Turning Processes into Automated Solutions: Accounting Team AI Hackathon Delivers Significant Time Savings

Zscaler's AI Vision: AI Forward, People First, is capturing teams across the globe –  including the Zscaler Accounting Team who discovered how to save more than 100 hours a month in automating processes.

During their recent hackathon, more than 50 accountants leveraged AI to turn repetitive key accounting processes into 9 self-service automation solutions. They applied creative collaboration and expertise as users, innovators and managers to AI tools like ZChat, Glean AI, and Gemini. 

Their innovative solutions grew their tool use by 30% while reducing mundane and manual tasks, improving operational efficiency and making more room for meaningful, strategic work. A few examples include: 

• Vendor Data Structuring: A task that involves structuring, validating, and filtering vendor data before uploading for use saves 25-hours a month using a ZChat-built agent.
• Month-End Reporting: Teams utilized AI to learn work tool automation tips for critical month-end reports, saving 8 hours per month per employee during the close.
• Contract Review: Glean AI was used to review complex contracts and generate summaries, which is a required input for various accounting calculations, saving 2-3 hours per contract. In Q1 2026, improvement would have saved up to 75 hours.

“Our goal was to dispel the thought that AI is only for ‘super users’ and foster a culture of self-learning and process improvement. We had 11 demos, each showcasing the teams' pride in learning a new skill and applying it directly to their work. The innovations deliver tangible improvements to the daily working experience of our teams.” – Nikhil Mittal, Sr Director, Asst Controller and Strategic Finance

Their innovative solutions will go live throughout FY26, driving digital transformation and efficiency for Zscaler’s global finance team. Congratulations to the India accounting team for unlocking the power of AI and making room for what you’re already good at!