Finance Solution Center

Capable financial management is central to any company's business success. The finance department develops and implements the financial plans that help the company realize its objectives. By constantly monitoring the company's financial vital signs, the finance department tracks how the business performs against financial goals, and keeps other business units up-to-date.

The accuracy, timeliness, and security of business information are of paramount importance to the finance department. To deal with these challenges, financial managers rely on business management software to help eliminate human error, accelerate business processes with automation, support regulatory compliance, and improve analysis and forecasting.

Sara: A day in the life of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

As the one responsible for our company's financial plans, I need to know at any given time where the company is and where we are going. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and business unit heads depend on me to be aware of all financial events and conditions that might impact our business. In turn, the controller, accounting manager, and operations manager report to me with the information I need to derive business insight.

For me, the most important capabilities of our company's Microsoft Dynamics business management solution are the tools that simplify data analysis and reporting, such as Web-based dashboards that present key performance indicators. With timely and accurate data on hand, I spend less time gathering information and more time helping the company grow into new opportunities. Like many businesses, our company carries some debt—and I do my best to minimize the costs of that debt.

It's also up to me to ensure that our company complies with regulatory reporting and data security regulations. Microsoft Dynamics helps me implement and document consistent compliance processes—and reduce the cost of compliance at the same time. Finally, to fill out my day, I'm responsible for all the work done and all the people in the finance department. Microsoft Dynamics lets me respond to questions about such topics as accounts receivable or payroll quickly. What's more, it helps me manage the people who work with me and make sure they are happy and productive employees.

Ken: A day in the life of the Controller

I oversee the financial processes of our company. The CEO and CFO rely on me to understand the details of our company's finances and to research specific strategic decisions and their impact on the bottom line. I need to understand where our company's strengths and weaknesses are from a financial standpoint.

Other aspects of my job include overseeing system training for accounting staff; reviewing budgets; forecasting and modeling; and overseeing monthly and year-end closings. I also manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, and manage and define the chart of accounts.

Microsoft Dynamics makes my life easier because I can quickly access up-to-date and accurate information in the system, generate reports as needed, and train staff on a solution that is familiar and works like other Microsoft software. I play an important role in selecting business technology, and appreciate that Microsoft Dynamics business management solutions offer well-designed and flexible financial management capabilities.