Visionary Voices
Facing the Future
Facing the Future by Shoring Up the Core
Technology Exists, but the “People Side” of Adoption Is the Real Challenge
The tools are there—cloud-based platforms, automation software, AI-ready systems—but many firms aren’t using them optimally. Take close optimization platforms like BlackLine, for example – we’ve seen a number of companies that are using them as expensive repositories rather than transformation engines. The gap isn’t solely technological; it’s in change management, training, and helping people understand that these tools can actually make their jobs better, not just different.
Staff Augmentation Is the Gateway to Strategic Transformation
What makes RGP’s approach different is that we don’t see staffing and consulting as separate offerings—they’re part of the same journey. We start by meeting clients where they are, often providing skilled accountants to solve immediate problems. But our people bring industry experience and a consultative mindset that naturally evolves into strategic partnerships. As Andy shared about his partnership with a leading insurance provider, “We started as a staff augmentation provider, and we finished as a trusted consulting partner.”
AI Readiness = Data Readiness
Before any organization can leverage artificial intelligence meaningfully, they need clean, standardized, accessible data. The companies that will win in the next wave of automation are those investing now in data, process standardization, and the unglamorous work of getting their information architecture right.
As we look ahead, three priorities are top of mind:
1
Process Optimization Before Technology: Companies need to fix their foundational processes before layering on new technology. The goal isn't just efficiency—it's creating sustainable, scalable operations that can handle growth without proportional increases in headcount.
2
Incremental Transformation: Rather than betting everything on massive three-year projects, smart organizations are taking an iterative approach—proving value in 60–90-day increments and building confidence along the way.
3
AI and Data Readiness: The next 12-18 months will be critical for organizations to establish the data foundations that will enable meaningful AI adoption. This isn't just a technology play—it's about creating competitive advantage through better, faster decision-making.
The Bottom Line
Finance can position itself to lead an organization into the next era of the digital age – but do to so, they need to invest now. With the rate of change that’s coming, falling behind may not just mean that you’ll struggle to catch up; it may mean you won’t finish the race at all. The organizations that invest now in both people and processes will find themselves with a significant advantage when the next wave of innovation arrives.
If you’re ready to move beyond the perpetual close and build finance operations that truly support business growth—we’d love to talk.
