Accounts Payable Professionals Fear Layoffs Amid Economic Uncertainty

A study by AvidXchange and the Institute of Finance and Management found that 45% of accounts payable professionals fear potential layoffs in 2025, up from 27% last year. To boost job security, 59% of AP professionals are actively learning new skills and technologies, including automation and AI. Automation is linked to job satisfaction, with 59% of satisfied workers in automated environments. Despite proactive measures, only 50% of professionals report having access to career growth opportunities in their current roles.

A recent study conducted by AvidXchange and the Institute of Finance and Management (IOFM) has highlighted significant concerns among accounts payable (AP) professionals regarding job security. The survey, released in 2025, found that 45% of AP professionals are worried about potential layoffs in 2025, up from 27% in 2024 [1]. This increase in job insecurity is causing many professionals to proactively enhance their skills and adopt new technologies.

To bolster their job security, 59% of AP professionals are actively learning new skills and technologies, including automation and AI [1]. The adoption of automation is linked to higher job satisfaction, with 59% of satisfied workers operating in automated environments [1]. This trend underscores the growing importance of technological proficiency in the finance sector.

Despite these proactive measures, only 50% of professionals report having access to career growth opportunities in their current roles [1]. This disparity highlights the need for companies to provide more robust training and development programs to support their employees.

The broader economic context also plays a significant role in these workforce concerns. The survey found that 86% of finance professionals are worried about the economy, with nearly half expecting a recession within 12 months [1]. This economic uncertainty is driving demand for cost-efficient solutions like AP automation.

In contrast, Bill.com Holdings (NYSE: BILL), another key player in the AP automation space, has faced challenges. Piper Sandler downgraded Bill.com to Neutral from Overweight, citing greater-than-expected headwinds in monetization [2]. Despite positive trends in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, with core revenue growing 15% year-on-year and total payment volume (TPV) rising 13%, the higher-than-anticipated AP/AR take rate has led to the downgrade [2].

The study by AvidXchange and IOFM underscores the importance of technological adoption and skill development in the AP profession. As economic uncertainty persists, companies that invest in automation and provide growth opportunities for their AP professionals are likely to see increased job satisfaction and retention.

References:
[1] AvidXchange and IOFM release 2025 report on the evolving AP workforce. (2025). Globe News Wire.
[2] Investing.com. (2025). Analyst downgrades Bill.com on greater-than-expected headwinds.