When it comes to finance leadership, you’re not just playing with numbers; you’re sculpting a masterpiece. They’ve got to rally the troops to hit those sky-high goals, all while facing a wave of disillusionment. A shocking 71% of finance pros in Old Blighty are itching for a career change according to Medius. But hey, you’re in the Big Apple, so let’s shake things up.
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Get Your Back Office In Order
Ever feel like your finance team is drowning in a sea of monotonous tasks? You’re not alone. It’s like chopping through the jungle with a butter knife. Sarah Spoja, CFO at Tipalti, knows the dread of repetitive tasks. These tasks not only suffocate creativity but also brew inefficiency. She points out that automating can liberate your crew for the juicy stuff – the strategic decision-making. Tech-savvy moves are your golden ticket. Streamline processes, get accurate data and turn your finance team into a buzzing hub of efficiency.
Communicate Openly and Often
Communication isn’t just about barking orders and hoping for results. It’s about creating a vibe where everyone feels seen and heard. Alex Wyatt from Zopa suggests scaling your leadership style to meet your team’s needs, especially those fresh faces in the trenches. In the era of remote work, spontaneous chats are as rare as a cab in the rain. Joyda Bianco of Hyperview says you need proactive communication with digital tools and open forums. It’s not just talking; it’s listening – really listening.
Imagine knowing not just what you’re doing, but why it actually matters. When the light bulb clicks, everyone works with a sense of purpose. Stefan Wolvaardt from Simply Asset Finance advises breaking it down – explain each task’s greater mission. When assignments are followed through to the end, from CEO requests to final presentations, there’s a magic in witnessing the impact firsthand. It’s like theater: show them their role in the grand performance and watch them own it.
Offer Early Feedback
Mistakes happen, but it’s the aftermath that defines the learning curve. Go for timely feedback. Wyatt recommends consistent check-ins to steer the ship before it’s too late. When you mess up, own it. That transparency will empower your team. Create a culture where missteps aren’t the end of the world, but stepping stones to improvement. It’s about practicing what you preach and breeding a fearless environment.
Invest in People
Pay matters, no doubt. When people feel fairly compensated, they possess a stronger commitment to their work. But it ain’t only about the dough. Emma Seymour from Deputy claims investing in growth opportunities is crucial. Throw in some professional training and career road maps to keep their loyalty kindled and motivation soaring. When people feel valued, they’ll march mountains for you.
Wrap It With Well-being
Today’s finance landscape is hustle and bustle all day. According to FloQast, burnout is no urban legend – it’s a chilling 99% reality among accountants. Shocking, right? Encourage flexibility. Unchain the 9-to-5 stereotype. Weekend warriors or school run champions, acknowledge their rhythms. Carlos Sanchez-Arruti from Mangopay suggests earning trust, going deep, and understanding what makes people tick in stealth mode.
After all, a well-oiled finance machine is more than just suits and ties. It’s dynamic. It’s about a thriving workforce, cohesive and inspired, so your team isn’t just surviving but thriving – right here in the city that never sleeps. And remember, a bit of back-office wizardry goes a long way in forging an unbreakable finance team.