Mastering the Month-End Close: A Framework for Optimization

This webinar, presented by Shana Cooper, CPA and founder of The Accountability Team LLC, provides a comprehensive look at how accounting teams can optimize their financial close process while maintaining quality. With over 30 years of accounting experience, including roles at companies like RSM and BlackLine, Cooper shares valuable insights for both internal accounting departments and accounting firms serving clients.

Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants explore the innovative CloseStrong Framework—a systematic approach that combines smart closing practices, trusted financial reporting, event readiness, technology optimization, and team development. This framework serves as a blueprint for building scalable, efficient close processes that maintain the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

• Characteristics of an effective financial close and its importance to organizational success
• Strategies for improving efficiency without sacrificing quality
• The "CloseStrong" framework focusing on people, process, governance, and technology
• Practical approaches to identifying and resolving common close challenges
• Methods for evaluating and improving close procedures
• Setting appropriate metrics and goals for the close process
• Implementation strategies for close optimization

Through detailed case studies and guided exercises, attendees learn to identify bottlenecks in their current processes and develop actionable plans for improvement. Cooper emphasizes the importance of proper documentation, clear role definition, and continuous improvement in the close process.

The webinar is designed for accounting professionals at all levels, from preparers to reviewers and managers. Whether managing internal closes or supporting multiple clients, this webinar provides the strategies and insights needed to achieve a more efficient, accurate, and scalable close process while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Particular focus is placed on helping teams achieve faster closes while maintaining accuracy through proper attention to detail and process improvement.

• Recognize the importance of an effective financial close and what one looks like.
• Determine how you can be more efficient during the financial close without sacrificing quality.
• Explore the strategies and leading practices successful accounting teams use to enhance the effectiveness of their financial close.