In this course we begin to delve into the topic of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as it applies to the accounting and finance function.
This course is a continuation of our series on digital transformation. In this course, we begin to delve into the topic of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as it applies to the accounting and finance function. Most RPA implementations begin in the finance and accounting department The finance and accounting function’s role historically means many processes are repetitive and rule-based. These are two of the most important criteria in identifying good RPA candidates.
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a software automation tool that automates routine tasks such as data extraction and cleaning through existing user interfaces. The robot has a user ID just like a person and can perform rules-based tasks. Examples include accessing email and systems, performing calculations, creating documents and reports, and checking files.
Prior to delving into an RPA initiative, it is important to have an understanding of the impact of automation, the challenges of RPA, and the embedded concepts of RPA such as bots, bot manager, and workflow design. These are all elements important to an effective RPA initiative.
In this course, we will explore RPA in the accounting and finance functions.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Lynn Fountain has over 45 years of experience spanning public accounting, corporate accounting and consulting. 24 years of her experience has been working in the areas of internal and external auditing. She is a subject matter expert in multiple fields including internal audit, ethics, fraud evaluations, Sarbanes-Oxley, enterprise risk management, governance, financial management and compliance. Ms. Fountain has held two Chief Audit Executive positions for international companies. In 2011, as the Chief Audit Executive for an international construction/ engineering firm, she was involved in the active investigation of a joint venture fraud. The investigation included work with the FBI and ultimately led to indictment of the perpetrators and recovery of $13M. Ms. Fountain is currently engaged in her own training and consulting business and is a regular trainer for the AICPA. Ms. Fountain is the author of three separate technical books. “Raise the Red Flag – The Internal Auditors Guide to Fraud Evaluations” was published by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation. -“Leading The Internal Audit Function” and -“Ethics and The Internal Auditor Political Dilemma” were published by Taylor & Francis In addition Ms. Fountain was a contributing author to the certification program exam for the National Association of Accountants. She also has certificate programs on various on-line platforms. Ms. Fountain has performed as an adjunct instructor for the School of Business for Grantham University and developed the first internal audit curriculum for the School of Business at the University of Kansas. Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She has her CGMA, CRMA credentials and CPA certificate (non-active).
