Page 36 - CMA Journal (July-August 2025)

Focus Section

Pakistan’s Challenge: The Paper-Based
Economy

In Pakistan, one of the biggest barriers to AI adoption is
the heavy reliance on paper-based systems. Digital
transformation is still a struggle across many institutions,
from public offices to private businesses. For AI to work, it
needs digital data. Paper files do not help the
technology; they just slow things down. On top of that,
automation often requires upfront investment in
software, human resources, training, etc. Getting
approval for that investment is not going to be easy in a
country where most C-level executives are still from the
pre-digital generation.
There’s also an underlying fear of change. Many senior
decision-makers aren’t fully sold on the tech shift. Unless strategy. With real-time insights, AI helps identify trends,
they see clear cost savings, they're unlikely to push for reduce errors, and improve forecasting. This shift
automation. Without champions at the top, transitions empowers us to play a more proactive role in business
like these are hard to drive. planning, making CMAs key contributors to growth and
innovation in an increasingly data-driven environment.
Turning Weakness into Strength
Conclusion
But even with these challenges, this is exactly the kind of
As CMAs, we know how to do cost-benefit analysis. We
environment where smart professionals can shine. When
know how to assess risk. We know how business
things are messy, that’s when real leadership is needed. As
processes flow. We are the strategic business partners,
CMAs, we have skills that can help with cost-benefit
not just the accountants. That knowledge and skill set,
analysis, financial modeling, scenario planning, leading
paired with even a basic understanding of AI capabilities,
change, and understanding the dynamics. We know how
puts us in a strong position. Some of us might think, "I’ll
to manage change and communicate risk. If anyone can
wait and see how others do it first." But the truth is, once
make the case for investing in automation and driving
companies figure it out, they’ll start looking for
digital transformation, it’s us. In Pakistan, the integration of
professionals who already understand this new
AI into financial processes holds potential for enhancing
landscape. If we learn now while AI is still being figured
efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
out, we’ll be seen as pioneers, not just users. Waiting too
As the country continues its journey toward digital
long could mean missing out.
transformation, AI can help streamline financial reporting,
strengthen audit trails, and support timely, informed It’s simple: AI isn’t our enemy. But ignoring it might be.
decisions across both public and private sectors. The role of CMAs is not shrinking; it’s shifting. Those who
adapt early will thrive. Those who wait may find
For CMAs, this evolution creates an exciting opportunity
themselves catching up in a game that moves fast. So,
to lead the change—guiding organizations in adopting
let’s stop treating AI like a threat and start treating it like a
intelligent systems, interpreting dynamic data, and
partner. Let’s learn, experiment, and lead.
aligning financial strategies with long-term goals.
Particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises, References
AI-enabled insights can unlock smarter resource
1. PwC's AI Agent Survey, May 2025, base of 308
planning and sustainable growth, making the role of
Between April 22 and April 28, 2025, PwC surveyed 308 US business
CMAs more impactful than ever. executives with C-suite (33%), vice president (13%) and director-level
(54%) roles across industries.
This is not the time to wait for others to figure it out. It's
the time to lead the change, even if it's one department 2. AI Assessments: Enhancing Confidence in AI
Co-produced report by EY and ACCA [website article]
or process at a time. Small wins add up.
AI x ERP About the Author: The writer is an Associate Member of ICMA with
nearly six years of progressive experience in finance and
AI is being integrated into accounting software as well. AI accounting. She has worked across diverse sectors, including G2C
services, construction, and logistics. Most recently, she served as
in ERP systems is transforming the role of CMAs by
Deputy Manager Finance at Gerry’s International (Pvt.) Ltd. Later
automating processes and enhancing decision-making.
this year, she will be pursuing a Master by Research in Management
It automates repetitive tasks like data entry and Studies in London.
reconciliation, allowing us to focus more on analysis and
34 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Jul-Aug 2025