Blockchain: 8 Reasons That Can Transform Finance and Accounting

The Quintessential Technology Source for Corporate Financial Professionals

Home » News

Blockchain: 8 Reasons That Can Transform Finance and Accounting

CFO Tech Outlook | Thursday, September 26, 2019

Blockchain has attained a status in the finance sector, that no one believed would be possible. How did blockchain achieve so much and in such less time?

FREMONT, CA: Blockchain has transcended from hype to highly valued technology with innumerable real-world applications, especially in the business sector. Since 2017, the technology has gradually hailed to the position of power at present with full operational deployments and disrupting fundamental processes of business in lines of buying and selling. The technology is converging to mainstream accounting technology utilized to record every business transactions made. 

The critical attributes of the blockchain technologies are distributed ledgers, decentralized databases, the omission of the third-party intermediaries, and highly encrypted transactions and transparency. These characteristics meet the critical requirements of finance and accounting (F&A) operations. By integrating blockchain into F&A operations, the transactional trust can be increased along with a reduction in fraud risk, low transaction costs, and accelerated process times. Some key enablers of Blockchain in F&A processes are: 

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

• Smart Contracts and Smart Assets: 

A smart contract is a program that runs on blockchain technology. It establishes the rules for the contract and automatically enforces the agreement when the state rules are met. The contract allows the computer protocols to verify and implement the agreement to radically reduce the transactional costs related to delivery, formalizing, and enforcing the agreement. The rules stated in the smart contract encompass smart assets that are unique virtual tokens that depict tangible and intangible assets. The blockchain technology allows the assets to be tracked in real-time, revolutionizing the mechanics of trade finance, working capital, and supply chain management. 

• Expedited Processing (for Clearing, Settling, and Payments): 

The digital records that operate on blockchain have the leeway to accommodate real-time settlements via the network saving massive costs on overheads. At present, the current status for the fulfillment of the transaction is three days, but, with blockchain, the norm is replaced with near-instant settlements. The speed of the settlements is favorable to all businesses by contributing to the working capital and displaying a reduction in payment overhead costs and error-related delays. Even traditional banking processes are evolving to accommodate the blockchain technology. 

• Digital Identity Management: 

Due to several instances, blockchain may be the ideal solution for several challenges related to identity management within the business. These challenges extend well beyond the range of areas like fraudulent data, GDPR compliance, and data leaks, identity theft, and identity authentication. The blockchain network avails encrypted and rigorous checks that balance and protects data authenticity of all the parties involved. 

There are innumerable ways in which blockchain is transforming the F&A processes, but the most crucial of the factors are discussed here: 

1. Streamlined Procurement Processes: Tamper-proof smart contracts allows for efficient purchase order (PO) matching and invoice management. This technique will eliminate PO validation and approval, invoice processing, two or three-way matching, and the entire backend request-to-receipt processes.

2. Integrated, Secure Accounts Payable Invoicing: The technology allows seamless e-invoicing and payments to be made automatically from the buyer to a seller through secure encrypted channels. The process will simplify the tracking and monitoring of transactions transparently and ensures that an audit trail is easily available from the blockchain network.

3. Elimination Of Accounts Payable Discrepancies: The technology provides an easily verifiable real-time audit trail of the goods included in the transaction and will reduce accounts payable price along with quantity discrepancies.

4. Automated Travel And Expense (T&E) Processing: Smart contracts and automated settlements enabled in Blockchain can eliminate the application of cumbersome tasks. These tasks include expense report submission, audit, and other tasks that are usually associated with T&E processing.

5. Seamless Payment Processing: The method of processing payments can be immensely affected with the payment processes making it smooth and transparent using the blockchain settlement networks. 

6. Automated Order-To-Cash Processes: Smart contracts avoid overpricing or any related price discrepancies, allowing discounting with accurate pricing. Holistic compliance is ensured when in terms of transparent transactions by providing a thorough audit trail. The smart contracts can also facilitate accurate receivables, reducing the necessity for manual cash applications, deductions, and disputes management.  

7. Efficient Record-To-Report Validation Processes: The pre-validation process maintains security in the blockchain network. This step eliminates the need for excessive information collection in the master data, which is carried out separately for supplier and customer.

8. Accurate Record-To-Report And Reconciliation Processes: The distributed ledgers technology reduces the amount of time spent on combining reports and reconciling and simultaneously focusing on the increase in accuracy. Blockchain accommodates a closer integration of customer and supplier data enhancing the controls and facilitates programmed real-time auto-balance reconciliation. Interconnected ledgers via blockchain decrease the dependency and automate financial processing immediately. The distributed ledger system within blockchain has the capacity to transform the transaction processes among internal buying and selling parties.

Many data scientists have dwelled on the blockchain technology to fail; some have also commented that the blockchain train has departed the finance and accounting station. Several others have believed that the blockchain technology is an evolution from a fundamental accounting concept that has transformed from the proven book keeping practices. Regardless of the opinions, technology has proven the world that the finance sector has finally arrived at the status achieved at present. Various other technologies have also sprung in finance to provide an ease of management of transactions. Combining other technologies with blockchain, like robotic process automation, AI, and ML, can increase efficiency. These technologies can complement blockchain and significantly disrupt the finance and accounting processes, as it exists today.

More in News

Financial intelligence, once confined to spreadsheets and reactive reporting, has been revolutionized by modern technology. Real-time data, predictive analytics, and machine learning now drive financial decision-making across both private and public sectors. This transformation allows organizations to proactively manage risk, detect fraud, enhance compliance, and optimize performance. Today, financial intelligence stands as a key pillar of strategic decision-making, fueled by technologies that deliver deep insights with unprecedented accuracy. Game-Changing Role of AI and ML AI and ML have become game-changers in financial intelligence. These technologies can analyze massive datasets in real-time, uncovering trends, correlations, and anomalies that human analysts might miss. AI-powered systems can detect fraudulent transactions within milliseconds, assess credit risk more accurately, and even predict market fluctuations with higher precision. In banks and investment firms, ML algorithms are used for robo-advisory services that offer personalized investment strategies based on an individual's risk profile and financial behavior. Real-time analytics tools allow CFOs and finance teams to view cash flows, financial health metrics, and operational KPIs on dynamic dashboards. Instead of waiting for month-end reports, decision-makers can now act instantly, adjusting strategies based on live financial data. The tools enhance scenario planning and forecasting, enabling organizations to remain adaptable and resilient in unpredictable market conditions. The capability allows businesses to navigate changes effectively and maintain stability, even in the face of volatility. Enhancing Financial Transactions and Compliance In financial intelligence, blockchain enhances traceability and audit readiness, particularly in supply chain finance and trade settlements. Regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions are making compliance smarter and less cumbersome. The tools automatically scan and interpret regulatory changes, monitor transactions for red flags, and generate compliance reports. It reduces the cost and risk of regulatory breaches, freeing up resources for value-added tasks. Predictive finance, powered by big data and AI, takes financial intelligence a step further by reporting the past and anticipating the future. It enables companies to model future revenue scenarios, identify financial bottlenecks before they occur, and align financial planning with operational objectives. Technological advancements have elevated financial intelligence from a static, historical process to a dynamic, forward-looking function. With AI, blockchain, predictive analytics, and RegTech tools, organizations are not just surviving financial complexity; they're mastering it. ...Read more
In today’s fast-paced, competitive business environment, organizations are increasingly embracing integrated digital solutions to streamline financial operations. By combining customer relationship management (CRM) with accounting capabilities, these platforms enable businesses to unify sales, billing, invoicing, and financial reporting within a single, centralized system. As companies drive digital transformation and prioritize customer-centric strategies, the demand for these integrated solutions is growing rapidly across industries. The demand for automation in financial operations has intensified. Manual data entry, reconciliation, and reporting consume time and increase the risk of human error. The platform leverages advanced automation tools to streamline processes such as accounts receivable and payable, invoice generation, expense tracking, and revenue management. Automation ensures consistency, enhances compliance, and frees finance teams to focus on strategic tasks. The flexibility and scalability of the Salesforce ecosystem also contribute to the platform's appeal. Cloud integration simplifies system updates, enhances security, and supports compliance with global financial regulations. Technological Integration and Industry Trends Multiple factors are propelling the adoption of Salesforce Accounting Platforms. Businesses face increasing pressure to achieve real-time financial visibility and improve cash flow management. Often siloed from customer and sales data, traditional accounting systems lead to inefficiencies, delayed reporting, and billing or revenue recognition errors. Salesforce accounting platforms eliminate these silos by integrating accounting functions directly into the CRM, enabling synchronized data sharing across departments and faster decision-making. Companies can customize their accounting workflows, integrate third-party financial tools, and scale the platform as their operations expand. AI algorithms help predict cash flow trends, flag transaction anomalies, and optimize budgeting. ML enhances forecasting accuracy and automates transaction categorization, reducing manual oversight. Predictive analytics enables finance teams to make proactive budgeting, investment, and risk mitigation decisions. Salesforce's cloud-native architecture ensures secure, real-time access to financial data from any location, promoting collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. The latest Salesforce accounting platform market trends reflect a growing focus on customer-centric financial experiences. Businesses increasingly view billing and payment processes as extensions of customer service. As a result, the platform supports personalized invoicing, flexible payment options, and self-service portals for clients to manage their accounts. This shift improves customer satisfaction, accelerates payment cycles, and reduces overdue receivables. SaaS and digital services companies rely on recurring revenue models that require sophisticated billing capabilities. Streamlining Financial Operations in the Sector The platform supports recurring billing, customer lifecycle management, and accurate revenue recognition among SaaS providers in the technology sector. The alignment ensures that finance teams can easily track subscription metrics, forecast revenues, and generate compliance-ready financial statements. In the retail and e-commerce sectors, Salesforce Accounting Platforms help streamline order-to-cash processes. Integration with inventory management systems and point-of-sale data enables real-time reconciliation and performance tracking. The platform allows businesses to manage sales orders, process payments, and issue refunds all within the same environment, resulting in improved financial agility and customer experience. For professional services firms, the platform simplifies project-based accounting. It links time tracking, invoicing, and expense reporting to specific projects or clients, allowing for detailed profitability analysis. Real-time dashboards provide insights into project costs, margins, and resource utilization, helping firms optimize operations and client engagement. Nonprofit organizations leverage Salesforce accounting platforms to manage donations, grants, and funding sources. The system allows for transparent reporting, donor segmentation, and audit-compliant financial tracking. It enables nonprofits to align financial data with impact metrics, facilitating better stakeholder communication and regulatory compliance. Organizations report faster month-end closings, reduced manual workloads, and more accurate financial reporting. Integrating economic and customer data leads to deeper insights into business performance and enhances strategic planning. Navigating the Challenges of Implementing a Platform Implementing a Salesforce accounting platform comes with its own set of challenges. Integration complexity is common for companies with legacy ERP systems or disjointed data sources. Migrating historical financial data and ensuring system compatibility require careful planning and skilled technical execution. Organizations often work with certified Salesforce implementation partners specializing in financial integrations and data migration strategies to address this. Finance teams accustomed to traditional accounting software may find the CRM-based interface unfamiliar. Resistance to change, lack of training, or unclear processes can hinder successful implementation. Organizations can overcome this by investing in user onboarding, providing role-specific training, and promoting a culture of digital innovation. Demonstrating quick wins, such as faster invoicing or simplified reporting, helps build user confidence. Salesforce addresses these concerns with robust encryption, access controls, and audit trails. Organizations should implement governance frameworks that define roles, responsibilities, and access permissions to safeguard data integrity. The convergence of finance and customer experience will also shape platform development. Financial transactions will increasingly be viewed as customer interactions, requiring seamless, intuitive, and personalized experiences. The platform represents a powerful evolution in financial management, offering businesses an integrated, intelligent, and scalable solution. Combining financial operations with CRM capabilities enables real-time insights, automation, and enhanced customer engagement. While challenges such as integration complexity and user adoption exist, they can be effectively managed through strategic planning and change management. ...Read more
Today’s Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) have expanded their roles beyond traditional financial oversight to include embedding sustainability into core business strategy. As key advocates for environmental responsibility, CFOs are now tasked with aligning sustainability initiatives with financial objectives—ensuring that ecological efforts contribute to cost savings while creating long-term value for shareholders. Six Steps CFOs Can Take to Drive Their Sustainability Agenda Align Sustainability with Financial Objectives The modern CFO is pivotal in integrating sustainability goals with financial strategies, contributing to long-term profitability and shareholder value. Across industries, CFOs are aligning sustainability initiatives with broader economic objectives. For instance, investing in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient technologies helps mitigate environmental impact and optimizes operational costs. This alignment enhances shareholder value by addressing sustainability challenges while improving financial performance. Enhance Stakeholder Trust In today’s business climate, CFOs are under greater scrutiny from investors, regulators, customers, and employees. They are tasked with establishing and maintaining trust by providing transparent and accurate sustainability reports. By adhering to rigorous reporting standards, CFOs can demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental conservation, social accountability, and ethical governance. This transparency builds trust and credibility among stakeholders, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable entity. Focus on Risk Management and Compliance Sustainability threats, such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory requirements, pose significant risks to a company’s financial health. CFOs must recognize, assess, and mitigate these risks to protect financial performance and corporate reputation. Incorporating sustainability metrics into risk management strategies enables CFOs to proactively address emerging challenges and ensure compliance with evolving regulations, helping the company remain resilient and avoid potential financial pitfalls. Drive Performance Improvement CFOs are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency gains, and innovation by tracking critical sustainability metrics. Metrics such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, and diversity statistics can guide decision-making. By optimizing resource management, improving product differentiation, and aligning with socially conscious consumer preferences, CFOs can simultaneously enhance brand value and financial performance, proving that sustainability drives long-term success. Facilitate Access to Capital As ESG factors increasingly influence investment decisions, CFOs can attract capital by providing accurate, transparent sustainability disclosures and demonstrating a clear commitment to ESG performance. By focusing on ESG credentials, CFOs can broaden their investor base, reduce borrowing costs, and enhance financial resilience. In this way, CFOs play a crucial role in securing investment, ensuring the company is well-positioned to meet its economic and sustainability goals. Navigate Complex Reporting Standards With the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting standards, CFOs must stay updated on frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. Navigating this complex reporting environment requires careful attention to best practices, enabling CFOs to ensure compliance with regulatory demands while promoting transparency and comparability. By mastering these standards, CFOs can strengthen the company’s sustainability reporting and enhance its reputation in the marketplace. By aligning sustainability initiatives with financial objectives, enhancing stakeholder trust, managing risks, and improving operational performance, CFOs are positioning their organizations for long-term success. Their ability to navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting and secure capital based on strong ESG credentials further strengthens the company’s resilience and market position. As sustainability becomes integral to corporate strategy, the CFO’s leadership in integrating financial and environmental goals is essential for fostering a sustainable and profitable future. ...Read more
Effective and precise financial management is critical for long-term growth and success. However, traditional methods of financial control are often time-consuming, error-prone, and inefficient, particularly for large organizations. The adoption of automation in financial control is revolutionizing how businesses handle their finances, offering benefits such as increased accuracy, cost efficiency, and better decision-making. One of the most significant advantages of automating financial processes is the substantial reduction in human errors. Manual tasks like data entry, calculations, and reporting are prone to mistakes, which can lead to costly discrepancies in financial records. Automated systems can verify data in real-time, cross-check information, and flag inconsistencies before they become more significant, helping businesses maintain accurate financial records. Tasks such as invoice processing, payroll management, expense tracking, and financial reporting can be automated, significantly reducing the time and effort required to complete them. It leads to greater efficiency and increased productivity within finance departments. Financial control systems incorporating automation provide real-time visibility into a company's financial health. Automated processes allow businesses to monitor cash flow, track expenses, and generate up-to-date financial reports anytime. Real-time monitoring is crucial for making informed business decisions in fast-paced environments where financial data can change quickly. Decision-makers can identify potential issues or opportunities early on, allowing for proactive adjustments to financial strategies. Businesses can cut administrative costs and improve resource allocation by streamlining accounts payable, accounts receivable, and procurement processes. Automated systems can help optimize working capital by providing insights into cash flow management, inventory levels, and payment cycles, enabling businesses to maximize their financial resources. The insights enable better financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring that the company is well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities. With automated financial control, businesses can align their financial strategies with long-term goals, increasing their ability to achieve sustainable growth. Financial audits and reporting are critical aspects of business operations, especially for publicly traded companies or those in regulated industries. Automation simplifies these processes by generating detailed financial reports and maintaining accurate records readily available for review. Automated systems ensure that financial statements are consistent, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements, reducing the time and effort needed for audits. Automated reporting can provide customized financial reports tailored to specific stakeholders' needs, facilitating better organizational communication and transparency. Manual processes can quickly become overwhelmed by the increased volume of financial data and transactions. Financial automation systems are highly scalable, allowing businesses to handle growing financial demands without a corresponding increase in labor costs. Automated systems can meet the unique needs of different industries, offering flexibility in managing diverse financial processes. The scalability ensures businesses can maintain efficient financial control even as they expand operations. Financial control and automation provide many advantages that can transform companies' enhanced accuracy and efficiency to real-time monitoring, cost savings, and improved compliance; automation enables businesses to operate with greater precision and agility. Companies adopting automated financial control systems in an increasingly competitive marketplace are better equipped to optimize resources, mitigate risks, and make data-driven decisions. ...Read more