Improve Communications Between Finance and Operations: Shared Facts, Better Decisions

Send us Fan Mail Episode # 160: Quarterly reviews shouldn’t feel like three teams arguing in three different languages, but that’s exactly what happens when operations, FP&A, and accounting aren’t aligned on the basics. We dig into the real source of cross-functional friction: mismatched definitions, different timelines, and metrics that mean one thing to ops and another thing to finance. When each group owns only a slice of the story, leaders end up waiting for separate explanations while the decision deadline keeps moving closer. We walk through how to build trust with shared facts without forcing everyone into the same system. You’ll hear what “shared facts” actually look like in practice: clear metric definitions, authoritative sources, consistent timing, known limitations, and named data owners. We also cover why timing gaps like orders received vs orders shipped vs orders invoiced can quietly derail decision making, plus how accounting’s role goes far beyond closing the books by ensuring results are recorded consistently and reliably. Then we get tactical with a simple four-part conversation structure you can use across functions: verified results, operating explanation, business implications, and the most important part, the next step with an owner and a date to check progress. We also reframe performance reviews as shared problem solving conversations with concise prereads, clear separation of results vs causes, and a short list of actions instead of a long list of excuses. Finally, we show how to keep KPIs relevant as strategy and conditions change using a keep, adjust, add, retire approach and practical “guardrails” like balancing productivity with quality. Episode outline: Set clearer communication expectations across operations, FP&A, and accounting, Turn team performance reviews into shared problem-solving conversations,  Keep KPIs relevant as conditions change. Please connect with me on: 1. Instagram: stephen.mclain 2. Twitter: smclainiii 3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant 4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiii For more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com. Support the show Stephen is an experienced Finance Professional and Leader who offers fractional CFO services and development opportunities. Please visit his LinkedIn profile or Finance Leader Academy for more information. The views and information shared on The Finance Leader Podcast are intended solely for educational and informational purposes. They do not constitute financial, accounting, tax, legal, investment, or other professional advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional before making decisions related to your specific circumstances.