Collaborative Ecosystems for Increasing Automation in Accounting Processes in Small Firms

Abstract

Automation of accounting processes promises various benefits for firms, such as enhanced productivity, improved customer service and job satisfaction. Despite the enhancements, small firms are often reluctant to undertake accounting process automation projects. This research studies how collaborative ecosystems support small firms in adopting accounting automations. The study draws on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and studies the perceived usefulness and ease of use of automation technology in the context of small firms. In this qualitative research, 12 firms joined a collaborative ecosystem to develop automated accounting processes. A year later, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the technology uptake by the firms. Our findings indicate that a collaborative ecosystem provides support in the first steps of technology uptake, especially by adding to the perceived usefulness of the automations. However, it did not increase automation-related skills enough to increase the perceived ease of use of the technologies.