I thought this was a good article and is still relevant even several years on. I was particularly interested in the value of finance functions moving away from transactional processing, via automation of processes and reviewing workflows, to streamline processes. 

Good article explaining the current business environment where Finance should step out of their accounting (= processes!) function and become business partners to other professions within the company,

The article clearly states that by removing the human transactional activities by robotizing, many companies 'fail' to bring in business minded accountants. This is an issue I see quit often happen with companies (here in the Netherlands) as an interim finance professional. As far as I can see it mainly relates back to management still having a business mind as was usual many years ago.

Great article on the importance of the finance team. They add much more than just the numbers. Its important to get every member of the team to look at different tasks and to question them.

Why do we do something a certain way?

The finance team at World Habitat are always looking for ways to improve the basic finance functions so move time can be spent on the strategic work.

Helpful article reinforcing the point that staff are more likely to focus on quality if they have an appreciation for how other departments/colleagues are impacted by their work. Undoubtedly staff will feel more valued as a result. 

I was interested by the one-on-one meeting approach as being a more effective than a group meeting for staff to contribute their ideas. The over-arching concept here seems to be to encourage staff at all times to have an open mind to making processes more efficient and that nothing is 'set in stone'. 

Although efficient processes via the use of technology free up time for finance staff to concentrate on more value-adding tasks, resources need to be available for this to be effective. 

Taking time to explain end-to-end processes to staff so that these are properly understood certainly makes them feel valued and more likely to contribute to the value-add concept and is something I shall continue to encourage.