That was recently shared with me, and it stuck.
As a financial controller, I often say that if we do our job right, we should understand the entire inner workings of the business. From revenue and unit economics, to expenses, payroll, and taxes...there isn’t much that escapes the financial lens.
But to get to that level of understanding, it’s not just about the numbers. It requires curiosity, persistence, and most importantly...trust. We have to ask the right questions, go the extra mile, and build relationships with teams across the business. Trust isn’t immediate; it’s earned over time through consistency and respect.
And there is a reward: when trust is built, the day-to-day becomes easier. Not just for finance, but for everyone. Decisions revolve around financials because financials are numeric representations of the physical world. At least, they should be. When the books accurately reflect reality, leaders can act with clarity, confidence, and speed.
So, we move at the pace of trust. Because trust is what transforms financials from static numbers into a living story of the business. It takes time and takes effort, just like everything else that is good in this world.
Photo: Armenia, Colombia - Cocora Valley
First published on LinkedIn.