How AI Will Transform the Month-End Close and Financial Reporting

For many finance departments, the month-end close is still an intensive, repetitive, and error-prone process. The pressure to report faster, more transparently, and with greater accuracy is increasing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities in this area. In this blog, we outline 10 expected developments where AI can make a difference for the finance manager – now and in the near future.

1. Intercompany (IC) adjustment entries through AI

Intercompany settlements are often a source of delay. AI can automatically detect and correct discrepancies between IC transactions. For example: Entity A invoices Entity B for €100,000, but Entity B has only recorded €95,000. AI can identify this, analyze the differences (e.g., due to missing cost components or currency effects), and suggest adjustment entries. This makes reconciliation faster and more consistent.

2. Automated payment date adjustment based on cash flow

AI models can optimize payment proposals based on real-time cash flow projections. In situations where liquidity is under temporary pressure, AI can, for instance, propose paying non-critical supplier invoices a week later, while prioritizing invoices with early payment discounts. This allows for active working capital management without manual intervention.

3. Accruals for costs yet to be received