4 - Digital Technologies & the Finance Function Flashcards
2 ‘core modernisation tools’ + explain
Data visualisation & cloud technology
Upgrades to existing systems to improve capability
2 ‘exponentials’ + explain
Blockchain and data analytics
Create new capabilities and driving finance forward
5 ways cloud computing changing structure & working of finance function
- Flexible working
- Collaboration
- Software continuously UTD by svc provider = compliance with data protection regs
- Improved integration of software
- Improve data security - cloud provider data expert
Cloud accounting =
Provision of accountancy software through the cloud. Users log in to process financial transactions and produce mgmt reports in the same way as if the software was installed on own machine.
3 examples of cloud accounting
QuickBooks, Xero and Sage
2 benefits of cloud accounting
Supports various finance components to work as a team, mgmt can pull data from system rather than waiting for accounts and reports to be produced.
How can internal data help finance?
Help identify, quantify and manage risk in an org - particularly good for internal audit function.
How can external data help finance?
Used by mgmt accounting to support perf mgmt. Variance analysis & then data analysis to explain variances
How can big data help financial accounting specifically?
Improve quality and relevance of financial info, improve transparency and enhance stakeholder decision making.
How can big data help financial reporting specifically?
More relevant and useful info that can be used to improve future accounting standards.
Does data analysis have to involve big data?
NO
How is automation impacting finance?
Recording & verifying low level transactions –> higher level activities such as producing and analysing reports.
Less time on routine tasks –> more time on value add = more effective use of skills.
5 advs to finance of investing in process automation
- Focus on value add
- Reduce HC & $
- Increased accuracy, remove human error
- Catalysts to help org adapt & improve response to change
- Position ROI if good systems
5 disadvs to finance of investing in process automation
- Training costs
- Change mgmt - impact on morale
- Uncertainty over job security
- Systems only as effective as programmer that creates
- Careful mgmt of relationship with IT
AI enables…
transactions to be processed without input from humans and for humans to be assisted in making decisions.
4 ways AI can support finance
- Automate simple processes
- Improve fraud detection of abnormal transactions
- Predictive models to fcast costs & rev
- Improved analysis of unstructured data
5 benefits of data visu to finance
- Richer insights & understanding of perf drivers = finance can add more value
- Tailor to audience
- Accessibility - visual appeal & easily understood
- Real time
- Perf optimisation as clear info allows better decision making & efficient use of resources
2 key uses of distributed ledger tech and blockchain
- Measuring value of assets
2. Verifying asset ownership & associated transactions
In theory, DL tech and blockchain eliminate the need for…
Internal audit function as blockchain guarantees authenticity.
4 impacts of DL tech and blockchain on finance (not necessarily +VE or -VE)
- Security & traceability of transactions may impact how bis records dealings with 3rd parties
- Smart contracts
- Cryptocurrencies not covered by accounting standards - decide how to record e.g. cash, intangible assets, financial instruments?
- Money can cross borders easily - avoid traditional intermediaries like banks & single currency.
Define smart contracts
Self-executing agreements that use cryptography, digital signatures and secure completion. Certain obligations met –> they automatically execute on particular date/time.
Finance can use internet of things to…
Collect data and present info (e.g. smartphones linked to org’s info systems for data visu)
4 ways mobile tech improves finance efficiency
- Scalable - easily expand at low cost
- Comms and flexibility - WFH = save money
- Less paperwork
- Instant visibility - real time
Why does 3D printing having little impact on finance?
Finance doesn’t produce a physical product.
But how does 3D printing affect org’s cost base (5 ways) which finance need to be aware of?
- Increased direct costs - set up cost for 3D printer
- Cost savings due to waste reduction
- No overproduction
- Reduced inventory & very little raw materials need to be held - just in time systems
- Minimal tooling & set up costs required - printer instead of large production facility.
4 aspects of basic digital literacy
- Create digital content - understand & be skilled in range of digital software.
- Ensure data safety
- Comm in a range of digital channels
- Solve problems created by digital environ
3 aspects of technology know-how
- Understand how digital issues (e.g. cyber security) impact finance
- Understand how digital tech can disrupts org’s bis model & identify possible future disruptions
- Appreciate need for & apply data privacy and security procedures
How do basic digital literacy and technology know how differ?
Basic digital literacy = capability to work in digital environ
Technology know how = sufficient technical knowledge where deeper level of expertise is required.
Digital mindset refers to…
A fusion of abilities to confront complexity, work in an agile and creative manner to harness curiosity in order to continuously learn.
What’s another way we can perceive the digital mindset?
Think of it as seeing the bigger picture and focussing on how tech is changing orgs/society rather than on the individual details of the change.
3 aspects of digital mindset + expand on each
- Dealing with complexity - change unpredictable & rapid
- Working in creative & agile way - more value add tasks = strategic partner rather than service provider, more bis partnering.
- Lifelong learning - shelf life of learned knowledge rapidly decreasing
CPD standa for…
continuing professional development - relates to lifelong learning aspect of digital mindset
Forbes 5 qualities, practices and approaches as being important dimensions of digital mindset.
- Clear vision on how bis should evolve & supporting practices to get there by empowering others
- Give up control of change, instead architect the choices of getting there.
- Sustain & enhance existing bis processes but allow new processes to disrupt status quo
- Balance between reliance on data & trusting personal instincts when making decisions
- Both sceptical and open minded - degree of caution with new tech.
Change adept org =
Ready and have capability and capacity to deal with change. Lean processes, flexible structures and fwd thinking.
Growth mindset =
Person who has desire to continuously learn and develop themselves. View feedback positively and use as op for growth rather than as a threat. Freely give feedback for same reasons.
Is AI considered part of automation process?
Yes, to some degree
State 4 key components of finance function
- Financial reporting
- Management accounting
- Treasury
- Internal audit
High level description of role of financial reporting
Report results & financial position of bis. Principal function is to satisfy info needs of external users.
4 steps involved in preparation of financial statements
Transactions, day to day books, ledger accounts, financial statements.
Statutory annual accounts of a company =
aka financial statements
Qualified vs unqualified financial statements
Financial statements st min size requirement so audited. Audit report qualified or unqualified if issues arising from accounts.
Statement of PnL
Income and costs incurred in the period ending on reporting date resulting in profit or loss.
Statement of financial position
assets, liabilities and capital on the reporting date.
Statement of cash flow
Cash receipts and payments for period ending on reporting date. Shows is company solvent and areas where cash spent.
Earnings per share ratio
EPS = profit after tax / weighted average number of shares in issue
Price earnings ratio
PE = share price / EPS
What does a high PE ratio indicate?
Investors expect future earnings growth and are prepared to pay more now in return for this. PE tells us how many years hold share for in order to recoup investment - so high PE means expect EPS to grow rapidly as wouldn’t want to wait many years to recoup.
Dividend yield =
DY = div per share / current share price *100%
Indicates % return.
5 stakeholders financial statements are produced for
- Gov - tax requirements
- Managers - to help plan
- Banks - can org afford repayment?
- Employees - care about job security & pay
- Customers & suppliers - impacts purchasing decisions & whether to extend credit
Are non-commercial orgs also required to maintain accounts and prepare financial statements?
Yes e.g. charities and clubs
Big difference between financial reporting & mgmt accounting functions
Financial reporting = backwards looking
management accounting = do look back, but also forwards looking
High lvl description of mgmt accounting role
Analyse data to provide info as a basis for managerial action. Info Aid planning and controlling of org.
Financial reporting vs mgmt accounting: user of info
FR = external MA = internal
Financial reporting vs mgmt accounting: purpose of info
FR = record financial performance MA = planning, controlling & decision making
Financial reporting vs mgmt accounting: legal requiremnts
FR = statuary format MA = none
Financial reporting vs mgmt accounting: format
FR = accounting standards and law MA = set by mgmt