The Australian finance division integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into core business activities, with most teams moving beyond pilot programs to operational use.
A new survey from recruiter Robert Half found that 86% of Australia's financial sector use AI to some extent, while 99% use automation in their processes.
Research shows that 30% of the financial sector have broad or fully integrated AI into their business, while 38% of employers report the same for automation. Only 14% of departments that don't use AI and don't plan to do so, and only 1% do not adopt automation.
Integration level
The results show that adoption has progressed rapidly over the past year. Survey respondents explained the use of technology at various levels. 22% restricted AI and normally piloted in certain areas, while 36% achieved moderate integration and some processes were enhanced by AI, but not wide across the business. Regarding automation, 25% reported limited use used, and 37% cited moderate integration. The fully embedded use of technology, which forms the central part of everyday work and decision-making, was reported in 8% with AI and 14% with automation.
A study conducted among 200 Australian financial recruitment managers found that employers deployed these technologies to generate operational efficiencies, and expanded their use to areas where predictive analytics and advanced data processing are beneficial.
Current and Future Applications
Finance leaders currently prioritize AI in budgeting, forecasting and planning (59%) (59%) and invoice processing (56%). Additional areas of AI deployment include accounting standards, audit and compliance, and accounts receivable and cash applications.
Future, the most commonly cited areas of planned AI investments are financial reporting (39%) and tax compliance (39%), followed by integration, expense management, financial and cash management.
Automation has already made significant intrusions in financial reporting (59%), paid and invoice processing (57%), budgets, forecasts and planning (56%), tax compliance (54%), and accounting standards (53%). Finance leaders will implement automation with expenses management (39%), accounts receivable and cash applications (36%), audits and compliance, tax reporting, general ledger and settlements.
Industry commentary
“Finance automation moved beyond early victories such as reporting and billing,” says Lauren Huxby, Robert Half's practice director. “The shift to expense management and settlements shows that businesses are using or planning to use automation to enhance control and accelerate workflows.
“What we're looking at is a two-speed strategy. Automation clears repetitive tasks, and AI stacks predictive and analytical depth. Together, they're transforming finances from efficiency features to future prospects and intelligence-driven operations.
“AI not only supports basics such as budgeting and accounts payable, but also focuses on high-value areas such as financial reporting and tax compliance.
Research method
An independent survey commissioned by Robert Half was conducted online in July 2025 among 200 financial recruitment managers in Australia. Respondents represented a variety of organizations, including small and medium-sized businesses, large private and publicly registered public sector entities.
This study is part of Robert Half's international workplace survey, examining job trends across IT, talent management, workplace development, human resources and financial functions.
