Accounting is no longer just about reporting what happened—it’s about shaping what’s next. This time we quickly explore how accountants can become strategic leaders, partnering across functions, driving key performance insights, and helping guide the organization’s future direction. From Scorekeeper to Strategist Accounting professionals today should not just report on the numbers. We should be …
Measuring and Verifying Success Transformation means little if we can’t prove its impact. This post outlines how to define the right metrics, validate results, and clearly communicate value to stakeholders—ensuring that automation and analytics efforts deliver on their promise and earn ongoing support. Track key metrics Monitor the impact of automation and analytics on efficiency, …
Continuous Learning and Skill Development Stay up-to-date In a profession where standards, technology, and business models are evolving rapidly, staying up to date is not optional—it is essential. Whether it is changes in GAAP, advances in automation tools, or new regulatory requirements, accounting professionals must be proactive about continuous learning. It is a start if …
A recent article in the Journal of Accountancy reports a sharp rise in economic pessimism among CFOs. Almost half now expressed pessimism about the economy. But what stood out even more? Their response. Instead of panic or paralysis, CFOs are leaning into strategic levers: This moment is a perfect example of why a great accounting …
Technology Integration Integrating the right technology is key to unlocking efficiency and insight. To succeed in this age, accounting leaders need to be up to date on how to leverage automation software, AI, and real-time data tools—not just to speed up tasks, but to enhance decision-making and drive lasting value. Consider automated software When it …
User Education and Process Mapping Technology alone won’t drive transformation—people will. Engaging and educating your team, and mapping processes thoughtfully, builds buy-in, uncovers hidden opportunities, and sets the stage for sustainable automation and analytics success. Involve and educate the team We have all been “informed” that we will be performing tasks a new and “better” …
The first step in leading automation & analytics is to define the landscape. What is automation? What are analytics? What is automation? In the context of accounting, automation refers to the use of technology to perform routine, rules-based tasks with minimal human intervention. This is a broad definition and can range from basic manual tasks …
For as long as I can remember, the accounting profession has traditionally focused on compliance, control, and closing the books—often reduced to “counting beans.” We were the gatekeepers—tasked with making sure the numbers were accurate and the boxes checked.But the profession has evolved, and so have expectations. Today, accounting professionals are increasingly being seen as …
There’s a line in this recent FEI article that really resonated with me:“An accounting background is not just a ticket into the finance world—it’s the foundation of leadership, credibility, and enterprise understanding.” I couldn’t agree more. We’ve reached a turning point where organizations need more than compliance and reporting from their finance teams—they need insight, …