Australian finance departments accelerate AI & automation use
Australian finance departments are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into core business activities, with most teams moving beyond pilot programmes to widespread operational use.
New research from recruiter Robert Half shows that 86% of finance departments in Australia are using AI to some degree, while 99% utilise automation in their processes.
According to the study, 30% of finance departments have extensively or fully integrated AI into their operations, with 38% of employers reporting the same for automation. Only 14% of departments are not using AI and have no plans to do so, and just 1% have not adopted automation.
Levels of integration
The results indicate a rapid progression in adoption over the past year. Survey respondents described their use of technology at different levels: 22% made limited use of AI, typically piloting it in specific areas, while 36% had achieved moderate integration, with several processes enhanced by AI but not widely across the business. For automation, 25% reported limited use, and 37% cited moderate integration. Fully embedded use, where the technologies form a central part of daily operations and decision-making, was reported by 8% for AI and 14% for automation.
The survey, conducted among 200 finance hiring managers in Australia, found that employers are deploying these technologies to create operational efficiencies and are now expanding their use to areas where predictive analytics and advanced data handling are beneficial.
Current and future applications
Finance leaders are currently prioritising AI in budgeting, forecasting and planning (59%), as well as accounts payable and invoice processing (56%). Further areas of AI deployment include accounting standards, audit and compliance, and accounts receivable and cash application.
Looking ahead, the areas most commonly cited for planned AI investment are financial reporting (39%) and tax compliance (39%), followed by consolidation, expense management, and treasury and cash management.
Automation has already made significant inroads in financial reporting (59%), accounts payable and invoice processing (57%), budget, forecasting and planning (56%), tax compliance (54%), and accounting standards (53%). Finance leaders plan to implement automation next in expense management (39%), accounts receivable and cash application (36%), audit and compliance, tax reporting, and general ledger and reconciliation.
Industry commentary
"Automation in finance has moved beyond early wins like reporting and invoicing," says Lauren Haxby, Practise Director at Robert Half. "The shift toward expense management and reconciliation shows companies are using, or are planning to use, automation to strengthen controls and accelerate workflows.
"What we're seeing is a two-speed strategy. Automation clears repetitive tasks, while AI layers on predictive and analytical depth. Together, they're transforming finance from an efficiency function into a forward-looking, intelligence-driven operation.
"AI is no longer just supporting basics like budgeting and accounts payable, the focus is turning to higher-value areas such as financial reporting and tax compliance, where precision and insight can fundamentally reshape decision-making," concludes Haxby.
Survey methodology
The independent survey, commissioned by Robert Half, was conducted online in July 2025 among 200 finance hiring managers in Australia. Respondents represented a range of organisations, including small and medium enterprises as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector entities.
The survey is part of Robert Half's international workplace study, examining job trends, talent management and workplace developments across IT, human resources and finance functions.
