Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation from Coursera

Overview

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is reshaping the accounting and finance profession. 40% of transactional accounting work is expected to be automated by 2020 and predicted to touch 230 million knowledge workers, 9% of the global workforce, according to McKinsey Research.

Driven by the need to stay competitive, decrease costs and increase efficiency, RPA is quickly making a significant impact on the profession. Companies no longer think about "if" but "when" to implement RPA.

Short Description:

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can transform business processes by eliminating the mundane, time-consuming, manual tasks that professionals complete; enabling them more time to focus on critical thinking. This course for accounting and finance professionals worldwide will show through use cases how robotic process automation can be utilized to decrease errors and increase productivity.

Course description/ Overarching Learning Goal

This course is intended to provide accounting and financial professionals with practical literacy on robotic process automation through a real-world, relevant data preparation use case. It will help identify potential uses and the benefits and considerations for robotic process automation. This course will help you make the business case by helping you assess requirements, define proof of value and measure and validate the ROI for automation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which is becoming highly relevant to accounting and finance

Covers making the business case for using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and improving ROI

Taught by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a recognized leader in accounting

Uses real-world data preparation use cases to demonstrate RPA implementation

Designed for accounting and finance professionals worldwide, indicating a global perspective

May require prior knowledge of accounting and finance, as it is not explicitly stated as a prerequisite

Reviews summary

Rpa business case for finance

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation for understanding the value of Robotic Process Automation specifically within the accounting and finance professions. Students frequently mention that the course effectively demonstrates how to build a business case for RPA initiatives, highlighting potential benefits like efficiency and cost reduction through a relevant, real-world use case. While reviewers appreciate the strategic overview and practical context, some note that it is focused purely on the business argument and does not delve into the technical aspects of RPA implementation. Overall, it is viewed as a valuable primer for professionals looking to explore or champion RPA in their organizations.

Provides a solid foundational understanding.

"Provides a clear and concise overview of RPA and its relevance to the profession."

"A great introduction to RPA concepts and their application in finance."

"Gives a solid understanding of the fundamentals and considerations for RPA."

"The course content was clear and easy to follow for a beginner."

Highly relevant for finance pros.

"Highly recommended for accounting and finance professionals looking into RPA."

"This course is well-suited for someone in accounting or finance trying to understand RPA's potential impact."

"As a finance professional, I found this course directly applicable to my field."

"Great course for accountants and finance managers to understand RPA benefits."

Uses a relevant, practical example.

"The real-world data preparation use case is very helpful for understanding the concepts."

"I appreciated the focus on a practical use case that is directly applicable to finance and accounting tasks."

"The examples were relevant and made it easy to grasp the practical application."

"Using the relevant data preparation use case helped clarify the process."

Learn how to justify RPA investment.

"It helps you effectively evaluate and develop a business case for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) which is a critical tool for Finance and Accounting professionals..."

"The course focuses on building a business case for RPA which is essential for convincing stakeholders."

"I learned how to assess requirements and define proof of value to build a compelling case."

"Excellent course regarding how to build a business case for RPA in accounting/finance environment."

Focuses on strategy, not coding.

"Note that this course is focused on the business case and not on the technical implementation of RPA."

"It's a strategic overview, don't expect to learn how to code bots."

"This is more about the 'why' and 'what' of RPA from a business perspective, less about the 'how' technically."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation with these activities:

Review introductory accounting principles

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Re-familiarize yourself with accounting concepts such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses to strengthen your foundation for RPA applications.

Browse courses on Accounting Principles

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Review accounting textbooks or online resources, focusing on foundational principles.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Learn the basics of RPA using online tutorials

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Supplement course materials by exploring online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on RPA concepts and tools.

Browse courses on Robotic Process Automation

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Identify reputable RPA training platforms or online courses.
Select tutorials that cover foundational RPA concepts and tools.
Follow the tutorials and complete hands-on exercises.

Participate in a study group or peer review session

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Collaborate with peers to discuss RPA concepts, share insights, and provide feedback on your RPA projects.

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Form a study group or connect with peers through online forums.
Set up regular meetings or discussion sessions.
Prepare topics for discussion or presentations.

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Build an RPA solution for a real-world accounting task

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Apply your RPA skills to a practical scenario by building an RPA solution that automates a specific accounting task.

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Identify a suitable accounting task for RPA automation.
Design and develop an RPA workflow.
Implement and test the RPA solution.
Document and present your RPA solution.

Career center

Learners who complete Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer

A Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing RPA solutions. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help you build a foundation for success in this role by teaching you the fundamentals of RPA, including how to identify and assess opportunities for automation, and how to design and develop RPA solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Developer

Process Improvement Specialist

A Process Improvement Specialist is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements to make businesses more efficient and effective. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to identify and assess opportunities for RPA, and how to build a business case for automation. This course can also help Process Improvement Specialists understand the financial and operational benefits of RPA, making them more effective in their role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Improvement Specialist

Accounting Manager

An Accounting Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the accounting operations of an organization. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to implement RPA to decrease errors and increase productivity. This course can also help Accounting Managers make the business case for RPA by helping them assess requirements, define proof of value, and measure and validate the ROI for automation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accounting Manager

Auditor

An Auditor is responsible for examining a company's financial records and reports to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to use RPA to automate mundane, time-consuming, manual tasks, freeing up time for more critical thinking and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing and defining business requirements, and designing and implementing business solutions. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to identify and assess opportunities for RPA, and how to build a business case for automation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to manage RPA projects, assess requirements, define proof of value, and measure and validate the ROI for automation.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant is responsible for helping businesses improve their performance. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to identify and assess opportunities for RPA, and how to build a business case for automation. This course can also help Management Consultants understand the financial and operational benefits of RPA, making them more effective in their role.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for planning and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to identify and assess opportunities for RPA, and how to build a business case for automation. This course can also help Operations Managers understand the financial and operational benefits of RPA, making them more effective in their role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations to businesses and investors. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to use RPA to automate time-consuming manual tasks, freeing up time for more value-added activities such as data analysis and financial modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Tax Accountant

A Tax Accountant is responsible for preparing and filing tax returns, and advising clients on tax matters. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to use RPA to automate time-consuming manual tasks, freeing up time for more value-added activities such as tax planning and consulting.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the IT operations of an organization. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching accounting and finance professionals how to understand the financial and operational benefits of RPA, and how to make the business case for automation.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' may be helpful for Data Analysts who are interested in learning more about RPA and how it can be used to automate data processing tasks.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing software solutions. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' may be helpful for Software Engineers who are interested in learning more about RPA and how it can be used to automate business processes.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing business systems. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' may be helpful for Systems Analysts who are interested in learning more about RPA and how it can be used to automate business processes.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course, 'Making the Case for Robotic Process Automation,' may be helpful for Technical Writers who are interested in learning more about RPA and how it can be used to automate business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer