Despite advances in automation and reporting tools, the month-end close remains a thorn in the side of many finance teams. Long timelines, manual workarounds, and late nights are still the norm at companies of every size. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The root causes of a messy close usually include:
- Disconnected systems and inconsistent data
- Lack of documented processes and close calendars
- Burnout and turnover on finance teams
- Legacy spreadsheets instead of automation tools
A slow close doesn’t just impact the finance team—it delays insights, frustrates leadership, and holds back decision-making. For organizations trying to move quickly, this lag is more than a nuisance; it’s a liability.
The good news? A clean, consistent close is absolutely achievable.
Start by identifying process gaps, streamlining reconciliations, and documenting every step. Then consider bringing in external support to stabilize the process and introduce best practices—especially during high-pressure periods or team transitions.
👉 Alliance works with clients to improve and accelerate their close cycles, whether through interim accounting support, close optimization, or system clean-up. We bring structure, speed, and sanity back to your monthly close.