Upskilling financial management professionals in the post-pandemic era

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master_Holopainen_Riku_2022.pdf (898.6 KB)

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School of Business | Master's thesis
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Date

2022

Department

Johtamisen laitos

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Management and International Business (MIB)

Language

en

Pages

89 + 4

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Abstract

Intelligent automation (IA) refers to a set of emerging technologies that are dramatically changing knowledge work, especially in the field of finance and accounting. Accounting professionals are expected to learn various skills, for instance, technological and social skills, to work with new technologies effectively in the future. Previous studies related to intelligent automation have mostly focused on describing, for example, the definitions and benefits of these technologies. Few empirical studies have been conducted that link IA and individual people in organizations. Moreover, limited scholars have had the opportunity to to study the effects of IA in organizations with extensive experience of these technologies. In this thesis, a case study is conducted to reach the research objectives. Employees in the case organization, especially financial specialists and accountants, are interviewed to discover how intelligent automation is currently utilized at work, and how employees feel about the increasing use of these technologies. In addition, individuals’ current skill levels, motivation, and opportunities to participate in intelligent automation work and learning activities are explored. Based on the interview data and literature, the aim is to explore what kinds of learning methods can be used to address growing skill gaps and help overcome challenges that the increasing use of IA has generated in organizations. This research is carried out as commissioned work. The findings of the study display that most employees in the case company have gained at least some experience in working with various intelligent automation tools. Generally, new technologies were welcomed, as they have provided significant help and reduced the manual work of employees. Most interviewees described that their IA related skills are on an average level. IA skills were mainly learned during basic courses provided by the company, and by conducting work that includes IA. However, individuals’ motivation and opportunities to participate in IA related activities varied highly between the interviewees. Most interviewees were certain that intelligent automation will reshape their work in the future. The challenge for HR professionals and managers is to identify which skills are needed in the future of work and how employees can learn these skills. In addition to general training and development practices, key findings suggest that individuals are most motivated by the opportunities to participate in real IA related work. Successful upskilling programs require social skills from line managers to develop an understanding of individuals’ learning wishes and then provide suitable learning opportunities for the employees. In this thesis, I designed potential future roles for IA oriented financial specialists and accountants.

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Thesis advisor

Vuorenmaa, Hertta

Keywords

SHRM, intelligent automation, HRD, upskilling

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202210165869

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[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ