From Chaos to Control: How AR Automation can Improve your EOFY Close
As the financial year draws to a close, finance teams across Australia brace themselves for one of the most critical – and chaotic – periods in the business calendar. End-of-year reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, and compliance deadlines all converge at once. For organisations still relying on manual accounts receivable (AR) processes, this time can feel like a scramble for survival.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Modern AR automation offers a smarter, more strategic path forward. It enables finance leaders to shift from firefighting to foresight. Instead of struggling with outdated systems, they can move into EOFY with structure, visibility, and control.
The hidden cost of manual AR at EOFY
Manual AR processes do more than slow things down. They introduce operational, financial, and reputational risks at the worst possible time. Delays in remittance matching, extended days sales outstanding (DSO), miscommunication with customers, and invoice errors all combine to place unnecessary pressure on cash flow.
In fact, research shows that payment arrears in Australia are now at their highest level since March 20211, increasing the urgency for more reliable, automated AR processes.
Why automation makes EOFY easier to manage
AR automation empowers finance teams to work smarter. By replacing repetitive manual processes with intelligent workflows, real-time dashboards, and predictive insights, organisations can close the books faster, manage exceptions more effectively, and improve financial accuracy across the board.
Among the benefits:
- Reduced DSO and stronger working capital
- Fewer errors and delays in reconciliation
- Greater forecasting accuracy
- More efficient, motivated finance teams
According to IBISWorld, new technologies like cloud-based systems and generative AI are enabling accounting teams to focus more on advisory and forecasting roles, with automation improving both speed and accuracy across the board.2
Three common EOFY pain points and how automation helps
1. Difficulty chasing overdue payments without clear prioritisation
At EOFY, many teams are still relying on static spreadsheets to manage hundreds of open invoices. Without dynamic prioritisation, follow-ups can become reactive and inconsistent. This often results in missed opportunities to collect payments before the deadline.
Automation solves this by using predictive collections intelligence to identify and flag at-risk accounts. These tools analyse historical behaviour, payment patterns, and customer data to determine which follow-ups will have the highest impact. As a result, teams can spend their time where it matters most.
2. Reconciliation delays caused by incomplete remittance data
Manual reconciliation is one of the most time-consuming EOFY tasks. Discrepancies between invoices and payments, especially when caused by incomplete or mismatched data, can throw reporting into disarray and result in inaccuracies across financial statements.
AI-powered cash application technology can significantly reduce this burden. It automatically matches payments to invoices, even when remittance details are missing or unclear. The system improves with use, learning from corrections to deliver higher match rates and faster close times.
3. Disputes and unresolved issues that delay finalisation
EOFY often brings a spike in disputed invoices, duplicate entries, and customer queries. Without a clear system for resolution, these issues can drag on. This can slow the final close and create frustration for both customers and internal teams.
Intelligent workflows bring structure and speed to the process. Rules-based routing directs each dispute to the right person for resolution. Communication is logged, documentation is centralised, and visibility is improved. Some systems even provide self-service customer portals to ease the burden on AR teams.
EOFY could look very different with AR automation in place
Picture this: your AR dashboard shows real-time visibility of incoming payments and high-risk accounts. Disputes are resolved quickly with digital workflows. Cash flow forecasts are updated automatically. Your team has time to focus on reporting and strategy instead of chasing paperwork. Instead of scrambling to close, you’re leading with control.
Don’t wait for next year to modernise your EOFY
Even small steps toward AR automation can create measurable value. Many organisations report shorter DSO, stronger cash flow, and fewer errors within just a few months. The key is knowing where to begin.
Industry reports suggest that accounting services in Australia are already being reshaped by automation, with a shift toward value-added advisory services and a projected growth of 3.2% per year through to 2030, largely driven by technology adoption and digital transformation.2
At FUJIFILM Process Automation, we help finance leaders unlock smarter, faster, and more efficient AR operations. Whether you’re looking for quick wins or planning a long-term transformation, we can guide you every step of the way.
Let’s talk about how automation can support a smoother EOFY.
Explore our finance automation solutions.
References
1. CreditorWatch. Business Risk Index, 2024 – https://creditorwatch.com.au/business-risk-index/
2. IBISWorld. Accounting Services in Australia – M6932, 2025 – https://my.ibisworld.com/au/en/industry/m6932/about