‘The Accountant 2’ Brings Back The Action, But Real CPAs Face Another Battle: Paper

As “The Accountant 2” hits theaters on April 25, CPAs are getting their rare moment in the Hollywood spotlight. But while Ben Afflecks spreadsheet-savvy vigilante is back in action, real-life finance professionals are facing a more mundane, yet persistent, challenge: paper.

According to a new report from finance automation provider Yooz, the accounting world remains heavily dependent on paper-based processes, despite widespread advances in digital technology. The 2024 Yooz Report: Unveiling the Cost of Finances Paper Dependence found that a staggering 74% of finance teams still rely on manual, paper-heavy workflows — and its taking a toll.

“Real finance teams arent chasing criminals — theyre most likely chasing down missing invoices,” said Yooz CEO Laurent Charpentier. “Our survey shows 74% of finance departments are still stuck in paper-heavy processes. Thats not just inefficient; its holding businesses back.”

The numbers back up Charpentiers point. Nearly half of respondents print documents daily, and 22% say theyve missed payments due to misplaced paperwork. Workers are also spending serious time managing physical files — with 13% clocking more than five hours a week on paper-related tasks, amounting to over six weeks per year.

Paper clutter isnt confined to desks either. Documents pile up in communal spaces, get taken home, or even have to be recreated altogether when originals go missing. And while automation could reduce this burden, only 21% of respondents describe their workflows as highly automated.

Barriers to change remain steep. Employee resistance (43%), lack of training (18%), and organizational red tape (15%) continue to stall digital transformation. Many finance professionals (35%) feel unprepared to phase out paper entirely, often due to comfort with tangible documents or generational differences — 32% of respondents reported internal conflicts over paper use across age groups.

Despite these obstacles, the appetite for change is clear. Nearly three-quarters (73%) agree that going paperless would benefit sustainability efforts, and a growing number are exploring automation as a path to efficiency.

“At Yooz, we believe finance teams deserve the freedom to focus on strategy, not flipping through papers,” Charpentier added. “Automation isnt a nice-to-have anymore. Its essential for improving performance, supporting sustainability goals, and boosting morale. Hollywood gave accountants action scenes. Wed rather give them their time back.”

While moviegoers enjoy the fictional thrill of an accountant with combat skills, finance teams across industries are hoping for their own kind of hero: streamlined systems that finally let them ditch the paper — for good.