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When we kicked off our Miles Ahead webinar with Gordon Crawford, performance director at Triathlon Ireland, we weren’t interested in just swapping sports metaphors. We wanted something more meaningful - a fresh way to rethink how finance teams approach performance, resilience and progress.

Finance professionals face complex challenges and high expectations every day, often with as much pressure and intensity as elite athletes.

At the heart of it all, better experiences come down to cultivating a stronger, more adaptable mindset. Let’s take a closer look at the insights Gordon shared on the webinar and how they can inspire finance teams to work smarter, support better and achieve more balanced, sustainable success.

1. Performance isn’t just results - it’s progress together

"Working together is progress. Performing is success."

As Gordon shared, elite athletes know that performance starts with alignment and shared direction. For finance teams, that means breaking silos, clarifying goals and building processes that support consistent, collaborative progress. It’s not just about closing the books faster. It’s about doing it with less friction, smarter support and greater impact across the business ensuring each professional feels valued.

2. Think differently, not just harder

High performers don’t grind until burnout. They reframe and rethink when a challenge arises. Whether it’s a late-stage training block or a quarter-end close, it’s the mindset shift that matters:
Challenge = opportunity.
This reframing is core to how both athletes and finance leaders push forward. Through automation, better workflows and a willingness to adapt to new tech, teams and leaders can spend less time firefighting and more time thinking strategically.

3. Resilience is a skill, not a trait

Improvement isn’t linear. In fact, the dips often matter more than the highs. Gordon reminded us that resilience is about response, not recovery - finding new ways around old problems, questioning assumptions and building habits that support long-term momentum.
For finance teams, that could mean rethinking legacy systems, iterating on support models, or simply making time for process reflection after a chaotic month-end.

4. People and process are the performance edge

Behind every medal is a team: - coaches, analysts, physiotherapists, who are all focused on elevating the athlete’s performance and increasing their success rate. The same applies in modern finance: craft matters, but so does connection.
Leaders should build feedback loops, champion small wins and invest in tech that enables people to focus on what they’re best at as well as finance systems that allow for visibility across the board.  

5. Mindset shapes experience

In hybrid or remote-first environments, it’s easy to fall into reactive mode. But real growth – in sport or in the office – comes from intentional time to think, reset, and reconnect.
Gordon recommended The Courage to Be Disliked, a powerful read on self-awareness and mindset shifts. It’s a reminder that better experiences often start with better thinking - ,not bigger goals.

This is just the beginning...

Our partnership with Triathlon Ireland is about more than inspiration. It aims to better experiences for finance professionals who want to work smarter, grow continuously and perform at their peak.

Keep an eye out for more insights, conversations and practical tools to help you build a finance function that’s fit for the future.

Because better experiences don’t just happen. They’re built - intentionally.

Missed the webinar?

Catch the full session with Gordon Crawford, performance director at Triathlon Ireland, and hear firsthand how a high-performance mindset can reshape the way you work.

🎥 Watch the webinar: https://accountsiq.wistia.com/medias/rj0ts4qg27

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The old way: stress, setbacks and sleepless nights

If you’ve ever been part of a finance system implementation project, the word "fast" might make you wince. It conjures up memories of rushed onboarding calls, missing data, overworked teams and reporting deadlines that go up in flames. Speed used to mean risk. Haste meant cutting corners. And cutting corners meant costly mistakes.  

On the other hand, traditional implementations can take months - draining budgets and leaving teams stranded with even more fragmented systems. With both of these scenarios obviously not ideal, it’s no surprise that implementation often sparks anxiety.

The truth is, both extremes - too fast and too slow - can create risk. One leads to overwhelm, the other to inertia and drained resources. A successful, stress-free implementation should balance urgency with intentionality moving quickly where it makes sense, and carefully where it matters most. Asking the right questions and choosing a provider with standout support is critical.

So how do you move fast without losing control - or avoid delay without dragging out the pain for your finance team?

A new standard: fast, thoughtful and fit for purpose

Fast implementation can and should mean smart implementation - provided you have the right team, and a platform that understands the needs of your finance department.

AccountsIQ has helped hundreds of mid-market companies go live in as little as 4–6 weeks. This isn’t about skipping steps. It’s about using intelligent design, automation, and expert onboarding to accelerate the journey without losing control.

And while long timelines might feel safer, they often create more risk: delays drain resources, stall transformation, and sap momentum across the business.

According to our CFO Mindset report, 72% of finance leaders say implementation timelines are a key barrier to switching systems.

What sets successful finance teams apart isn’t just their choice of tech - it’s also their mindset around change. Many have been shaped by messy, all-consuming implementation experiences that made them wary of moving fast again.

Imagine this: a better start for your finance team

Now picture the opposite of a painful rollout:

• You’re not juggling six different spreadsheets just to get started.

• Your chart of accounts, BI codes, and approval flows are configured before go-live.

• Your team has access to 100+ bite-sized video tutorials from day one.

• Your reporting pack is ready in minutes, not weeks.

This is what AccountsIQ users experience every week - and it’s helping finance teams win back time, reduce stress and get back to high-impact work.

This isn’t a rushed approach. It’s grounded in planning, support and smart sequencing that is tailored to each business and the needs of its finance department.  

Better balance begins with better onboarding

Fast onboarding isn’t about pushing finance teams harder. It’s about doing the hard thinking for them.

AccountsIQ’s approach focuses on:

• Phased onboarding: core financials first, then consolidation, automation and reporting layers

• Human support + digital training: every client gets a named onboarding consultant and full access to AIQ Academy

• Fit-for-now, ready-for-growth: the system is tailored to your current processes but scalable to your future structure

By embedding structure and clarity into every step, we make fast feel calm—and change feel manageable.

A better standard for the mid-market

There’s a reason why more mid-market finance teams are leaving behind legacy systems and drawn-out rollouts. They want a partner that understands the pace of business today - and a platform that supports it.

At AccountsIQ, we know that implementations should be stress-free and seamless - giving finance teams the confidence to hit the ground running.

Because faster doesn’t have to mean riskier. And slower doesn’t always mean safer.
It’s time for a better, balanced approach to finance transformation.

Want to learn more?

Explore how AccountsIQ helps teams like yours go live with confidence - and stay ahead.
Learn more about our onboarding approach.

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Mid-market CFOs are masters of the balancing act. You need the rigour and insights of an enterprise-level finance function, but you’re often working with smaller teams, leaner budgets and systems that weren’t necessarily built to scale.

The challenge isn’t just about keeping the books in order; it’s about making smarter decisions, faster than ever before. And for that, you need clear, reliable, real-time visibility across the entire business.

Modern cloud accounting software is built with that in mind. It gives finance teams the tools to turn complexity into simplicity, surface better insights, and keep up with the pace of change, without being bogged down by spreadsheets or frustrated by manual processes.

1. Make sense of the numbers (across all your entities)

One of the most persistent headaches for growing finance teams is managing multiple entities. This is especially true when different subsidiaries depend on inconsistent systems or are working across currencies.

Platforms like AccountsIQ simplify that. It consolidates financial data across companies, locations, and currencies, giving CFOs a unified view of group performance. That includes automated intercompany reconciliations, a standard chart of accounts across entities, and consolidated reporting without a heavy manual lift.

Let’s look at an example. Take a finance team overseeing several international retail brands, plagued by manual processes and accounting software they’ve outgrown. By moving their consolidation process beyond spreadsheets and into AccountsIQ, they could reduce their month-end close time by more than half. That’s less time stitching together data, and more time spent analysing and understanding it.

2. Get real-time, cloud-based access to financial data

Legacy desktop software and siloed systems make it more difficult for teams to work collaboratively. And that, in turn, makes it harder to make decisions quickly. AccountsIQ’s cloud-based platform means financial data is accessible from anywhere, securely, and in real time.

This is particularly useful for CFOs managing remote teams or working across time zones. From a finance leader’s perspective, having the ability to oversee all locations from one central dashboard is nothing short of a game-changer, especially when handling high-volume transactions and cross-entity reporting.

Plus, the move to the cloud comes with practical benefits: reduced IT overheads, built-in disaster recovery, and regular updates without the hassle of version control.

3. Make reporting work harder for you

A lot of finance teams still rely purely on spreadsheets for performance reporting; not because they want to, but because their systems make it too cumbersome to extract usable insights.

AccountsIQ changes that with flexible, multi-dimensional reporting tools. You can analyse financial performance by region, project, department, or any other meaningful business dimension. Dashboards are customisable, reports can be automated and scheduled, and you can drill right down into the transaction level when you need to understand what’s really going on.

"It's so easy to use, the onboarding was fabulous. We do only use the software for our purchase ledger but the ease of use and reporting in this area is great." Alison Howell, Purchase Ledger, Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's Auctions.

From the perspective of a CFO, this means (for example) being able to do things like identify margin erosion on what looked like a top-performing product line simply by layering in cost-to-serve data through AccountsIQ’s reporting features. That level of insight is what empowers finance teams to make better decisions.

4. Set up automation that reduces risk (and repetition)

It’s hard to stay strategic when your team is stuck on manual tasks — chasing approvals, matching invoices, or updating cash flow spreadsheets.

AccountsIQ automates many of the processes that typically slow finance teams down: bank reconciliations, intercompany eliminations, invoice approvals, and payment runs. It also enforces proper controls with built-in audit trails, role-based access, and approval workflows.

This doesn’t just speed things up; it minimises error rates and helps with compliance. You could, for instance, easily standardise approval workflows across regions, tightening internal controls without adding unnecessary admin.

5. Move from tactical reporting to strategic decision support

As the finance function shifts into a more strategic role, reporting needs to go beyond the basics. That’s why AccountsIQ is packed with more forward-looking capabilities too: rolling forecasts, variance analysis, and trend reporting all help CFOs look ahead rather than just report on the past.

You can track departmental profitability, analyse performance by customer segment, or model different budgeting scenarios in a collaborative way, which comes in handy in uncertain or fast-moving markets.

Some finance teams use the platform to develop early warning indicators for things like liquidity risks or revenue dips, helping them act before issues escalate. It’s not about crystal-ball predictions, but about building a clearer, more comprehensive picture of what’s coming—then getting ready to respond.

6. Use systems built to scale with you

For most finance teams, what worked at 10 employees doesn’t work at 100. And what worked across three entities can fall apart at five or ten.

AccountsIQ is designed to scale with mid-market businesses. You can bring new entities into the fold, onboard new users, or expand reporting structures as the organisation grows—all without rebuilding your finance stack.

Implementation is designed to be phased and pragmatic, too. That means you don’t have to change everything at once, and you’ll get support for data migration, user training, and change management along the way. The cherry on top? You’ll be up and running in a matter of weeks.

‘It is our only accounting software and produces excellent reporting on elements such as cashflows." - Vicky Brimson, Head of Finance at Koko.

Final thoughts: Measuring impact

Most teams using AccountsIQ report significant reductions in manual processing and close-cycle times, some by as much as 70%. But the bigger shift is in how finance teams spend their time.

With fewer bottlenecks, better data, and automated controls, CFOs are able to move away from being reactive and towards playing a more proactive, strategic role in the business.

And when decisions are based on real-time, reliable numbers (rather than patchy exports or gut feelings) finance becomes a far more powerful partner to the rest of the organisation.

Learn more about AccountsIQ’s reporting tools and how mid-market finance teams are building smarter, more resilient functions with better data at their core. 

[Get your free reporting guide]

Because strong finance teams don’t just report on the business. They help drive it forward.

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If you’re heading up the finance function for a group of companies—particularly those spanning across borders—you’ll know that multi-currency consolidation is far from a routine admin task. It’s a strategic necessity.

In today’s evolving landscape, where even mid-sized businesses operate across multiple jurisdictions, the pressure to deliver fast, accurate and meaningful consolidated reports has never been higher. But the job’s rarely straightforward. Exchange rate fluctuations, inconsistent local rules, and systems that don’t quite sync—that’s enough to make even the most fearless CFO wince.

That’s exactly why forward-thinking finance teams are turning to cloud platforms that take the heavy lifting out of consolidation. Automating the nuts and bolts of multi-entity reporting doesn’t just save time; it sharpens the strategic edge of your entire finance function.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get it right.

What is multi-currency consolidation?

In a nutshell, it’s the process of combining the financials of entities operating in different currencies into a unified set of group accounts.

Whether you’re a UK-based firm with Irish and European subsidiaries, or a global business managing teams in five time zones, consolidated reporting allows you to get the full financial picture of your operations. It’s vital for everything from statutory compliance and investor updates to long-range planning and performance benchmarking.

Done properly, it gives leadership the clarity and confidence to move quickly—whether that’s launching into a new market or navigating volatility.

Which standards do you follow?

Depending on where you’re operating, you’ll be working under IFRS (with IAS 21 and IFRS 10 doing most of the heavy lifting) or US GAAP (particularly ASC 830 and ASC 810). While the principles are broadly aligned, there are some key differences worth noting—especially when it comes to things like functional currency determination, exchange gains/losses, and how intercompany balances are eliminated.

For example: IFRS tends to push exchange differences through other comprehensive income, while US GAAP has different treatment under the temporal method.

But for most group finance teams the real challenge isn’t picking the right standard—it’s ensuring it’s applied consistently across all your entities, regardless of local quirks or software setups.

Know your translation methods

There are two main ways to handle currency translation during consolidation, and using the wrong one (or applying it inconsistently) can create real headaches.

The Current Rate Method

Used when a subsidiary operates independently in its own local currency. Balance sheet items are translated at the closing rate, income statement items at the average rate, and any differences get parked in equity—not P&L.

The Temporal Method

This one comes into play when a subsidiary’s functional currency matches the parent’s. Monetary items are translated using closing rates, but non-monetary items stick with the original historical rate. Any resulting gains or losses flow through the P&L, which makes accurate tracking of historical rates a must.

Each method has its place. Getting this right means aligning translation policy with your actual business reality, rather than just ticking a compliance box.

Real-world finance: Where things get messy

Even with the right policies in place, consolidation across currencies introduces friction at almost every step. You might find yourself asking:

• Which rates should we be using: closing, average, or historical?
• How do we eliminate intercompany balances when they’re in different currencies?
• Where exactly do translation differences go?

It’s easy to underestimate just how much time your team spends grappling with these issues—especially if your tools aren’t up to scratch. Spreadsheets, no matter how strong your superpowers may be, are still prone to version control issues, manual error, and being a massive drain on your and your team’s time.

If your month-end is dragging its feet, chances are the rest of the organisation is making decisions based on outdated or incomplete data.

The power of automation

This is where a smart, purpose-built solution like AccountsIQ comes in. Automation doesn’t just simplify the process; it strengthens the foundations of your group reporting.

Built-in exchange rate tables, auto-elimination of intercompany entries and clear audit trails mean less time crunching numbers, and more time delivering insights. With a system that applies your translation rules consistently, every single time, you take the guesswork (and inconsistency) out of consolidation.

It also frees up your team to do more impactful work. No more repetitive spreadsheet headaches. Just reliable, accurate numbers delivered on time, every time.

Getting insights that drive action

When your consolidation is automated, your reporting can become far more insightful. AccountsIQ lets you cut through the noise with multi-dimensional views—by entity, currency, region, department, or cost centre.

Want to know how a weaker euro affected your margins in Q1? Or look into how FX impacted EBITDA across your group? We give you the  tools you need to get those answers fast, and present them clearly to your leadership team or board.

It’s a game-changer for businesses that want to lead with data, not just report on it.

Managing risk in an unpredictable world

Exchange rates don’t stay still. And in volatile markets, even small fluctuations can seriously affect group results.

Modern accounting systems let you build FX sensitivity analysis and scenario planning right into your forecasting process. Budget in local currencies, consolidate in your reporting currency, and model potential impacts of rate changes without duplicating work across dozens of files.

This kind of visibility is essential for finance teams looking to move from reactive reporting to proactive, strategic planning.

Compliance, sorted

Consolidated group reporting also comes with disclosure requirements, whether it’s explaining your translation methodology or presenting accumulated exchange differences. Regulators and auditors expect a clear, transparent approach—and rightly so.

With the right platform, you’ve got built-in controls, consistent application of policies, and the ability to produce documentation quickly when it’s needed. That’s a win not just for compliance, but for audit-readiness and internal control too.

The bottom line: Don’t let systems hold you back

You don’t need to have a global presence to justify better tools. In fact, if you’re scaling quickly or operating in more than one currency, the risk of doing nothing only grows over time.

If your team is spending days consolidating reports, triple-checking exchange rates, or untangling intercompany transactions by hand, something needs to change.

Cloud platforms like AccountsIQ are tailor-made to tackle this kind of complexity—without adding overhead. With native multi-entity consolidation, automated currency translation and intuitive dashboards, your finance team can finally break free from the bottlenecks.

Ready to see what better looks like? Explore AccountsIQ’s reporting features and discover how effortless multi-currency consolidation can really be.

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UK finance teams are spending increasing time chasing missing receipts and untangling incomplete expense data, with 1 in 10 (10%) of employees contacted daily and nearly one-third (28%) chased weekly. That’s according to new research by ExpenseIn, part of the AccountsIQ Group. 

The survey of 500 UK-based employees reveals almost half (49%) still use their own money for work purchases before claiming back expenses, while only 19% have access to a company expense card. This outdated approach leaves finance teams juggling multiple disconnected tools and dealing with slow and difficult expense processes. In fact, 28% describe their expense management as time-consuming and manual.

To tackle these persistent challenges, ExpenseIn has today launched its ExpenseIn Card, a smart, fully embedded business card designed to replace disconnected corporate card programmes. Integrated seamlessly within the ExpenseIn platform, the card brings real-time visibility, streamlined receipt capture, and automated policy checks to finance teams, reducing the need to chase employees and accelerating approval workflows.

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Richard Jones, Managing Director of ExpenseIn, commented: “Most traditional corporate cards weren’t built with finance teams in mind. They make it hard to set controls, see spend as it happens, or connect card usage with the rest of your expense process. With the ExpenseIn Card, everything happens in one place. You issue a card, set the rules, and every transaction flows through with the receipt and policy checks already in place.”

Darren Cran, CEO of AccountsIQ also commented: “What we really value about the ExpenseIn integration is how seamlessly it handles the entire expense journey - from the moment an employee taps their card to when the data lands in AccountsIQ. It frees up our finance team to focus on higher-value work like spend analysis, VAT recovery, and strengthening policy controls. And the best part? Our team genuinely loves using the cards.”

The ExpenseIn Card eliminates the frustration of employees paying out of pocket – a top concern cited by 38% of employees - and addresses the demand for simpler receipt submission (39%). When employees make purchases with the ExpenseIn Card, transactions are captured instantly, receipts uploaded on the spot, and draft expenses pre-filled and ready for quick approval. Finance teams benefit from real-time spend oversight without waiting for month-end reconciliations or chasing missing paperwork.

Designed to slot effortlessly into existing finance stacks, each transaction flows automatically through approval chains and syncs with accounting software like AccountsIQ, Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks — eliminating manual exports and duplicate data entry.

To learn more about ExpenseIn’s smart corporate card and its benefits for finance teams, visit their website here.

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