To illustrate the point, consider the following question we often ask HR leaders during
workshops: “Would you like to have measurement systems as powerful and important as the
ones that are generated by finance? The answer is almost always a resounding, “Yes”. Then
we ask the follow-up question, “How many of the financial reports tell you about the efficiency or
effectiveness of the accounting processes?” The answer is “Almost none!” The implication?
The accounting systems are powerful because they provide a decision framework for the
accounting data, a framework that guides and enhances the quality of decisions that affect
financial capital. Most of these are made by leaders who are not in the accounting department.