According to the latest report from ACCA – which surveyed over 260 shared service executives to gain their insights about what attracts them to a finance role in shared services – a career in shared services is more and more seen as a long-term option, as a development opportunity and a gateway to other business careers.
The findings of this report suggest that „technological innovation and the future application of automation and artificial intelligence is likely to further transform shared services and shape many of the skills most valued”. As the ACCA article reads: „Almost 80% of respondents agree or strongly agree that technology will allow shared services professionals to focus on higher value-adding activity, ultimately putting to rest the ‘finance factory’ reputation of shared services.”
Jamie Lyon, head of corporate sector, ACCA explains: „Shared services offer a unique opportunity to broaden capabilities and soft skills increasingly sought by the business […]. Whilst new opportunities will emerge, so will new challenges and pressures on finance shared services professionals. Leaders will have to ensure they keep themselves abreast of technological advances, not only to satisfy businesses’ ever-growing appetite for data insights but also to attract and retain the best and brightest talent”.
For the complete ACCA article and report, please follow this link.
