It’s often said that accounting is the language of business. Unfortunately, CPAs, CFO’s and Controllers often struggle with communicating effectively with non-financial managers. While they may nod their heads in seeming comprehension, many non-financial managers will admit that they are totally lost in understanding tax and accounting concepts. This disconnect in communications can lead to disastrous consequences.
The Small Business Research Institute course explores ways to communicate effectively with non-financial managers and staff. First, you’ll learn how to analyze the audience to assess their level of financial sophistication. Using a common-ground approach, you’ll discover the right ways to explain financial results. You’ll learn about feedback and assessment loops to determine that your audience is “on board” and comprehending not only what you are saying but what the implications are. You’ll see how to be effective and engage them in your material. You’ll understand the common misunderstandings and faulty concepts that color the way non-financial managers view analytical information. Finally, you’ll see how effective communications can lead to more effective organizations and enhance the financial professional’s influence, reputation and effectiveness.
Prerequisites and Advanced Preparation
- No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the six most common misconceptions and misunderstandings about accounting data that non-financial managers have.
- Discover how feedback and assessment loops can be used to gauge the level of audience comprehension
- List the 7 best ways to overcome communications barriers with non-analytical personality types
- Explore how to use the techniques of effective communication in various scenarios
Part 1: