INTHEBLACK November 2026 - Magazine - Page 9
“Most CFOs understand AI’s strategic importance and
recognise that it will transform the finance function.
However, the question is whether the finance function can
transform fast enough to exploit the full potential of AI.”
RONALD WONG CPA, EY ASEAN AND SINGAPORE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING ADVISORY
SERVICES LEADER ON FINDINGS OF THE LATEST EY GLOBAL DNA OF THE CFO SURVEY.
APAC CASHFLOW SQUEEZE
GO ASK AI?
Businesses across the Asia-Pacific region may be experiencing
tighter cashflow pressure, with results of Aon’s 2026 Working
Capital Benchmarking Report showing companies in the region
wait an average of 79 days to receive payment for the goods
and services they delivered.
Longer collection periods can tie up cash and reduce the
financial flexibility required to support growth, investment
and day-to-day operations.
The report shows China recorded the longest average days
receivable at 99 days, followed by Hong Kong at 76 days and
Singapore at 73 days. Meanwhile, New Zealand recorded
the shortest collection cycle at 41 days, followed by Vietnam
at 45 days and Australia at 48 days.
The study also reveals significant variation in payment
collection performance across industries. For example,
hospitality recorded the shortest average days receivable
at 28 days, followed by retail (29 days) and non-retail food
(38 days).
By comparison, engineering and construction recorded the
longest collection cycle at 143 days, followed by electrical
products (109 days) and pharmaceuticals (96 days).
Many Australian employees view AI
as a trusted adviser, with 14 per cent
saying they would turn to the technology
for advice before going to their manager
or colleagues.
Results of the latest ELMO
Employee Sentiment Index report
show the preference for AI-generated
work advice is mostly due to speed
(57 per cent), convenience (44 per cent),
better-quality responses (44 per cent)
and to avoid bothering their team
(28 per cent).
More than 70 per cent of those
surveyed now use AI tools at work,
and 19 per cent believe their organisation
is doing well at keeping employee skills
relevant for AI-driven change.
Read the report
Read the report
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au
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