7 Ways to Exceed Your Manager's Expectations for Finance Professionals

By: Sushil Batra, CFO of Relaxo Footwears Ltd

Whether you have recently joined or are an experienced professional in the Finance Department of any organization, it’s vital to continue to strive for achievement in the work. Establishing yourself as a valued member can not only assist in providing a secured career, but also benefit you in taking on enhanced responsibilities for future growth. Sushil Batra, CFO of Relaxo Footwears offers seven ways which can help you exceed your performance and stand out as an incomparable member of the finance team.

1. Be a Solution Person
It is expected that one would face numerous problems in handling day to day affairs. At times like these one must stay positive and focus on being a problem solver. Finding novel and proficient ways to resolve problems faced by your manager or the company can make you an indispensible asset for the organization.

2. Apply Principle of Lean Management (Continuous Improvement)
While it is important to focus on day to day work, but as a professional one must strive for innovation. To excel in today’s life one must take a personal interest in improving processes to meet customer expectations (internal as well as external). Learn from what manager’s value by watching what they spend time on. Keep yourself and your workplace well organized. To succeed you must focus on doing the right things, those that actually add value.

3. Establish Connect
Communication skills can distinguish you as a professional and help your manager gain confidence in your ability to take on fresh challenges and responsibilities. When communicating with your manager, it is imperative to communicate in well thought out, concise messages. When drafting your communication, think about the opinion you are trying to make and select your tone and words accordingly.

4. Flexibility
As technology advances, so must finance professionals. Whether it is the latest version of software or legal and statutory changes, managers will expect their employees to keep their knowledge up-to-date. While it may be a challenge for some, remaining flexible and adapting to these changes can be an essential proficiency.

5. Make an impact
Employees should be committed to the task at hand, taking a lead on assignments before vital meetings, and allowing their superiors to focus on other areas. The impact of their work should be measurable, either in terms of revenue or in terms of cost to the company.

6. Eye for detail
When it comes to overseeing numerous tasks, managers may not have the time to manage all the particulars of a project. Employees, who have an eye for such details and raise alarms, may not only have the chance to earn the confidence of their manager, but be acknowledged for their efforts in spotting out gaps and improving any inaccuracies.

7. Be Different
Finally, one must go the extra mile to position themselves as a valued resource to the company. You can review what you have done at the end of the day, and determine what should be changed. It’s important to always keep learning. You can divide your job in unit tasks. The tasks should be scheduled according to priority in order to make the best use of your time. Time is money after all.

While many professionals may have the credentials and educational qualifications to do your job, it’s the unique qualities you can bring to the organization that will set you apart.