Hong Kong CFOs Agree Workplace Automation Requires a Shift in Finance Skills – CFO innovation ASIA

Workplace automation is often thought of as a negative occurrence as for most people it is synonymous with job losses. However, new independent research commissioned by specialized recruiter Robert Half shows more jobs are expected to be created than replaced by automation.

This positive jobs sentiment is reflected in a recent speech by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard University while automation will eventually replace some jobs, it is up to millennials to create new ones.

In terms of job loss, almost three in four (72%) Hong Kong CFOs agree workplace automation does not imply a reduction in finance employees in their team, but rather, it requires a shift in the necessary skills. More specifically, the top skills finance professionals need to focus on as a result of automation are problem-solving skills (54%), strategic vision (53%), flexibility/ability to adapt (34%) and communication (33%).

Contrary to many perceptions about potential dangers of automation, the benefits of new technologies are attainable to companies who embrace workplace automation rather than resist it, says Adam Johnston, Managing Director of Robert Half Hong Kong.

While automation may diminish some routine manual roles, it will lead to faster decision making, reduce the risk of errors, and eliminate stresses associated with laborious task-management responsibilities.

Johnston also noted that iInnovative companies who adapt to automation will need to bring in experts who are equipped to lead this change, leading to jobs creation and demand for specialists.

Organizations will also need to focus on staff training to ensure their workforces have the adequate skills to leverage the benefits brought by workplace automation.

Rather than simply hand over control to the robots finance professionals can actively equip themselves with the skills required to leverage the capabilities of automation. Using more advanced technology in the workplace requires additional, well-developed skills, such as advanced data analysis, interpretation skills, and decision-making skills.

The advantages of automation

The benefits brought about by workplace automation for finance organizations are plenty. According to Hong Kong CFOs, the top three advantages businesses will experience in the finance department are better decision-making capabilities (55%), employees taking on more value-added work (50%) increased efficiency and productivity (49%).

For finance employees, the positive impacts of automation on their daily workloads are increased output (71%), increasingly being able to quickly learn new capabilities (51%) and increased focus on the execution of tasks and less on the inputting of data (50%).

The finance function needs to evolve

While 84% of Hong Kong CFOs agree that increased reliance on technology and digital processes can deliver a positive impact to the finance function, it will be crucial for organizations to ensure they have the necessary skills needed to unearth the positive impacts for both companies and employees alike.

Indeed, while companies will be looking to sharpen their competitive edge with automation, the pressure will fall on a savvy workforce to make things happen. More than two in three (69%) CFOs agree their finance function still has a long way to go in updating its technologies and digital processes.

Change is happening and companies need to adapt to an increasing automated workforce though theres still a long way to go. It will be an ongoing process for companies to fully adapt to change, and Hong Kong organizations understand they need to refocus the workforce to truly realize the benefits of combining the right human skills with new technology, concluded Johnston.

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Hong Kong CFOs Agree Workplace Automation Requires a Shift in Finance Skills - CFO innovation ASIA