Accounts just produce figures – they don’t need to talk to anyone – just stick them in front of an Excel sheet and Bob’s your uncle. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Only the other day, I was chatting with an admin member from an operations department when they said, “What do you even do day to day, and why do I need to process these invoices?” That’s a prime example of a lack of communication.
The truth is, if you ask most accountants, they could easily produce a set of accounts for you. But here’s the catch – there’s no value in just throwing numbers on a page without knowing the story behind them. The value isn’t just in saying that sales are up by £20k; the value is in knowing why they’re up, how they got there, and what it means moving forward. The only way you’re going to get that insight is by understanding the business – and, crucially, by talking to other departments.
Good communication between finance and non-finance functions is essential for running an efficient company. Accountants aren’t just number crunchers; they’re storytellers. They don’t just track figures but translate them into insights that can steer business decisions. To do that well, they need to understand what’s happening beyond their own screens – in operations, sales, HR, and beyond.
Building bridges between departments isn’t just about being sociable and going on works drinks, it’s about understanding and sharing knowledge. So, the next time you see someone from another department who’s involved in your line of work – talk to them. Ask what they’re working on, how it connects to what you’re doing, and why it matters. You’d be surprised how much insight you can gain – and how much smoother things will run in the long term.
Very good reading mr Effin Accountant – communication is key in all aspects of business!