Rachel Wright, CPA, MST

Always establish your plan from putting yourself in the shoes of the market you’re serving. What problem are you solving and what feeling does that represent for your consumer. It is very simple- don’t over-complicate the vision and mission.

Identify what you’re trying to accomplish with a matrix of requirements. Then prioritize the most important requirements to the least. This way you ensure that the software will meet the most important objectives. Ensure the software is correct for the size of your organization and your staff’s expertise. Make sure they are properly trained and also that the software company has good support plans. Ask the software company for referrals to clients who are currently using them.

Identifying clear and attainable objectives to your team in light of goals can identify areas of improvement. Continuous improvement means staying in tune with the organization as a whole and staying in touch with your teams and open to listening to their feedback. Successful Project management is key to continue improvement. This essential function of ensuring teams are communicating, timelines are being met, and obstacles are being resolved are critical to continuous improvement.

Make sure that your team can align and get behind the values of the company. The values and future should be clearly determined and articulated. The path to get there may be uncertain and flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly is key. Too much red tape can paralyze the ability for a financial team to make changes quickly. The financial management team should meet regularly and row together, acting as a team. A range of personality types and opinions can work as long as there is open-mindedness and humility.

The Head of Strategy plays a crucial role in steering the overall direction and success of the organization by leading the development and execution of strategic initiatives. This role involves formulating strategic plans aligned with the company's objectives, in-depth analyses to identify opportunities and risks and cross-functional team work. The Head of Strategy is responsible for establishing key performance indicators, monitoring progress, and providing strategic guidance to the executive team. They build and lead a high-performing strategy team, ensuring effective communication of the company's strategic vision. Requires strong analytical skills, business acumen, and leadership abilities to drive the company's long-term success.