CFOs see positive team impact from automation and digitalisation | GBAF

CFOs see positive team impact from automation and digitalisation | GBAF

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking and Finance Review is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Finance > Rise of automation is forcing a re-think on skills, says CFOs

Rise of automation is forcing a re-think on skills, says CFOs

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on July 20, 2018

4 min read

Last updated: January 21, 2026

Graph illustrating decline in German retail sales amid COVID-19 restrictions - Global Banking & Finance Review — This image depicts a graph showing the significant drop in German retail sales as COVID-19 restrictions impacted consumer behavior during the holiday season. The decline of 5.5% in December highlights the economic challenges faced by Germany's retail sector amid ongoing pandemic regulations.

Benefits of automation go far beyond productivity as CFOs expect positive impact on team collaboration
Automation driving skills shift as finance teams gear up for the future

CFOs report that automation and digitalisation are having a significant impact on team dynamics and collaboration.

Whilst some fear automation could negatively affect the job market and workplace, finance leaders are seeing positive results. A study of CFOs’ views by recruitment specialist Robert Half UK found digitalisation and automation are leading to improved collaboration (66%), innovation (63%) in their teams, communication (57%) and team spirit (45%).

This rise of automation and digitalisation is also forcing finance leaders to rethink the characteristics they look for in new recruits. CFOs are increasingly valuing an openness to change (46%), adaptability (42%), good communication skills (40%) and an openness to new ideas (39%) as critical components for a successful team.

“While some fear that automation could lead to job losses, our research from CFOs tells a different story – one where automation actually creates opportunities for finance professionals to expand their skillsets and careers. Finance leaders know that automation has the capacity to improve communication and culture if managed correctly. These technologies can allow employees to concentrate on value added tasks, such as data analysis, business partnering or identifying commercial or growth opportunities, thereby improving satisfaction and productivity. As finance teams are faced with ever increasing workloads, automation and technology can help to shift focus from meeting operational finance responsibilities to value added tasks,” says Matt Weston, UK Managing Director at Robert Half.

Weston adds, “Those who can adapt to embrace technology are at a competitive advantage as they become more productive, innovative and motivated. But finance leaders must also be able to train their staff to take advantage of the new digital world – not just to boost their technical expertise, but also those increasingly important soft skills.”

Benefits of automation go far beyond productivity as CFOs expect positive impact on team collaboration
Automation driving skills shift as finance teams gear up for the future

CFOs report that automation and digitalisation are having a significant impact on team dynamics and collaboration.

Whilst some fear automation could negatively affect the job market and workplace, finance leaders are seeing positive results. A study of CFOs’ views by recruitment specialist Robert Half UK found digitalisation and automation are leading to improved collaboration (66%), innovation (63%) in their teams, communication (57%) and team spirit (45%).

This rise of automation and digitalisation is also forcing finance leaders to rethink the characteristics they look for in new recruits. CFOs are increasingly valuing an openness to change (46%), adaptability (42%), good communication skills (40%) and an openness to new ideas (39%) as critical components for a successful team.

“While some fear that automation could lead to job losses, our research from CFOs tells a different story – one where automation actually creates opportunities for finance professionals to expand their skillsets and careers. Finance leaders know that automation has the capacity to improve communication and culture if managed correctly. These technologies can allow employees to concentrate on value added tasks, such as data analysis, business partnering or identifying commercial or growth opportunities, thereby improving satisfaction and productivity. As finance teams are faced with ever increasing workloads, automation and technology can help to shift focus from meeting operational finance responsibilities to value added tasks,” says Matt Weston, UK Managing Director at Robert Half.

Weston adds, “Those who can adapt to embrace technology are at a competitive advantage as they become more productive, innovative and motivated. But finance leaders must also be able to train their staff to take advantage of the new digital world – not just to boost their technical expertise, but also those increasingly important soft skills.”