Year-end doesn’t have to feel like THE END…

We all know that the end of the year is a busy time. Between closing the books, holiday schedules, and setting goals for the New Year, our task lists seem to grow by the minute.

But year-end doesn’t have to be a dreaded activity. There’s still time to practice good accounting habits and implement best practices to get your team set up for 2017. Check out our top ways to finish out the year on a high note, ready to ring in the new.

1. Invest in automation
One of the most easy-to-implement and efficient ways to streamline your close process is to make use of automation software. Platforms like SkyStem’s ART allow accounting teams to automate their reconciliations, build customized checklists, and run on-demand reports. Click here for a 2-minute demo.

2. Take time for education
Educating the team on best practices is a highly effective means of inspiring engagement among employees and coworkers. With so many free online resources, teams can easily expand their knowledge of the industry, learn about changing regulations, and get practical tips from subject matter experts. Check out SkyStem’s monthly free webinar series here.

3. Set meaningful goals
While it may seem exciting to aim for a 3-day close, it may not be the most meaningful or achievable goal for every accounting department. Establish a benchmark of your current results that you can use to create measurable objectives. Starting with even the smallest target can inspire bigger changes over time.

4. Start early
No matter how much planning we do and how many checklists we create, resource constraints can still exist. Plan to start as early as you can, while focusing on areas that may be more challenging or take longer than anticipated. Procrastinating not only leads to rushed work, but also makes you more susceptible to making mistakes.

If your team is looking for a way to eliminate manual workflows and start the New Year with sustainable processes, click here to schedule a demo of ART.