Analysing how RPA systems impact the finance function within gaming companies

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research is to determine the applicability of RPA within the finance function of gaming companies. The study determines what RPA is and which processes are available for automation in the finance function. It also analyses the benefits, drawbacks and impact of RPA on the gaming industry and the accountant. Lastly, the research determines the behavioural considerations of RPA and whether gaming companies adopting RPA gain a competitive advantage. Design: A qualitative methodology was adopted, where fifteen semi-structured interviews with finance officers in gaming companies were carried out. Findings: The majority interviewed implemented RPA within their finance function. Various processes were noted as applicable for automation by RPA, however, automation of reconciliations and extraction of data present in both B2C and B2B companies, were the most common. The benefits of RPA were found to be efficiency, increase in satisfied accountants, reduction in human error, increased control and cost-efficiency. Conversely, drawbacks of RPA are lengthy implementation and ongoing maintenance, unrealised potential of RPA and the fact that RPA itself is rules-based. The main impact highlighted in this study is the shift in the accountant’s role to focus more on human judgement leading to an increase in the quality of work generated by the finance function. However, the accountant may also lose fundamental knowledge as core tasks of the finance function are automated by the RPA itself. The behavioural considerations of RPA by the participants, is that they perceive RPA implementation positively, however, lower-level employees experience fear of replacement which is why they tend to resist its implementation. Conclusion: RPA implementation leaves a positive impact on the finance function of gaming companies; in fact, this research shows how companies who have adopted RPA systems have gained a competitive advantage. As a result, those gaming companies who have not implemented RPA should take such systems into consideration to improve the finance function in an efficient manner. Value: The Gaming Industry is a significant contributor to the Maltese economy. By implementing RPA, the finance function will operate more efficiently resulting in the organisation to increase its efficiency which not only benefits the organisation itself but also the local economy.