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rich.9 Technological advancements have transformed the way work is done in many companies and have led to layoffs. The finance function has not been spared either. Many say finance jobs are a higher risk due to automation, and this has forced people to reconsider their career choices. However, this is a myth. The truth is that automation is redefining the finance landscape but that doesn’t necessarily mean loss of jobs. It has been creating new opportunities. Technology might eliminate redundant jobs but it can never replace the fine judgement and expertise humans can offer in everyday financial activities. So it is important to get some clarity on this subject to put to rest the fears of job loss in the financial sector. Talking about the kind of areas that are being automated and the ones that heavily rely on human intervention, Ballav Mundra, Chief Financial Officer, Hexagon R&D India, says automation has significantly streamlined core tasks like data entry and reconciliation, financial reporting, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable (AP/AR) and expense management. However, he points out that tasks like strategic financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, tax strategy and corporate governance rely on professional judgement and a nuanced understanding of broader business objectives. Elaborating on this, Shruti Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Stashfin, says that automated tools now capture and input data directly into financial systems, reducing errors and saving significant time. Reconciliation processes are also streamlined as automated systems can quickly match and balance transactions, enhancing accuracy and cutting down manual effort. Similarly, standard financial reports like income statements and balance sheets can now be generated automatically, while transactional workflows for payments and invoices have been simplified through automation. Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Despite these advances, she says tasks requiring nuanced judgement and complex decision-making — such as strategic financial analysis, advisory roles and risk assessment — still heavily depend on human expertise. These tasks demand deep domain knowledge and critical thinking, making them less likely to be fully automated in the near future. Automation-driven emerging roles and opportunities Mundra says they are witnessing new specialised roles focussed on analytical, strategic and technical expertise that capitalise on advanced technologies and data-driven insights. Examples of such roles include financial data analyst, data visualisation specialist, RPA developer and implementation expert, digital transformation lead, and automation strategy consultant. Additionally, positions like cyber risk analyst, automation risk officer, fraud detection specialist, AI/ML finance modeller, and change management lead are also in demand. Aggarwal also lists a bunch of roles seeking skilled and talented individuals. She says automation is paving the way for positions like financial analysts, who interpret complex financial data and provide strategic insights to drive business decisions; data scientist, who leverages advanced analytics to uncover trends within financial data, enhancing the decision-making process; cybersecurity specialists, who protect sensitive data from cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and security; and process automation specialists, who design and manage automation solutions. Skills to remain competitive in an increasingly automated environment In Mundra’s opinion, the focus should be on enhancing their technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to remain competitive. Technical skills are essential and include data analytics, visualisation tools, process automation, and knowledge of AI and machine learning. A few key competencies also include strategic financial planning, advanced financial modelling, and risk management. Interpersonal skills are always important, including effective communication of data insights, strong teamwork, and leadership in digital environments. Aggarwal says digital literacy is crucial, as it enables professionals to effectively use technology to enhance productivity and decision-making. Skills in data analysis and interpretation are also essential, as the ability to examine and extract meaningful insights from large datasets is increasingly valuable. Moreover, critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow finance professionals to address complex issues and devise innovative solutions, and hence, they must be acquired. Having said that, she says communication and interpersonal skills are equally important, as the ability to translate complex financial insights to diverse audiences adds significant value. Challenges and ways to future-proof careers Adapting to automation can present challenges, including fear of job displacement, reluctance to learn new technologies, and shifting from transactional to strategic roles, says Mundra. To future-proof careers, he says professionals should upskill in areas where human expertise complements automation. Also, continuous learning through certifications, focusing on strategic thinking, and advocating for digital transformation are essential steps to thrive. Moreover, developing skills in governance, ethics, and risk management can ensure their relevance in areas where human judgement is crucial. Job displacement, substantial initial investment in new technology, and the need for continuous upskilling can create obstacles for professionals, says Aggarwal. However, automation also brings unique opportunities for career advancement and specialisation. Hence, to future-proof their careers, her advice is embracing automation as a tool that enhances productivity rather than viewing it as a threat, and investing in reskilling, especially in areas that are less likely to be automated — such as strategic analysis, cybersecurity and process automation — can offer stability and growth. Most importantly, she says, adopting a mindset of continuous learning is essential to adapt to evolving industry demands and technologies. This will help a person secure long-term career success.

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Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., penned a scathing op-ed about his party Friday, claiming Democrats lost an “easy” presidential election because they failed to address “real issues.” Moulton has been an outspoken critic of the Democratic Party since Election Day. The congressman first turned heads on Nov. 7 when he suggested to The New York Times that the party needed to change its approach to issues surrounding the transgender community. “Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face,” he told the publication. “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.” The congressman quickly received backlash for the remarks, with protesters descending on his Salem, Massachusetts, office in a show of support for the LGBT community. However, he has repeatedly doubled down on his criticisms, including in a Friday op-ed for The Washington Post titled “I’m done with Democratic purity tests.” “Independents and Republicans see what we do to fellow Democrats who disagree with the party line. Why would they think they’d have a prayer with us?” Moulton asked. He argued that President-elect Donald Trump proved to voters he “understands real fears,” while Democrats have often downplayed or ignored voters’ concerns. He pointed to Trump responding to Americans’ fears about increasing crime with pledges to support law enforcement, whereas members of the Democratic Party called to “defund the police.” The congressman also noted Trump made the economy a key element of his campaign. He compared that decision to the Biden administration downplaying rising grocery costs “because it was ‘transitory,’ whatever that means.” “When Democrats don’t engage honestly on real issues important to Americans, we give the impression that we either don’t understand or, worse yet, simply don’t care,” Moulton wrote. “This should have been an easy election for Democrats ... But the American people voted for Trump because he articulated a vision, however twisted and unconscionable, for solving their problems and addressing their fears,” he concluded. Moulton has not been alone in criticizing the Democratic Party since Vice President Kamala Harris’s election loss. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., earlier this month argued Democrats have ignored an “identity crisis” facing American men, contributing to the party’s loss in appeal to such voters. Have a news tip? Contact Kristina Watrobski at kwatrobski@sbgtv.com or at x.com/kbwatrobski . Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.

Gus Malzahn is leaving UCF to become Florida State's offensive coordinator, AP source saysLAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has been elected to a new term as president of the International Fencing Federation while he faces ongoing sanctions. The federation, known as the FIE, said in an emailed statement that Usmanov won 120 votes for a majority at the congress on Saturday in Uzbekistan, where he was born. Usmanov was first elected FIE president in 2008 and his funding was key to fencing's growth. Usmanov said in March 2022 he would step aside from his duties as FIE president “until justice is restored” after he was placed under sanctions by the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Greek official Emmanuel Katsiadakis served as interim president since then. Usmanov thanked his supporters on Saturday and said he would work for a “bright future” for fencing. “As is well known, I am still subject to unjustified restrictions, which I am currently challenging in court," Usmanov said in a statement. "In this regard, I declare that I have always acted in the best interests of the FIE and will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the legally unfounded restrictions imposed on me being extended to the FIE and its activities.” ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

THE Golden Square Bowls Club is more than 100 years old, yet still finding ways to come up with first-time initiatives. or signup to continue reading The latest is the club's first foray into pennant bowls under lights on a Friday night. Golden Square and Bendigo will get round seven of Bendigo premier league lawn bowls with a Friday night game. It will be the first Friday night pennant game played under lights at Golden Square - . The clash is being dubbed 'The Battle of the Cathedral' given the iconic Bendigo landmark is located between the two clubs. It will be a loaded Golden Square side that takes to rink with all four of its metropolitan permit players lining up - Bryce Young and Ben Fearn from Melbourne and Dylan Fisher and Alex Skilton from Moonee Valley. The inclusion of Fisher gives Golden Square two members of the Victorian state team lining up along with Andrew Brown. It's a clash that pits top against third. Bendigo heads the ladder with four wins, a loss and a draw from the first six rounds, while Golden Square has made an encouraging start as it strives to finally end its finals drought. Golden Square - which last played finals in 2015-16 - is third on the ladder with three wins, two losses and one draw and showed just how damaging a side it can be in its last start when it thumped South Bendigo by 40 shots. Friday night's Battle of the Cathedral between Golden Square and Bendigo begins at 6pm. John Berry, Lachlan Darroch, Brad Campbell, Bryce Young (s); Guenther Ebenwaldner, Gary Beckham, Ben Fearn, Andrew Brown (s); Alan Eddy, Neville Bowland, Garri Conforti, Alex Skilton (s); Wayne Robins, Daryl Cheeseman, Jacob Croft, Dylan Fisher (s). Stephanie Priest, Troy Magnusson, Ian Ross, Brayden Byrne (s); Charlie Manning, Mark Anderson, Grant Woodward, Brad Marron (s); Luke Nemeth, Taylah Marron, Taylor Stewart, Tim Arnold (s); Gary Downie, Nick Rowley, Josh Matthews, Luke Hoskin (s). Golden Square v Bendigo (Friday), South Bendigo v Marong, Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk, Bendigo East v Moama. South Bendigo (59), Marong (49), Eaglehawk (42), Kangaroo Flat (15). DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Unidentified drones spotted over three US airbases in Britain, USAF confirms