP, AR, PO and GL periods, as well as the priorities and requirements for both business and robot. In the final stage, the process flows were designed for FA creation and open periods for AP, AR, PO and GL modules.
The outcome of the thesis might prove beneficial for several types of users. First, it is significant for internal stakeholders in the Closing and Reporting team; second, for accounting practitioners by adding knowledge about the RPA processes in finance. Ultimately, it can be applied by the RPA developers to understand what drives the non-users of RPA to adopt their solutions and even further to come voluntarily with automation proposals to them.
The study was conducted using Applied action research and by gathering data in three different rounds via methods such as interviews and workshops with internal stakeholders, internal document analysis, and observations. The final proposals’ evaluation and validation was conducted with subject matter experts. The study started with the current state analysis of the current ways of working and identifying the weaknesses and strengths of the currently used processes and tools.
To explore available knowledge and best practices, the theoretical framework focused on the topics of harmonization, knowledge and change management in financial analysis and reporting area. Inspired by this knowledge, the proposal for future automation was co-developed with the C&R team. The Proposals included FA inputs, Reconciliations, and extraction of data regarding the transformation using UiPath tool. The co-creation workshop proposed the Open/close AP, AR, PO and GL periods, as well as the priorities and requirements for both business and robot. In the final stage, the process flows were designed for FA creation and open periods for AP, AR, PO and GL modules.
The outcome of the thesis might prove beneficial for several types of users. First, it is significant for internal stakeholders in the Closing and Reporting team; second, for accounting practitioners by adding knowledge about the RPA processes in finance. Ultimately, it can be applied by the RPA developers to understand what drives the non-users of RPA to adopt their solutions and even further to come voluntarily with automation proposals to them.