RSMUS.comThis post is by RSM, a member of the BlackLine Alliance Partner program. From initial implementation through expansion and optimization, we have the skill and real-world experience to deliver the right BlackLine solution for your unique needs.
BlackLine’s BeyondTheBlack (BTB) was a launchpad for achievement and growth. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, industry experts and BlackLine professionals, building relationships that empower success. The event featured provocative discussions and insightful demonstrations all designed to help participants achieve their finance transformation goals. This year’s conference equipped attendees with the tools, ideas and connections needed to reach new heights in their finance transformation journey.
As businesses evolve, finance transformation is not merely about implementing technology. Finance transformation is all about driving a mindset shift that enables sustainable growth and efficiency. The following is a recap of key takeaways from the conference and actionable steps to focus on moving forward:
1. Foundation first: Build for long-term success
Successful finance transformation starts with a strong foundation. Many sessions emphasized the value of revisiting core processes and optimizing them to ensure scalability. Change management is crucial here as teams must align on priorities, define clear roles and embrace continuous improvement. of your workflows to identify gaps or inefficiencies and consider engaging a first-choice advisor like RSM to evaluate your BlackLine platform. RSM can help uncover areas for improvement, opportunities for system expansion and quick wins for execution. Small adjustments can yield big results.
2. Industry-specific solutions: Tailored for impact
BlackLine showcased how its solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of different industries. Whether it is credit card reconciliation for retail or electronic medical record tie-outs in health care, these specific use cases highlighted how automation can significantly reduce time spent on manual tasks. Work with BlackLine experts and members of their partner program to explore solutions that align with your industry’s pain points. Optimization is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
3. End-to-end automation: Reimagine what’s possible
Automation is not solely about solving individual pain points. It’s about rethinking entire processes. A highlight of the conference was exploring how BlackLine can automate end-to-end workflows. Identify your most resource-intensive processes and consider how BlackLine can automate them from start to finish. For example, consider automating your payroll reconciliations or prepaid expenses by developing reports from your enterprise resource planning or subsystems that can be imported into BlackLine, utilized to create automated journal definitions and pushed as support through in-transit rules to the face of your reconciliation. BlackLine provides customers with numerous opportunities to interconnect its modules.
4. Change management: The key to adoption
Solutions are only as effective as the teams using them. A strong change management strategy helps ensure adoption, smooth transitions and long-term success. BTB featured powerful examples of organizations that are using BlackLine successfully in part because they invested in training, communication and continuous learning. Hosting regular training sessions and creating champions within your team help to drive adoption and encourage innovation.
Highlighted features
BlackLine unveiled several artificial-intelligence-driven enhancements to streamline finance and accounting processes, proving its commitment to advancing the BlackLine solution. A notable introduction is the journals risk analyzer, powered by generative AI, which detects anomalies in journal entries, providing insights to improve audits and risk management. Looking ahead to 2025, BlackLine plans to expand its AI capabilities, focusing on automating routine tasks and enhancing predictive analytics to further optimize financial operations.
A special mention goes to Studio 360, BlackLine’s comprehensive platform designed to optimize financial operations for the office of the CFO. Further enhanced by a strategic partnership with Snowflake, Studio360 sets the standard for digital transformation. It offers unmatched data scalability, security and speed, supporting real-time data sharing and handling billions of transactions, empowering CFOs to drive higher operational performance.
Final thoughts
BTB 2024 reinforced that while technology is the enabler, success ultimately depends on people and processes. Organizations that prioritize change management and optimization are better equipped to adapt, scale and thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Let’s use the insights from this year’s conference to drive meaningful transformation. Together, we can continue to unlock the full potential of BlackLine and deliver lasting value.
Working with RSM and BlackLine
If you would like to discuss any of the points above or have any questions regarding BlackLine’s close automation solutions, please reach out to RSM by visiting:
https://rsmus.com/technologies/blackline
This article was written by Jen Sanchez in collaboration with Michaelle Keiffer and Laura Adams.
Michaelle Keiffer serves as Senior Director, Technology and Management Consulting for RSM. Michaelle has over 20 years of financial consulting experience, including managing complex events that impact accounting, financial management, and technology. She specializes in sophisticated project management for performance/process improvements, business reengineering, and integrations.
Laura Adams serves as Director, Data and Digital Services for RSM. Laura has over 11 years of experience in accounting and financial consulting at RSM. She spent the early part of her career as an auditor for middle-market public and private companies before transitioning to consulting. Laura is a business process improvement expert, helping clients reduce operational risk and create new opportunities for growth.
Jen Sanchez
Jen Sanchez serves as Manager, Finance Automation for RSM. Jen has over nine years of accounting and BlackLine experience which allows her to assist clients with transforming and automating their accounting and finance processes.
