So, here we are, typing out our thoughts as we reflect on what 2025 will mean for audit and finance. I know for most of us, 2024 feels like it’s barely begun, but such is the mystery of time.

As 2025 approaches, we’re tasked with casually pulling together six “game-changing” (and I loathe this phrase, but begrudgingly, it works rather well here) tech trends while sipping a double espresso – because brainstorming of this caliber requires serious caffeine.

As we look ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be both a pivotal turning point and a natural continuation of where we’ve been heading. Let us explain—cue dramatic pause and obligatory Shakespeare quote later (don’t worry, it’s coming)! 😉

What’s really happening?

Audit and finance are shedding their old skin. Processes that once felt like second nature (hello, manual data crunching and rule-based automation) are being outpaced by smarter, faster, and frankly cooler innovations. 

Here’s our take on what’s coming, trend by trend, with the right mix of context, drama, and our endless fascination for what’s next.

1. RIP RPA and Hello Intelligent Automation

Traditional RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is dead. Yep, gone are the days when rule-based bots felt revolutionary. Now, it’s all about intelligent automation—AI systems that don’t just follow orders but adapt, learn, and solve problems. Imagine the time we’ll save not babysitting bots that break every time someone adjusts a data point in Excel. Smart, right?

2. Generative AI Is the New Cool Kid on the Block

If you thought AI was impressive, wait until you meet its smarter, stronger cousin, generative AI. It’s handling the grunt work—think financial data summaries, predictive modeling, and trend analysis—leaving us to focus on, you know, strategy. But it’s not just automation; it’s insight. Expect predictive analytics that feel more like having a crystal ball and less like pulling teeth from old spreadsheets.

3. Cybersecurity Gets Real (No, Really Real)

Look, if 2024 was all about moving fast, 2025 is about locking it down. As audit and finance teams rely more on (Hybrid) cloud systems, AI, and digital workflows, cybersecurity will no longer be optional. AI-driven threat detection and multi-layered defenses are going to be our shields. Just think: every password you’ve reused since high school is about to face judgment day.

4. Cloud Everywhere, All at Once

Cloud-based tools are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re the oxygen we breathe. Real-time access, seamless collaboration, and scalability mean even your most Excel-loving teammates will get on board. Cloud’s also going to give us flexibility in ways we didn’t know we needed, like adapting our workflows on the fly or spinning up new tools without calling IT every five minutes

5. RegTech (Regulatory Technology, oof) for the Win

Compliance is a pain. Always has been, always will be. Enter RegTech, which is basically compliance on autopilot. Ever heard of ESG? We have! It’s about spotting risks before they become fines, streamlining reporting, and making sure we’re always one step ahead of the regulators. It’s not sexy, but it’s necessary, and it’s going to make our lives a whole lot easier.

6. Digital Transformation: The Big One

Let’s call this the umbrella trend, because everything we’re doing is tied to digital transformation. Whether it’s automating workflows, enhancing customer experiences, or diving into new verticals (wink, wink), the way we operate is fundamentally changing. The key is to not just follow the trends but actively shape them.

So, what's the takeaway here?

It’s simple: 2025 isn’t just about adapting—it’s about thriving in this brave new world. These trends aren’t far-off predictions; they’re happening now. The shift is real, and if we’re smart (which we know we are), we’ll ride this wave to not only meet our goals but exceed them. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even have a little fun along the way. Stay tuned, folks—it’s going to be a wild ride.

To quote Shakespeare, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." 2025 is our chance to shape our future. Let’s take control and make it our own.

Until next time (and maybe with a Shakespeare quote or two thrown in for good measure), cheers!