Answer
I understand your concerns about the role of accountants in the day-to-day operations of the plant. However, it is important to recognize that the role of accountants, particularly the controller, is not limited to record-keeping and financial reporting. As a new controller, I believe that I can be a valuable asset to you and the plant by providing financial insights and analysis that can help you make better-informed decisions.
While you have expertise in the day-to-day operations of the plant, I have expertise in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting. By working together, we can identify opportunities for cost savings, improve profitability, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Furthermore, the role of the controller is not just to provide information to shareholders and Uncle Sam. As the plant manager, you need accurate financial information to make informed decisions that affect the plant's operations. My role is to ensure that you have timely and relevant financial information to support your decision-making.
I understand that you may have had negative experiences with accountants in the past, but I am here to build a collaborative relationship with you and the plant team. By working together, we can leverage each other's expertise and achieve our shared goals.
Work Step by Step
To address the comment, I first acknowledged the plant manager's concerns about accountants getting involved in day-to-day operations. I then explained that the role of controllers goes beyond record-keeping and financial reporting and that they can provide valuable financial insights and analysis to help plant managers make informed decisions.
Next, I highlighted my expertise in financial management, budgeting, and forecasting, and how I can work together with the plant manager to identify opportunities for cost savings, improve profitability, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
I also emphasized that the role of the controller is not just to provide information to shareholders and Uncle Sam but to ensure that the plant manager has timely and relevant financial information to support decision-making.
Finally, I acknowledged that the plant manager may have had negative experiences with accountants in the past but expressed my willingness to build a collaborative relationship and work together to achieve our shared goals.
