As you may already know, I'm running a free workshop on Thursday 24th November that is all about upgrading your Management accounts. 

This may seem like an odd topic to choose, especially as most of you have probably churned out tens if not hundreds of Management accounts so far in your career. 

But that's the point. 

Sometimes you and/or your team may do this on autopilot.   

Sometimes you may just rush through the reviews so you can start your holiday (no-one understands scheduling your holidays at the end of months like a Management accountant). 

Sometimes you only think about the Management accounts on the first business day of the month (or the 5th, when it's time for you to check in with the team). 

However, the Management accounts are the ONLY piece of work that you and your team do that is seen by the most senior people in the business Every. Single. Month.  

It gets sent to the Founder/CEO, the leadership team, potentially the management team and the Board.  It's also sent to Investors and potential investors.  Your bank, lenders, auditors.... etc.   

When you think about the list of people it goes to, it kinda makes sense that your best work goes into it. 

I have definitely been there. 

I have churned out the monthly management accounts - largely because I was too busy with other things.  Even today.  I can think of a couple of clients that need some more upgrading love. 

It also takes time to upgrade.  I've worked with some clients who started with a really low base (exporting default P&L & Balance sheet only from Xero) and it took months to get it to a good place. 

However, I've found once the monthly report is interesting to read, shows different analysis each month and adds value to the business - leaders around the business reach out to you more frequently.   

Not only are you asked to do some analysis or asked for information, but you are asked for your point of view.   

Like with business partnering that I wrote about previously, you get that seat at the table. 

And if you're in a Management role hoping to secure a promotion, it's a brilliant way to demonstrate that you have the skills for the job. 

So if your Management accounts does all that already, then great!   

If not, maybe consider signing up for our online course on how to Upgrade your Management Accounts.  

If you need support and mentoring to improve your Finance Leadership skills, here are four ways I can help...

1. Get your FREE Guide: Stepping into the role of Finance Director or CFO
2. Follow me and let me know what challenges you are having right now.
3. Register for the mini-course, Upgrade your Management Accounts and get noticed by the business 
4. Work with me in the new / aspiring FD course and includes Q&A sessions where we can discuss all of your questions and how to apply your learnings to your current role.