Making A Difference To Organisational Success As An Accountant

In these challenging economic times, every part of every organisation is under scrutiny to some degree other.  As Finance professionals we are often in the group of people who are playing a vital role in identifying ways of delivering the right quality at the lowest cost.

 

When looking at other functions or parts of an organisation it is much easier to detach yourself from the choices being made.  On the other hand when it is your function that is under scrutiny then things are a little different.

 

Of course as an accountant you understand the importance of review.  At the same time as a team do you regularly step back, take stock and consider what you are doing.  If so, do you take time to stop, take stock and consider what you are doing personally.

 

One of the great benefits of being in a profession is that once you get the relevant professional qualification you are pretty well rewarded financially.  On the other hand when others are looking at where money is spent, the chances are you will be further up the list than the average employee.

 

Trouble is that it is all too easy to get comfortable, to rest on your laurels and go into some form of auto pilot.  In this situation before you know it you become at risk and before you know it the wheels of that promising career can very easily grind to a halt.

 

The key to avoiding this situation which is without doubt within your control and influence to some extent is to keep the focus on making a difference.  For people within finance and accounting roles this should mean contributing to bottom line results.

 

Of course you need to do all the core bits like monthly management accounts, statutory financial accounts, cash and working capital management and tax returns.  This however is really the minimum and in truth a lot of it could be done anywhere and potentially by people with a lot less expertise who are much cheaper.

 

The real value from any profession, including accounting comes from making a real difference.

 

At the core is being clear about services that are being offered so that those who use our services are crystal clear about what they can expect.  This should be clear and ambiguous so that there is absolute clarity.  It should also be written down in service level agreements.

 

Next it is vital that performance is reported against the service level agreement and there is complete transparency whether targets are achieved or not.

 

It’s also vital to regularly collect measure and report on the feedback that is received and to track trends on the perceived value in the eyes of those that use your services.

 

It requires a mindset that continually considers what can we do even better individually and collectively.  Where we are spending time and having little impact?  Where we are really making a difference?

 

Ultimately a finance team and individual members of that finance team should be able to write a one page review that shows precisely how they have performed and highlights what has been achieved.

 

How do you and your finance team do against that ultimate test?

 

Duncan Brodie helps accountants to achieve more career success.  He is author of the eboook How To Have A Successful Career In Accountancy

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

Leave a Comment:

32 comments
Torry says 24 October 2023

Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have created some nice methods and we are
looking to swap strategies with other folks, please shoot me an email if interested.

Reply
Drew says 26 October 2023

I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your blog.
It appears as though some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too?

This might be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve
had this happen previously. Many thanks

Reply
Aeriel says 26 October 2023

Heya i am for the first time here. I came across
this board and I to find It really useful &
it helped me out much. I’m hoping to give one thing again and
help others like you helped me.

Reply
Brendt says 26 October 2023

If you are going for finest contents like me, simply go to see this website all the time since it
gives feature contents, thanks

Reply
Kinzie says 26 October 2023

Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.

Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

Reply
Christin says 26 October 2023

I was very pleased to discover this web site.
I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful
read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also
have you book-marked to check out new things on your website.

Reply
Evelynn says 26 October 2023

I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your content.
This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

Reply
Turner says 26 October 2023

Hi there would you mind letting me know which web
host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.

Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

Reply
Hau says 26 October 2023

I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site.
I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog
posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated
me to get my own site now 😉

Reply
Ranika says 26 October 2023

great submit, very informative. I’m wondering why
the opposite specialists of this sector don’t notice
this. You must continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

Reply
Elsy says 26 October 2023

Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for providing this info.

Reply
Shemica says 26 October 2023

I constantly spent my half an hour to read this web site’s articles everyday along with a mug
of coffee.

Reply
Cagney says 26 October 2023

Tremendous issues here. I’m very glad to look your post.
Thank you so much and I’m taking a look forward to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

Reply
Theresa says 26 October 2023

Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this
site with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking
and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and great style and design.

Reply
Ming says 26 October 2023

First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like
to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I’ve had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.

I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15
minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying to figure
out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Many thanks!

Reply
Matthews says 26 October 2023

Excellent website. A lot of helpful info here.
I’m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you in your sweat!

Reply
Hasan says 26 October 2023

If you wish for to improve your knowledge only keep visiting this website and be updated with the most up-to-date gossip posted
here.

Reply
Karter says 26 October 2023

I get pleasure from, lead to I discovered exactly what I was
taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

Reply
Kennie says 26 October 2023

Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break.
I love the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my
cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesome blog!

Reply
Kadeidra says 29 October 2023

Article writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with then you
can write otherwise it is complex to write.

Reply
Garrett says 29 October 2023

Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept
talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Many thanks for sharing!

Reply
Darin says 29 October 2023

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really
enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and
I hope you write again soon!

Reply
Carina says 29 October 2023

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing in your feeds or even I success you get entry to persistently fast.

Reply
Alford says 29 October 2023

After exploring a handful of the blog articles on your web site, I honestly like your technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website as well and let me know your opinion.

Reply
Alvaro says 29 October 2023

I do agree with all of the concepts you’ve presented for your post.
They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the
posts are very quick for beginners. Could you please
prolong them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

Reply
Hollis says 29 October 2023

We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with valuable information to work
on. You have done a formidable job and our whole neighborhood might be thankful to you.

Reply
Aurelio says 29 October 2023

I relish, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a
nice day. Bye

Reply
Nannette says 29 October 2023

Howdy! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking through this article reminds me
of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this.
I most certainly will forward this information to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Bernadette says 29 October 2023

Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

Reply
Lilla says 29 October 2023

Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo
News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thanks

Reply
Maddison says 29 October 2023

Hiya! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My
website looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.
I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able
to resolve this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share.
With thanks!

Reply
Beatriz says 29 October 2023

Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.
You have some really great posts and I believe I would
be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!

Reply
Add Your Reply