Why Do Accountants Waste So Much Time?
Let's be honest: accounting shouldn't feel like running through mud. But for lots of folks, it does. You've got invoices everywhere, emails you forget to follow up on, and spreadsheets that make your head spin. This mess eats up time and leads to mistakes that can really cost youmaybe in cash, maybe just in sleep.
That's where business process management in accounting steps in. It organizes the chaos so you waste less time and make fewer mistakes. If you want to free up your day, keep reading. We'll break down how this works in real life and give you steps to try right away.
What Exactly Is Business Process Management in Accounting?
It's not some expensive software or a one-off fix. Business process management (BPM) is a fancy way to say "make your work easier by building good habits and setting up smart systems." For accountants, that means documenting every step, finding things that slow you down, and changing how you handle routine tasks.
- A cheat sheet for how work flows from start to finish
- A way to avoid redoing work because you missed something
- Tools to spot where you get stuck (like chasing documents or approvals)
- More time for real thinking because computers do the repeating stuff
It all sounds simple. But most firms never take time to fix the basics, and that's why people stay stuck in old ways.
So How Do You Improve an Accounting Process?
Improvement starts with seeing where things break down. Forget big presentationsjust grab paper and jot down every step in your main tasks, like paying bills or sending invoices. Ask yourself:
- Where do papers disappear?
- Who always holds up the process?
- Is copying info from one place to another the only reason this takes so long?
BPM for accountants isn't one-size-fits-all. Some offices are drowning in paper, while others hate their software setup. The goal is always streamlining accounting workflows. That means fewer roadblocks and less double-checking. Pick one thing that's always a painmaybe expense reports or monthly closeand fix just that for now.
Step-by-Step Example: Streamlining Month-End Close
- Write out each step in the close process
- Highlight what drags: missing paperwork, unclear duties, manual entry
- See where automation could help (like pulling reports)
- Assign clear owners for each step
- Test drive your new flow for one month
If everyone knows what to do next, you'll see fewer mistakes right away.
What's the Real Payoff for Fixing Tasks?
Some people think process talk is boring. But here's the thing: accounting process improvement adds up fast. When things go wrong in accounting, they don't just cause annoyancethey can mess up payroll, miss deadlines, or spark audits. A small error can spiral into a huge headache.
- You cut out back-and-forth emails nobody reads
- Fewer "urgent" fires to put out last minute
- People trust the numbers moreit all lines up
- You spot problems before they snowball
- Everyone can breathe easier at busy times (like tax season)
The goal isnt perfectionits reducing stress and increasing time for things that really matter, like client questions or strategy.
What Are the Traps That Ruin Workflow Improvements?
If you've ever changed a process and things actually got worse, you aren't alone. Here are common mistakes with BPM for accountants:
- Changing everything at oncenobody can keep up
- Ignoring feedback from the people who do the real work
- Trusting software to fix broken habits
- Not double-checking what the new process does in real work
- Skipping the training and hoping people figure it out
The fix: Start small. Test. Ask people what bugs them. And check your work after one weekwhat's better, and whats still a pain?
How Does Accounting Automation Fit In?
Accounting automation is the engine behind smoother workflows. It's any tool that takes boring, repetitive stuff off your plate. Think of stuff like:
- Automated invoice matching
- Bank feeds that update transactions without manual entry
- Expense apps that sort receipts by themselves
- Reminders that chase up sign-offs for you
Don't worryyou don't have to spend a fortune. Many apps are plug-and-play, or included in the tools you already use. Just remember, start by fixing your process first. Automation speeds up a mess if you dont clean it up first!
Getting Everyone On Board: The Human Side of Change
All the best processes fail if your team hates them or ignores them. Here are ways to help everyone feel good about new systems:
- Explain why the change matters (less stress, fewer errors, more time off)
- Let people try new steps and give feedback
- Tweak the process if somethings not working
- Keep instructions short and easynobody reads a novel during month-end
Real talk: expect some eye-rolls or "we've always done it this way". Stick with it. People often thank you later when their days get easier.
What Does a Real-Life Success Look Like?
I once helped a small firm that dreaded expense reports. Managers would drop receipts on a desk, then vanish for days. The bookkeeper spent Fridays calling, texting, and searching drawers. Stress levels were off the charts.
We mapped out the pain points and switched to an expense app that sent reminders. Everyone got a simple guide. After two weeks, most reports were on time, and late ones had clear notes. The bookkeeper saved hours. People stopped dreading Fridays. Tiny changes, big relief.
Key TakeawaysWhy BPM Is Worth Trying
- Business process management in accounting clears up confusion and saves time
- Start by fixing one pain point, not everything
- Let people be part of changesthey know the work best
- Use automation only after your process works on paper
- Measure what's better and keep tweaking
If you try even one tip from here, your workday might get a whole lot smoother.
FAQs About Business Process Management in Accounting
- What is business process management in accounting?
It's a way to organize and improve how accountants handle tasks. That means using clear steps and maybe software to make work faster and less stressful. - How can I start accounting process improvement without expensive tools?
Begin by writing down each step for one task (like bill payments). See what slows you down most and fix that. You don't need fancy apps to start improving. - What is BPM for accountants, and is it hard?
BPM for accountants means making sure every job, like closing books, follows the same clear path every time. It's not hard if you start with small changesthink tweaks, not total makeovers. - Does streamlining accounting workflows mean automating everything?
Nope. Streamlining means cutting out extra steps and wasted time. You might automate some things, but sometimes it's about just being more organized or changing when work happens. - Is accounting automation safe, or will it mess up my books?
Most accounting automation tools are safe if you use them right and double-check now and then. They save you time on boring stuff and help avoid mistakes, but someone should always check the important parts. - Why do most accounting process improvements fail?
They usually fail because people try to change too much at once, skip teaching the team, or forget to look at what actually happens. Start small and keep checking if your change is working, and you'll avod those problems.
