Finance and Accounting (F&A) teams are expected to do more than ensure compliance – they must now manage a growing array of risks while enhancing resilience and business value. Traditional risk management methods, such as periodic audits and retrospective controls, are no longer sufficient in today’s environment of macroeconomic volatility, digital transaction complexities, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. This Viewpoint introduces Finance Risk Intelligence (FRI) as a dedicated, AI-powered capability designed to embed continuous, predictive, and autonomous risk monitoring across the F&A value chain. FRI represents a distinct evolution in the F&A technology stack. These solutions function as an intelligence layer that integrates with ERP and process execution platforms to ingest financial transaction data, apply layered AI models for anomaly detection, and enable near real-time intervention. The report outlines the FRI architecture, comprising data processing, intelligence, and action layers, and details how enterprises can use FRI for use cases across procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, and record-to-report processes. It also presents the emerging provider landscape and provides practical adoption guidance, including imperatives to align people, processes, and technology.

Enterprises are increasingly turning to modern Order-to-Cash (O2C) products in response to growing cost pressures, tighter regulations, and the need for improved agility. Once viewed as a back-office finance function, O2C is becoming a strategic enabler of cash optimization, risk management, and customer experience. This shift is driving demand for O2C solutions that combine visibility, automation, and intelligence through integrated platforms and modular deployments. In parallel, the provider landscape is evolving. Two distinct provider archetypes, receivables-focused specialists and billing-led platforms, are expanding their portfolios to offer more comprehensive O2C capabilities. Meanwhile, enterprise platforms are entering the space, intensifying competition and accelerating innovation. Providers are embedding technologies such as generative AI, embedded analytics, and orchestration capabilities to support more accurate forecasting, enhanced control, and streamlined end-to-end O2C processes. In this research, we assess 16 leading O2C products, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and market positioning to guide CFOs and finance leaders in selecting best-fit technology partners that align with their strategic and operational goals.

In 2024, Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) providers continued to pursue quick wins and digital enablement, while enhancing their capabilities by investing in AI-driven solutions, expanding delivery footprints, GCC services, and tailored offerings for private equity and mid-market clients. The growing focus on technology-led transformation and the need for tailored delivery models further accelerated the adoption of provider-supported hybrid delivery and GCC setups. However, the global multi-process FAO market experienced relatively slower-than-expected growth in 2024 due to economic and geopolitical uncertainties and delayed decision-making in the second half of 2024, especially in large-scale deals. As a result, while short-term growth may remain constrained due to inflation, recessionary concerns, and global instability, long-term market momentum is expected to persist, driven by steady demand for core F&A services and the need for ancillary services to support AI infrastructure readiness. In this research, we assess 34 FAO providers based on their vision and capabilities and impact on the FAO market and position them on the FAO PEAK Matrix® assessment.

The Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) market is poised for significant growth due to increased outsourcing from first-generation adopters, particularly in the small and mid-market segments. These organizations are struggling with weak cash disposition, cost pressures, and the need for efficiency improvements. Small organizations are primarily cost-focused, while mid-market organizations prioritize efficiency and value-added capabilities, prompting them to embrace Finance and Accounting (F&A) outsourcing. This segment’s growth is further fueled by the emergence of high-growth niche industries, including PE firms, which present unique outsourcing drivers. Small and large F&A providers are capitalizing on this opportunity by building tailored capabilities to meet the segment’s demands. They are differentiating themselves by offering contractual flexibility, bundled IT-F&A solutions, and verticalized F&A offerings. In this report, we explore the rise of small and mid-market organizations in FAO and F&A providers’ evolving strategies. The report provides comprehensive coverage of the FAO market during 2023-24, analyzing regional nuances, buyer adoption trends, growth drivers, and the growth of the small and mid-market segments in FAO. Scope All industries and geographies This research leverages our interactions with 33 leading FAO service providers and enterprise stakeholders worldwide Contents In this report, we examine: FAO market FAO buyer trends The rise of small and mid-market organizations in FAO F&A providers’ response to small and mid-market buyers’ demands Membership(s) Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

Everest Group’s Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) – Provider Compendium 2024 provides comprehensive and fact-based snapshots of 33 FAO service providers and includes insights on the global FAO service provider landscape. It offers detailed profiles of each FAO service provider, with a comprehensive picture of its service suite, scale of operations, recent developments and investments, technology solutions, and delivery locations. The report will enable providers to benchmark their capabilities against their peers and empower buyers to assess providers based on their capabilities. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this research, we feature 33 FAO service provider profiles and include: Service suite and scale of operations: key leaders, service suites, FTEs, and recent developments and investments Client portfolio: key clients and recently announced contracts and FAO revenue by geography, industry, and buyer size Delivery locations: details of key delivery locations worldwide Technology solutions: brief descriptions of key technology solutions Memberships Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

Current cost pressures and the increased need for regulatory compliance to avoid costly penalties from tax authorities have accelerated the adoption of tax outsourcing. Tax outsourcing lowers operating costs for organizations and provides them access to better quality, scalable talent and the ability to transform their tax functions. Organizations are leveraging tax providers’ services through various constructs such as tax advisory, technology support, managed services, and tax CoE setups. In this report, we explore the capabilities of different types of tax providers, such as the Big 4s, tax specialists, and traditional F&A managed services providers. Furthermore, we explore how the convergence of providers’ capabilities will likely characterize the tax service provider landscape’s future, as providers aim to be the jacks of all trades beyond their current primary area(s) of focus. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this report, we examine: The recent evolution of tax sourcing The engagement between enterprises and tax service providers Tax service provider landscape’s recent evolution and future Memberships Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

The global multi-process Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) market experienced relatively slower growth in 2023 due to recessionary headwinds in early part of the year and consequential delays in enterprise decision-making, especially on large-scale deals. However, in the second half, as the market saw stabilization’s early signs in decision cycles, enterprises exhibited greater investment appetite for transformation. While focus on quick wins remained a primary objective, the enhanced focus on organizational transformation propelled greater IT-BPO integrated deals as compared to pre-COVID-19 times. Recent macroeconomic events – such as surging inflation, recession, geopolitical instability, and high interest rates – have made enterprises more receptive to leveraging third-party providers for their finance functions. In this research we assess 33 FAO service providers based on their vision and capabilities and impact on the FAO market and position them on two Everest Group PEAK Matrix® assessments for FAO and Order-to-Cash (O2C) services. Scope Geography: global Services: FAO Contents In this research, we focus on: Everest Group’s FAO services PEAK Matrix® evaluation, a comprehensive assessment of 33 FAO service providers 2024 FAO PEAK Matrix Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants, as well as Star Performers 2024 O2C PEAK Matrix Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants Service provider capability assessment FAO service provider landscape Each FAO service provider’s key strengths and limitations Membership(s) Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

Today, Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) is actively embracing digital transformation. Cognitive technologies have transitioned from pilot stages to widespread use, denoting a considerable change in the approach to and execution of Finance and Accounting (F&A) activities. The digital revolution, with AI at its core, is not just a technology enabler but also a strategic necessity. Service and technology providers, equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities, are steering the industry toward unparalleled efficiency and innovation. In addition, the industry faces a potential transformation with the rise of generative AI, a key trend of the year. As generative AI adoption increases, it has the ability to significantly alter the industry, expanding potential applications in F&A, notably influencing data analytics, predictive modeling, and decision-making processes. This research analyzes the FAO market across various aspects, such as regional variations, buyer adoption trends, growth drivers, and growth of AI in F&A, during 2022-23. The report will enable interested stakeholders, such as buyers / parent organizations, providers, GBS organizations, investors, and industry bodies, to create AI-based future-ready finance functions for the next normal. Scope All industries and geographies This research leverages our interactions with 28 leading FAO service providers and enterprise stakeholders worldwide Contents In this research, we study: The role of AI in F&A Providers’ AI capabilities in F&A Potential of generative AI in F&A FAO market overview and buyer trends Membership(s) Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

Everest Group’s Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) – Service Provider Compendium 2023 provides comprehensive and fact-based snapshots of 28 FAO service providers and includes insights on the global FAO service provider landscape. It offers detailed profiles of each FAO service provider, with a comprehensive picture of its service suite, scale of operations, recent developments and investments, technology solutions, and delivery locations. Each profile also specifies the provider’s position on Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix®.The compendium will enable providers to benchmark their capabilities against their peers, while buyers will be able to assess the providers based on their desired set of capabilities. Scope All industries and geographies Contents In this research, we feature 28 FAO service provider profiles and include: Service suite and scale of operations: key leaders, service suites, FTEs, and recent developments and investments Client portfolio: major clients and recently announced contracts, as well as FAO revenue by geography, industry, and buyer size Delivery locations: details of key delivery locations worldwide Technology solutions: brief descriptions of key technology solutions Detailed assessment of FAO capabilities: market success, delivery capability assessment, and remarks on each provider’s strengths and limitations Membership(s) Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management

Amid the current economic uncertainties, enterprises are increasingly driving cost optimization, productivity improvement, and digital transformation due to rising cost and pricing pressures. CFOs are acting as business partners and architects, driving agility, strategic decision-making, and transformation initiatives across the broader organization. Providers play a vital role in supporting enterprises in their financial transformation journey, with outsourcing engagements shifting from a pre-COVID focus on piecemeal transformation to a post-COVID focus on sustainable outcomes. It is becoming increasingly important for enterprises to reevaluate the value they have achieved in their outsourcing engagements compared to their expectations and to find avenues to accelerate overall value. In this report, we provide enterprises with the value capture matrix framework, which helps assess the current level of value derived from their outsourcing engagement based on various levers such as process scope, transformation quotient, digital quotient, pricing model, and performance management against the maturity of the engagement. We also provide guidelines on how enterprises can envision a future state of enhanced value creation through value optimization and value creation. Scope Geography: Global Industry: All Service: Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) Contents In this report, we examine: Evolution of CFO priorities and the role of service providers Understanding value in Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) How to unlock more value from F&A outsourcing engagements Assessment of F&A outsourcing engagement using the value capture matrix Detailed scoring guidelines for assessing F&A outsourcing engagements using the value capture matrix Membership(s) Finance and Accounting Sourcing and Vendor Management