This past week the headlines have been blaring, "are we entering a recession?". We'll leave it to the talking heads to decide whether we are already in a recession or if one is simply imminent. However, what we can do is offer you some clear cut ways organizations can leverage business process automation to more effectively prepare for and navigate these uncertain times. All too often and especially in times of crisis, organizations implement digital technology for one sole purpose: to cut costs. However, adopting such a miopic view of technology can hinder innovation and long-term growth.

Enterprise resource planning, treasury, finance and accounting systems for the back office haven't changed significantly in years. While consumers are reaping the benefits of advanced technology in the form Amazon shopping recommendations, instant re-routing through traffic via Google or automated personal investment guidance -- finance & accounting (F&A) staff are stuck with manual processes, Excel spreadsheets or user non-friendly interfaces in an enterprise software system. Yes, we have ERP's in the cloud which is helpful, but these are really utilizing the same underlying approach -- rigid business rules -- that don't fundamentally change the intelligence driving the software. Thankfully, advancements in intelligent automation, increased computing options in cloud software and a realization that F&A staff can use some help too are driving companies to create solutions that fundamentally change how F&A work gets done. This article describes the core components of intelligent automation with specific examples of use cases that can help F&A staff work smarter, close the books more efficiently and spend more time doing higher value work (or maybe just not working on the weekends).