AP Pros Face Growing Layoff Concerns and See Automation as a Career Lifeline

Core Insights - AvidXchange and IOFM's report highlights the evolving challenges faced by accounts payable (AP) professionals, emphasizing the role of automation and AI in addressing these issues and enhancing career prospects [1][4][11] Workforce Concerns - Nearly half (45%) of AP professionals express concerns about potential layoffs in 2025, a significant increase from 27% in 2024 [2] - Only 50% of AP professionals report having access to growth or skills development opportunities, and just 40% believe they have a clear path for career advancement [3] - In 2024, 61% of AP professionals left more than a quarter of their paid time off (PTO) unused, with 27% citing job security concerns [3] Economic Sentiment - AvidXchange's 2025 Economic Sentiment Survey indicates that 86% of finance professionals are worried about the economy, with nearly half expecting a recession within the next 12 months [4] - AP professionals are focusing on skill building and automation to enhance productivity and secure their futures amid economic uncertainty [4][5] Automation and AI Impact - Automation is seen as a key driver for improving job performance and long-term career prospects, allowing AP teams to focus on strategic, higher-value work [6] - 59% of AP professionals in automated environments report being "extremely satisfied" in their roles, compared to only 2% in fully manual environments [7] - 74% believe access to tools and technology supports their career growth, while 69% think automation will have an immediate positive impact on their current roles [9] Job Security and Flexibility - 53% of AP professionals are taking on stretch assignments to enhance job security, a rise from 34% the previous year [8] - 40% state that flexible work hours are essential, with automation enabling this flexibility by reducing reliance on paper-based processes [10] Resilience Strategy - AP automation is not just about efficiency; it is a strategy for workforce stability, helping professionals maintain productivity and morale during economic challenges [11] - Organizations adopting automation and AI are likely to cultivate a more empowered and future-ready workforce [11] Case Study - An AvidXchange customer noted that automation significantly reduced the need for manual data entry, allowing the AP team to focus on higher-value tasks and facilitating growth within the accounts payable function [12]