2009 - The year of the Financial Director

Finance Directors could hold the key to the country beating a path out of what is being seen as the worst recession since the war
 
With determination, focus and the use of new, fast, efficient technologies, 2009 will be the year that Financial Directors with corporate UK's SMEs will earn their corn and help to revive the economy from the bottom up, according to leading business software developer, IRIS.
 
Paul Sparkes, Product Director of IRIS Accounting & Business Solutions said: "Yes the economy is in a mess but our approach has got to be positive. Financial Directors are in the prime position to examine every aspect of their business and see where savings can be made and improvements made. This down turn will end, and those companies that can fight their way through it, will be stronger in the long-run. They must see the bigger picture"
 
According to Sparkes, Financial Directors should start by reviewing their existing financial business intelligence and reporting systems.
 
He said: "Many companies need to re-think their business models. This climate is about thinking and reacting fast. To do that Finance Directors need immediate, accurate information. Things have changed; innovation will be key to survival"
 
IRIS has taken immediate action to help companies fight the down turn with the introduction of its Official Financial Directors' Code, a 14 page guide (www.iris.co.uk/fdguides) outlining life-saving actions that should be taken to minimise threats and improve reporting.
 
Written for FDs, the Official Financial Directors' Code covers invoicing, late payment and interest, VAT, HMRC single penalty regime, pro-active business intelligence data mining and customer service. It not just another helpful list; It is life raft for a fundamental rethink on the way in which business is managed in the UK.
 
Sparkes added: "This is not a time for being beaten down by all the depressing headlines. It is a time for action. Corporate UK is a global business leader. We all need to adapt to meet the challenges. Adopting business intelligence software and new working methods can make companies more efficient and productive while providing essential data for better decision making."