Why is Accountability Important in Financial Management?

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By Darren Finkelstein

The Accountability Guy®

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The foundation for establishing highly effective financial processes lies in financial accountability. Accountability, in general, helps reduce the time you spend on distracting activities. It efficiently teaches your employees to value their skills and work. And when it’s done, it can bring positive results. 

It’s only with financial accountability that one can ensure transparency in the financial processes. In this context, accountability is about maintaining accurate records and presenting an accurate and fair view of a company’s financial health. With all these benefits, it’s essential to have a look at the importance of accountability in financial management and how it impacts its different aspects.

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Table of Contents

Builds Trust and Transparency

The foundation of trust in professional settings is built on finances. It is no rocket science that individuals who are accountable for their finances are more likely to be reliable. This is particularly important in public companies where it’s essential to make the financial information visible to people. 

In fact, financial accountability includes a requirement that public companies must make accurate financial records available to all their stakeholders. That said, companies that showcase a good record of accountability are often seen as trustworthy, as they are less likely to engage in financial misconduct. 

We have seen many high-profile accounting cases in the past that demonstrate how a public company would cease to exist if it loses the interest of regulators, stakeholders, and financial marketers.

Better Performance

You cannot expect a company to outperform if its financial processes are poorly managed or show no transparency. With financial accountability, companies are compelled to analyse spending patterns. This way, they can focus on better resource allocation towards projects that bring a better return on investment. 

It’s obvious that organisations with high levels of accountability tend to grow better both financially and operationally. Moreover, research by the IMF shows a strong correlation between financial accountability and economic growth.

Helps in Decision-Making

Financial accountability compels employees to track their income and expenses. This tracking is needed to understand the spending habits of the organisation and figure out the areas that need improvement in terms of financial decisions. It is essential to keep the company on track for long-term success. 

By keeping tabs on important areas, like growth, profitability, and how resources are being spent, a company can foresee progress toward financial goals and make strategic investment decisions.

Facilitates Long-term Financial Security

Financial accountability is not just about doing the job actively. It actually makes the employees accountable for misusing the company’s resources.  When they understand there will be consequences for their actions, there’s less likely to be any misconduct from the employees’ side. 

In this sense, the employees may develop healthy financial habits and make sound financial decisions. Such healthy habits can ensure the financial security of the company in the long run, which can result in operational excellence.

Minimises Risks and Promotes Ethical Practices

If there’s one thing that provides a shield against mismanagement, it’s financial accountability. When each individual is held accountable for their actions, there will be less misuse of funds, and employees will better adhere to ethical practices and guidelines. 

Importance of Accountability in Financial Management: An Overview

Benefits Description 
Builds Trust and Transparency Builds trust, making the company seen as trustworthy.
Better Performance Allows for better resource allocation to achieve financial and operational growth.
Helps in Decision-Making Helps keep track of growth and profitability and enables strategic decision-making to achieve long-term success. 
Facilitates Long-term Financial Security Makes the employees accountable for using the company’s resources and ensures financial security in the long run. 
Minimises Risks and Promotes Ethical Practices Deters fraud and unethical practices by ensuring everyone adheres to ethical practices. 

Conclusion

Financial accountability should come with a real framework to evaluate the behaviour and actions of employees. In corporate and business, this concept always equates to honest and transparent financial reporting. However, in recent times, the expansion of technology has expanded the concept of accountability too. Now, it encompasses the performance and responsiveness of individuals as well as the corporation. 

If you want to get more insight on financial accountability, and how you can use it to take your business to the heights of success, I am all set to help you. The best part about my accountability coaching? You get guidance from a professional who has years of experience mentoring leaders of various industries. 

Get in touch with me to get started and get stuff done!