Understanding the Future of Accounting in SAP with BlackLine

As organizations seek to optimize their core accounting functions, they must find new solutions to overcome emerging obstacles. Teams must seek out new technological and organizational strategies to drive efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

To help organizations achieve these goals, BlackLine recently hosted Dr. Christopher Sessar, SAP’s Chief Accounting Officer, at their Beyond the Black event to discuss the most important trends and opportunities within accounting. He shared his insights from nearly two decades within SAP.

AI in Accounting

One key topic is the growing impact of technology, particularly AI, on finance, as Dr. Sessar addressed SAP’s strategic use of artificial intelligence in finance. While AI isn’t yet entrusted with executing journal entries, it plays a critical role in establishing and automating controls. Sessar emphasized that AI is proving highly effective for risk management, particularly in identifying anomalies and refining financial processes.

As AI continues to mature, it will become integral to both core financial processes and emerging domains like ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting. With growing ESG regulations, particularly in Europe, accuracy in carbon reporting and sustainability metrics is vital. Sessar foresees that ESG data will eventually be posted in ERP systems just like financial transactions, elevating the importance of precision and control in this area.

Sessar also emphasized that speed alone is not a success metric for financial close. Drawing from his experience, he championed the concept of “closing excellence,” balancing speed with accuracy and compliance. He supported the move away from a “fast close” mentality, advocating instead for a “smart close,” where process integrity and quality remain central.

Looking to the Future

The partnership between SAP and BlackLine was highlighted as a model for effective innovation. Dr. Sessar cited the success of automating lease accounting as a prime example of how integrated technologies improve compliance and efficiency. Sessar praised BlackLine’s seamless integration and noted that many innovations come not only from partners but also directly from SAP’s accounting teams.

When asked about attracting and retaining talent in a rapidly evolving profession, Sessar stressed the value of empowering finance professionals to innovate. He believes accountants themselves are a rich source of process improvement ideas and should be encouraged to take ownership of transformation initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of helping young professionals understand how modern tools like AI can make accounting more impactful and engaging.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

Learn to rely on emerging technologies. Organizations cannot expect to achieve new results by using the same technologies. Leveraging advanced methods like AI and automation can help organizations to operate with more efficiency and accuracy.

Accounting happens at the intersection of people and technology. While new technologies are exciting, they work best when the accountants using them are empowered to use them. Companies must prioritize upskilling and education to make the most out of their technological investments.

Leverage the power of partnerships. Companies cannot drive innovation on their own. Leaning on the combined power of the partnership between SAP and BlackLine can help them to find new solutions, leverage them to the fullest extent possible, and drive success.