In 2025, automation is rapidly transforming the accounting and finance sectors, with more businesses adopting software and tools to streamline their workflows.
Accounting automation is revolutionizing the industry by delivering faster, error-free results. Advances in AI, machine learning, big data, and RPA are enabling businesses to automate a variety of functions, from ERP and CRM systems to HR and customer support. As a result, accounting automation has become a key revenue driver, with more professionals embracing technology to stay competitive and meet client demands.
Now, let’s take a look at some eye-catching statistics that show how the marketplace is steadily shifting toward accounting automation practices.
Key Takeaways:
- AP automation is growing rapidly, with the market expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030, driven by the need for efficiency and cost reduction.
- Large enterprise finance teams are embracing generative AI, with 80% expected to use in-house AI platforms by 2026 for improved financial decision-making and control.
- Automation is no longer just for big businesses, as 61% of small businesses now use AI for tasks like invoicing, payroll, and inventory management.
- Agentic AI is transforming decision-making, with at least 15% of daily work decisions expected to be made autonomously by AI by 2028.
- Manual invoice processing is declining, with only 60% of invoices manually entered into ERP/accounting systems in 2024, down from 85% in 2023.
- AI is enhancing invoice approvals, with 68% of businesses seeking AI-driven automation to improve efficiency, accuracy, and fraud detection.
- ePayments are becoming the norm, making up 62% of enterprise payments in 2024 as businesses prioritize speed, security, and convenience.
- Automation is now essential for business success, streamlining operations, optimizing decision-making, and paving the way for fully autonomous financial workflows.
1) The AP Automation Market Is Exploding
The accounts payable (AP) automation sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by businesses’ need to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs. With the global market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%, the adoption of AP automation tools is set to accelerate across industries.
AP automation enables organizations to streamline invoice processing, enhance visibility into financial workflows, and reduce manual errors. As more businesses recognize the importance of automating financial operations to improve speed and accuracy, they are investing in innovative technologies that ensure better cash flow management and compliance.
The steady market expansion reflects a larger trend of businesses embracing automation as a critical element for financial success.
2) Finance Teams in Large Enterprises Will Leverage In-House Generative AI Systems
Generative AI is poised to play a major role in transforming how finance teams in large enterprises operate. By 2026, an impressive 80% of finance departments will have integrated AI platforms capable of processing large datasets and trained on proprietary business information to ensure more relevant and precise insights.
These in-house systems will provide businesses with more control over their financial data while enhancing the speed and quality of decision-making. By offering predictive insights, automating routine tasks, and optimizing complex financial strategies, generative AI can drive substantial improvements in areas such as financial forecasting, budgeting, and risk management.
As AI adoption becomes more widespread, companies will gain a competitive advantage by leveraging custom-built solutions tailored to their unique needs.
3) Automation Is Not Just For Big Businesses
AI-powered automation is no longer exclusive to large corporations; small businesses are also harnessing its power to enhance operational efficiency.
In fact, 61% of small businesses have already implemented AI to automate daily tasks such as invoicing, payroll, and inventory management. By automating these tasks, small businesses can free up valuable time and resources, allowing them to focus on growth and strategic initiatives.
With the increasing availability of affordable and user-friendly automation tools, small businesses now have access to technology that was once only available to large enterprises. This trend is expected to continue as AI technology becomes even more accessible, helping small businesses streamline operations and stay competitive.
4) Agentic AI Is On The Rise
The rise of agentic AI is set to revolutionize decision-making across industries, fundamentally reshaping how work is done. By 2028, an estimated 15% of daily work decisions will be autonomously made by AI systems capable of analyzing vast amounts of data, recognizing patterns, and making informed judgments. These AI solutions will not only automate tasks but also take on decision-making roles, particularly in finance, operations, and customer service, where quick and accurate decisions are crucial.
Agentic AI’s ability to process large datasets in real time and determine the best course of action will be transformative, especially in high-pressure environments. As organizations adopt these systems, human workers will shift from performing repetitive tasks to collaborating with AI, ensuring optimal outcomes.
In accounting, this shift will pave the way for autonomous accounting. AI will take on critical functions such as approvals, audits, and forecasting, allowing accountants to focus on strategic oversight and higher-level analysis.
As the technology continues to integrate, accounting departments will operate more efficiently, enabling professionals to provide deeper insights and drive business strategy. Ultimately, agentic AI will lead to fully autonomous accounting workflows, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making across the financial sector.
5) Manual Invoice Processing Is Outdated
Manual invoice processing is steadily declining as businesses shift toward automation. In 2024, only 60% of invoices are manually entered into ERP/accounting systems, down from 85% the previous year.
This trend highlights the growing recognition that manual processes are time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient. By automating invoice entry, businesses can minimize human error, accelerate processing times, and enhance financial accuracy.
Automation tools extract key data from invoices, verify it against purchase orders and contracts, and integrate it directly into accounting systems—eliminating the need for manual data entry. As automation technology advances, reliance on manual invoice processing will continue to decrease.
6) AI Is Improving Invoice Approvals
Invoice approval processes, traditionally slow and prone to bottlenecks, are significantly improving with AI integration. According to IFOL’s global survey, 68% of respondents want AI to streamline invoice approval and payment authorization.
AI-powered solutions can automatically validate invoices by cross-referencing them with purchase orders and past payment history, ensuring only accurate and compliant invoices are approved.
Additionally, AI can detect discrepancies or unusual patterns, adding a layer of fraud prevention and enhancing financial control. The shift toward AI-driven invoice approvals highlights businesses’ focus on improving efficiency, accuracy, and security in financial workflows.
7) ePayments Are Becoming a Norm
Electronic payments (ePayments) are rapidly becoming the preferred transaction method for businesses. In 2024, ePayments are expected to account for 62% of all enterprise payments, a significant increase from previous years.
This shift is driven by the need for faster, more secure, and convenient payment options that reduce inefficiencies and risks associated with traditional methods like checks.
Digital payment platforms allow businesses to process transactions in real time, improving cash flow management and reducing waiting times for fund clearance. As security measures advance and the global economy becomes more digital, ePayment adoption will continue to grow, reshaping business transactions.
What These Automation Statistics Say for the Future
The automation statistics highlighted here paint a clear picture: automation is no longer optional—it’s essential for businesses of all sizes to stay competitive and drive growth. As these numbers show, automation isn’t just a passing trend; it’s becoming a fundamental component of modern business operations.
Operating without automation today is like working without the right tools—inefficient and unsustainable. What was once a luxury for large enterprises is now accessible to businesses of all sizes, optimizing everything from workforce management to supply chains.
This shift points to a future where automation goes beyond repetitive tasks to influence entire decision-making processes. We are already witnessing the rise of assisted intelligence, where automation handles time-consuming work while humans oversee and refine decisions.
As we transition toward augmented intelligence, humans will collaborate more closely with machines, leveraging uniquely human skills like emotional intelligence, creativity, and innovation. Eventually, autonomous intelligence systems will emerge, where continuously adaptive technologies play a central role in decision-making.