The R2R Efficiency Mirage

Exposing the Hidden Manual Work in “Automated” Closes

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For years, finance teams have invested in close management tools believing they were automating the close. This research tells a different story: Across 88 shared services leaders, the data reveals that organizations have digitized the tracking of the close – but not the execution. The result is an efficiency mirage: the appearance of automation masking a reality still dominated by manual effort, spreadsheets, and people-dependent coordination.

Published February 2026

Contributors:

Barbara Hodge, Global Editor, SSON Research & Analytics
Syazana Lim, Lead Research Analyst, SSON Research & Analytics

SSON Research & Analytics is the leading global data and research platform for the Shared Services and GBS industry. Built on insights from the world's largest and most established community of business services professionals, we deliver the metrics, benchmarks, insights, and advisory that drive performance worldwide.

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