Is an accountant responsible for running or managing an organization?
Often, due to the significant responsibilities placed on accountants, there is a tendency for them to believe as the ones running the organization.
The reality is that the chief executive officer or manager of the company holds the authority to direct the organization. The CEO is the chief architect of the organization’s vision, which is executed in accordance with the company’s policies. The role of the accounting officer is to provide support to the CEO in achieving the organization’s goals.
To begin with, the accountant must acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s mission and vision. Furthermore, the accountant needs to be cognizant of the CEO’s direction. Thereafter, the accountant will devise financial strategies that harmonize with both the organization’s mission and the CEO’s vision.
An accountant should exercise judiciousness in managing expenditures, ensuring that the organization’s mission is protected and the CEO’s vision is actualized. So there is no need for an accountant to assume a confrontational stance with the CEO unless it pertains to policy matters.
Yes, sometimes, CEOs and managers may overstep their boundaries and attempt to micromanage, even when financial constraints do not permit it. Additionally, CEOs may be tempted to prioritize impressing the board of directors or stakeholders over the organization’s overall objectives. In such instances, an accountant should assist the CEO in staying focused on their vision and avoiding deviations from the organization’s overall direction.
Essentially, accountants and finance personnel are not responsible for running the organization, but rather serve as technical experts who aid CEOs in achieving their objectives. While some may argue that accountants are the custodians of an organization’s financial resources, it is more accurate to say that the CEO is the chief custodian of all company assets, with accountants serving as key technocrats.
Therefore, if an accountant is not working effectively with their CEO, they should reevaluate their approach.
By; Winfred Mupakasi Silumbwe
