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Robotic Process Automation

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software to enable the automation of activities by accessing user interfaces without touching underlying programmes. Find out more how the technology is being used in finance.

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Articles and features

The importance of culture in the adoption of robotics and manufacturing
  • Article
  • 04 Mar 2022
In this article, we hear from Jack Semple, who runs the Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA) and is a member of the ICAEW Manufacturing Community Advisory Group.
Robotic process automation: a vision of the future
  • Article
  • 21 Feb 2022
It’s a hot topic in finance right now. Rob Binns, CFO at Access Group, discusses why accountants should embrace, not fear, the acceleration of digital transformation.
Role of assurance in risk management
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2020
Internal best practice design and controls are critical tools to ameliorate the risks in deploying cognitive technologies. However, in particularly important cases, or where the risk is unacceptably high, organisations should consider bringing in additional expertise to validate their design principles, controls or the model itself.
Managing risks through better design principles
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2020
Organisations need to tackle the risks associated with adopting cognitive technology so that they can benefit from the potential efficiencies and insights that it can offer.
What is cognitive technology?
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2020
From automation of complex processes to analysis of subtle patterns to aid planning, cognitive technology can be a powerful business tool. However, the pace of innovation has been accompanied by concerns over the risks that new and emerging technologies pose, creating a demand for ways to understand, mitigate and control these risks.
Exclusive Lean and robots: Dynamic duo or disruptive disaster
  • Article
  • 01 May 2019
Article discussing automation in relation to lean manufacturing with examples of how some companies are utilising technology such as robotics within a lean approach.
Digital transformation - A long and bumpy road
  • Article
  • 29 Nov 2017
Making the most of new technologies is not always straightforward. Kirstin Gillon looks at how finance functions have got to grips with digital.
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Guidance

ICAEW Evolution of mid-tier accountancy firms 2024
  • Report
  • 23 May 2024
  • PDF (1,466kb)
ICAEW's latest research reveals the polarised reactions to private equity funding within the sector, as well as expectations for profit growth and shifts in services lines over the next three years.
Exclusive The essential guide to robotic process automation
  • Report
  • 30 Dec 2020
Robotic process automation (RPA) can save organisations' time, with tasks performed with higher speed and accuracy, as well as removing the risk of human error. However, it is not suitable for all processes and, in some cases, could act as a sticking plaster for a system that needs to be re-engineered.
AI in Corporate Advisory
  • Report
  • 28 Jun 2019
  • PDF (2,199kb)
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on finance and business will be profound. The Corporate Finance Faculty has been tracking the application of AI to ‘big data’ in corporate transactions.
How do you audit a robot?
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 23 Mar 2018
Guidance for internal auditors on how to provide assurance over the key risks involved in implementing robotic process automation (RPA).
Exclusive How do you audit a robot
  • Report
  • 19 Mar 2018
  • PDF (1,916kb)
Guidance for internal auditors on providing assurance over robotic process automation (RPA).
Exclusive RPA in Finance - a promising investment, but beware the hype
  • Report
  • 01 Mar 2018
  • PDF (295kb)
A report of the discussions of a meeting with finance professionals of large organisations who see the potential for significant benefits from RPA and are running pilots to assess the feasibility of reducing costs and improving accuracy, quality, timeliness and drill-down.
Understanding the impact of technology in audit and finance
  • Report
  • 19 Feb 2018
  • PDF (416kb)
This paper has been produced based on comments from the breakfast briefing jointly organised by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), on 13 December 2017 at DFSA.
Exclusive Special Report 59: Finance and Technology
  • Report
  • 11 Dec 2017
  • PDF (5,640kb)
This month’s report looks at the impact and influence that technology is having on our roles in finance.

Webinars and recordings

Process mining 101: The key to digital transformation
  • Webinar
  • 23 May 2024
Discover the fundamental principles of process mining, along with common use cases and tools to support effective adoption.

Training on tech

ICAEW offers a variety of online and in-person training courses on a range of technology related issues, including data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Excel elearning series
  • Course
ICAEW has created a six-part online learning course to help ensure you have the Excel knowledge and skills required to progress through the first three levels of the ICAEW Spreadsheet Competency Framework. The modules explain skills, techniques, tips and shortcuts to use Excel more productively and enable you to create more robust spreadsheets that deliver increased impact.
Innovating finance with AI (Virtual)
  • Course
A guide to digital technologies and their impact. This immersive course empowers accountants with strategies to implement key technologies like automation, AI and advanced analytics.
Digital skills
  • Hub page
Technology has enabled automation of many elements of accountancy and this provides an opportunity for chartered accountants to utilise their professional skills but also the need to add to them.
Analytics in Power BI: ICAEW Certificate
  • Course
New for 2025: Gain essential data analytics skills and advanced reporting techniques to stay ahead of industry demands with this practical qualification from ICAEW.
Browse ICAEW courses

Further resources

Resources
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence

Discover more about the impact of artificial intelligence and the opportunities it presents for the accountancy profession. Access articles, reports and webinars from ICAEW and resources from tech experts.

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ICAEW
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Events and courses

Browse a list of ICAEW CPD courses covering technology, across virtual, in-person and elearning options, and see a list upcoming technology focused events.

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Resources
Digital skills
Digital skills

Technology has enabled automation of many elements of accountancy and this provides an opportunity for chartered accountants to utilise their professional skills but also the need to add to them. Find out more

Browse resources